The City of Mississauga will close the Burnhamthorpe Branch Library on Sunday, January 31 to begin renovations under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF) program. As one of four branches to receive improvements, the library will be modernized as a welcoming facility for residents to gather, borrow materials and use resources.

To be eligible for funding, the City is required to have all projects completed by March 31, 2011. Burnhamthorpe Branch Library will be under construction from March 2010 for completion in spring 2011. Features of this $16.6 million project include a redesigned entrance/lobby; refurbished library theatre; a new community space; consolidated service points; self-service technology; accessibility improvements; green technologies for energy efficiencies; new roof, windows, public washroom fixtures and carpets; improved parking lot flow; and views to the newly landscaped parkland.

"Projects like this bring to life one of our Strategic Plan's actions to "build and maintain infrastructure" as we complete our neighbourhoods," said City Manager Janice Baker. "Although this temporary closure may cause some inconvenience to the branch users, the improvements will be enjoyed for years to come. In the meantime, we encourage residents to explore the many services provided by locations that continue to operate."

At 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, the book drops at Burnhamthorpe Library will be closed. Borrowed items can be returned to any other Mississauga Library System location. Holds placed at the Burnhamthorpe Branch Library may be picked up at the Mississauga Valley Branch, 1275 Mississauga Valley Road, which is the nearest location.

Other libraries slated for improvements through the ISF program, include Lakeview Branch Library, closed as of February 7; Lorne Park Branch Library, closed as of February 14; and Port Credit Branch Library, closed as of February 21. For more information on temporary disruptions to library branch services, and the City’s other ISF projects, please visit: www.mississauga.ca/buildingourfuture.

The ISF program is a joint investment by the Canadian, Ontario and municipal governments to help fund infrastructure projects that will create jobs, stimulate the economy and keep local infrastructure in good repair. Each level of government is contributing approximately one-third of the City’s $145 million total cost for 132 Mississauga projects.

As Canada's sixth largest city, Mississauga is home to 730,000 residents and 55,000 businesses, including 61 Fortune 500 companies with Canadian head offices or major divisional head offices. A diverse, progressive and award-winning municipality located on the shores of Lake Ontario in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga is one of Greater Toronto's Top 90 Employers for 2010. Enhancing its citizens' quality of life by providing superior services, revitalizing its infrastructure and conserving the environment, Mississauga is committed to innovation, operational excellence and fiscal responsibility which is reflected in its motto: "Leading Today for Tomorrow."

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