Waverley library branch in Thunder Bay, Ont., to close this fall for major renovations

Sarah Law · CBC News

· Posted: Aug 24, 2026 4:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: August 24

The Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) is preparing for major renovations at its Waverley branch that will close the 75-year-old building temporarily this fall.

The work will include upgrades to the facility’s foundation and water infiltration system, the replacement of 50-year-old windows, and improvements to accessibility and safety features in the building, such as a new ramp.

As for the interior, plans are underway to expand from one programming space to five and construct an indoor playground and new Indigenous knowledge centre.

“The list could go on. It's a really big overhaul of the building and something we're immensely excited for as we move into this next 75 years of Waverley's future,” TBPL chief executive officer Richard Togman said.

“Really, this is the first major transformation of Waverley since the ‘70s, so 50 years on, we're a different city, different people, different needs.”

Ahead of construction, which is set to start this January, the building will be temporarily closed as of Nov. 23.

• Thunder Bay, Ont., residents celebrate the Waverley Library’s 75th birthday

• Thunder Bay's Brodie Street library re-opens with new security measures

This will give staff time to move books, materials and current programming over to the County Library branch on the city’s north end, where services are also being expanded, Togman explained.

“Community spaces are at a premium, which is why we're putting such a heavy emphasis onto the programming spaces, the Indigenous knowledge spaces, event spaces, and really spaces where the community can just be in a really safe, progressive and educational way."

The hope is for the branch to reopen by early 2028, Togman said.

Costs, effects on current staff members

While the library has some early estimates, the cost of the project has yet to be finalized. Togman said he will have a better sense of the final number once the architectural designs have been completed. 

“We know that we have some good core funding from the different levels of government, especially in the municipality, but that doesn't get us all the way there,” he said. 

A public launch event is being held at the branch on Oct. 8, during which full renovation plans, including floor plans, renderings and costs, will be shared with the public, as well as “how much we’ll need community involvement to make sure that Thunder Bay Public Library gets the investment it needs,” Togman said.

A public viewing event is also scheduled for Oct. 9.

As for employees, Togman said the TBPL is working with its union partners to manage any staffing changes during the temporary closure.

“Once that is solidified, we'll be able to go public together and really inform the public about exactly what's happening to the staff, how they may be reallocated to different branches during the closure, and how everyone will be adjusting during this temporary period of construction,” he said.

Coun. Michael Zussino, who represents the Red River ward where the Waverley branch is located, said improvements to the building are “much needed.”

“When we went to the 75th anniversary a couple weeks ago, you could see how well it's utilized. Kids and parents and all ages were there and having a great time. You can see that the support is there in the community,” Zussino said.

“It needs a little bit of a facelift, so I think it's going to be beneficial in the long run.”

• Indigenous training group upset with Thunder Bay, Ont., library after lease ends

• Thunder Bay Public Library revisits proposal for new central branch

Furthermore, as efforts to revitalize the city’s downtown cores continue, Zussino said the Waverley branch plays a big role in drawing people to the neighbourhood.

As for Togman, he said he hopes the branch’s redesign also attracts those who haven’t been to a library in some time.

“Having this transformation gives everybody a chance to come back, find new purpose in the library and really reinvigorate the system, and show Thunder Bay what a new modern library branch can do for the community,” he said.