Plans for the Sombra and Port Lambton libraries are being put on hold for the next year, as the capital project could end up costing over a million dollars (to be shared between St. Clair Township and the County of Lambton).
The county endorsed the proposed consolidation of the two sites last year, along with the renovation and expansion of the Sombra Library. However, not all members of St. Clair Township council supported the idea.
Lambton County's General Manager of Cultural Services Andrew Meyer said the county hired London-based 1721 Architects to review the space at Sombra Library and develop an updated concept.
"There was a consideration to make the facility completely accessible. So previously, there were still some elevated portions in the old council chambers where the library is currently located, as well as a vestibule on the east side," Meyer said.
While the scope of the work is similar to what was presented to township council in July, the cost has substantially increased.
Taking into account the contingency and possible escalation costs, the project is estimated at $920,000.
"That does not account for the county's cost in terms of new shelving and increased collection, ongoing [operations] for staffing and cleaning. We estimate the capital cost to the county to be over $250,000, plus the ongoing operating cost," Meyer said.
Considering the estimated cost and community feedback, Meyer said they need more time to identify funding sources.
"It would be prudent for us to step away. Know that this is ultimately the goal, but we need to identify non-tax funding to support it," Meyer said.
An update is expected to be provided to county council in the new year.
Meyer said ideally, they'd like to return to township council during the 2027 budget deliberations with a finalized plan and costing for the project.
"We also need time to look at the feedback from the community hall and determine how we can continue to deliver service to Port Lambton," Meyer said. "What might that look like?"
A public forum was held in October 2025.
Library Services Manager Darlene Coke said 53 people attended the meeting and feedback was received from 81 people via an electronic survey.
Coke said while participants acknowledged the many benefits of having an enlarged Sombra Library, they also noted some challenges if the Port Lambton site closes.
"Those challenges included a lack of transportation for the distance between both of those sites, the community perception of a closure, the availability of funding to enlarge the Sombra library location, the community's general resistance to change, and a decline in service to Port Lambton," Coke said.
The two libraries are roughly six kilometres from each other.
Councillor Brad Langstaff said based on feedback he has received from residents, many felt the decision was already made to consolidate the libraries.
"Respectfully, that's not necessarily been decided yet. Not everyone believes that is the goal," Langstaff said.
Mayor Jeff Agar echoed the same sentiment in not wanting to see library services taken away from Port Lambton.
"If this does end up happening, I do not want to see Port Lambton closed off. They have to have a way to get books too," Agar said.
A motion by Councillor Holly Foster was carried, to receive and file the December 2025 report for information and to defer the decision to possibly close the Port Lambton Library or upgrade the Sombra site.
