Keewatin Library to re-open next week

After a year and a half, the Keewatin Public Library is finally ready to open again.

The library was closed in June of 2024 after concern was raised about state of the roof and the state of the building.

The City of Kenora’s General Manager of Recreation and Culture Andrew Smith says the repairs are almost complete.

“We’re still working with the (Library) board, as well as the New Horizon’s board for the operations, but we’re looking to get into the facility this week and seeing what we can do to get it started next Monday,” Smith told council at their Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday morning.

“Obviously, a grand opening (is) later to come, as soon as we work out some of the kinks of re-opening a facility like that.”

Smith says the re-opening will include the New Horizons Seniors Center at the back of the building.

Mayor Andrew Poirier says if the Keewatin Library isn’t ready to open next Monday, he wants to make sure the seniors can still get into the New Horizons Center, if there aren’t any issues affecting that part of the building.

The city put about $500,000 into the renovations.