Town Provides Clarification on Library Redevelopment and Budget Impact
November 5, 2025 – Press Release
Aylmer, ON – The Town of Aylmer is providing clarification, following recent public discussion and in accordance with Mayoral Directive MDI-2025-02 – Town Budgeting Direction, regarding the Aylmer Library Redevelopment project and its potential impact on property taxes.
Council’s October 15, 2025, decision endorsed a conceptual class D design for a downtown library expansion to allow further study, technical planning, and fundraising exploration. This does not approve construction or commit any new municipal funding.
On November 5, 2025, Mayor Jack Couckuyt issued Mayoral Directive MDI-2025-02 – Town Budgeting Direction, reaffirming the Town’s commitment to responsible, transparent, and affordable budgeting. The directive instructs staff to plan for moderate levy impacts, maintain sustainable growth, and ensure clear public communication on municipal finances. A statement from Mayor Couckuyt is available below.
The 2026 draft budget as presented to the Finance Committee has included no new allocations for library redevelopment. The decision to build a new or expanded library would not be made until the next term of Council (2026–2030).
Residents can review background reports, meeting details, and future updates at GetInvolved.Aylmer.ca/aylmer-library.
Statement from Mayor Jack Couckuyt
As Mayor, I know that every dollar matters to Aylmer families. The cost of living has gone up for everyone, and Council shares the same concern we hear daily from residents. We make financial decisions with the full understanding that behind every line in the budget there is a family, a small business, or a retiree who is working hard to make ends meet.
At the same time, we have a duty to look to the future. Our job is to keep Aylmer affordable today while making decisions that keep our community healthy and vibrant for decades to come. This means protecting and growing services that make Aylmer a good place to live for us and our children.
Some residents have asked about reports of a 10 to 20 percent tax increase for the library; that information is not accurate. The 2026 budget will not be impacted by the library, and the decision to build will rest with the next Council (2026–2030). Council approved a concept to study and fundraise, not to spend millions overnight. Its important residents have clear and factual information as this planning work continues.
We’ve done big things in Aylmer in the last few years like built a new water tower, completed Elk Street, invested in recreation, and upgraded our water treatment facility. Yes, we’ve used reserves to prepare the Town for the next couple decades of growth. If we don’t plan for the next investments now, we risk missing future opportunities for grants and fundraising.
The mayoral direction I have issued to staff is simple and a continuation of our past practices: staff are to prepare budgets that keep the annual impact on existing taxpayers moderate and manageable, while expanding services strategically to meet the needs of a growing community. The Town will spend wisely, look for efficiencies, and use new growth to help pay for new costs. As our community grows, the total levy can increase, but new homes and businesses help share costs, so the impact on existing taxpayers can remain moderate – for example, in 2025 the tax rate increase was approximately 3.19%, or a $5.38 a month increase on the average household. That is how we keep taxes affordable without turning our backs on the community’s future.
I also want residents to understand how we arrived at this point. The matter of the Aylmer Public Library project is not one this Council chose to pursue alone. These initiatives began with changes initiated by other orders of government and our neighbours, and we are responding to protect Aylmer’s interests while working constructively with our partners. The success of Aylmer and Aylmer’s downtown is core to the vibrancy of the East Elgin community.
The voice of our community will continue to guide this work. I encourage everyone to stay engaged through Aylmer’s websites and to share your thoughts respectfully and constructively. This is your community, and your input matters.
Together, we can keep Aylmer future bright.
Jack Couckuyt
Mayor, Town of Aylmer
November 2025
Additional Information
- Residents who are interested in understanding Aylmer’s financial position and how local taxes compare to other municipalities are encouraged to review Report CAO 44-25, Local Taxation – Affordability Concerns. The report provides context on Aylmer’s tax structure, affordability, and service levels, and is available on the Town’s website at: Report Link
- The library redevelopment project remains in the conceptual planning stage.
- Any decision to proceed with construction will be made by the next Council (2026–2030).
- Fundraising, grants, and partnerships are being explored to offset potential future costs.
- Verified information and opportunities to provide feedback are available at GetInvolved.Aylmer.ca/aylmer-library.
Owen Jaggard, Director of Legislative Services / Clerk
Phone: 519-773-3164 ext: 4913
Contact the Director of Legislative Services/Clerk