Town requested to remove library lane walkway

The covered walkway at One Library Lane may not continue to be covered if business owners in the area are granted their wish. Tillsonburg council requested a report looking at possible improvements, safety issues and associated costs. (Jeff Helsdon Photo).

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The covered walkway between Scotiabank and the library may have its days numbered.

Tyler Coghill, appeared as a delegation before council representing business owners in the area of One Library Lane, and pointed out some of the issues with the covered sidewalk and the roof above it.

“There’s some safety issues related to uneven ground, some accessibility issues created by that as well as general public safety issues and the overall condition of the covered walkway,” he said, while showing slides that highlighted the uneven surfaces between the bricks and concrete.

Coghill said the OPP raised a safety concern due to the poor line of sight through the area. There were issues with the area when businesses were shut down during COVID, but Coghill said that has been resolved.

“The outstanding issue not addressed is the sightlines created by the pillars,” he said, adding a person can hide behind the pillars.

There is also deterioration of the sidewalk, bricks and pillars supporting the roof.

“It is impacting the businesses at 1 Library Lane and we don’t want to deter potential customers,” he said.

Coun. Kelly Spencer mentioned the possibility of using mirrors to see if there are people behind the pillars, which she was told hadn’t been looked at.

When Deputy Mayor Dave Beres asked Coghill what he would like the town to do, the business owner answered, “It’s town property. The ideal situation for us is removal of  the covering. That’s how we create a safer space. Because it’s covered, people like to grab a coffee, stand in front of the library and block that space and it’s actually a walkway and it does get crowed. Removal would be ideal and it is the lowest capital cost.”

Beres suggested an engineering report to provide options. Mayor Deb Gilvesy agreed, saying she has had a vision for the area to remove the covering and make it brighter.

Council passed a motion asking that a report be brought to council through the budget in regards to walkway improvements, safety issues and associated costs.