Chinguacousy Library re-opens in ski chalet in Brampton

As recently as last month, no one quite knew when Brampton’s Chinguacousy Library would reopen, but it appears it has settled into its new home for now. 

Today, Brampton Library announced that the library, which closed on Aug. 1 to make way for a planned Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) medical school at the Bramalea Civic Center, officially opened on Aug. 22.

The library is open in the Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park Ski Chalet (9050 Bramalea Road), located at the southwest corner of Central Park Drive and Bramalea Road. 

According to a news release, the new spot was chosen because of its proximity to the old location. While the library is now smaller, Brampton Library says its new home is “modern and airy and will offer most of the same services on a smaller scale.” 

The new location offers books and other materials, computer access, study space, various programs, and makerspace services. 

The current situation is only temporary and the library says it’s working with the city to find a permanent home. 

“We are thrilled to be able to serve the community for the coming period from our new location in Chinguacousy Park,” said Todd Kyle, CEO of the Brampton Library, in a statement. 

The controversial decision to move the branch was made by Brampton City Council back in March to make way for the medical school. Council gifted the $48-million building and most of the surrounding land to the school, evicting the library and spurring calls and petitions from the community to reverse the decision.

Brampton City Council unanimously passed a motion in April renewing its commitment to finding a permanent home for the branch, along with a pledge to hire a consultant using city funds to find a suitable location.

A report to the Region of Peel said the incoming medical school could be a huge boon to the local economy and create over 7,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region.

– With files from Ryan Rumbolt