For Immediate Release: February 24th, 2025 – OHSWEKEN, ON – We understand the concern and uncertainty that the interim closure of the Six Nations Public Library (SNPL) has caused. SNPL has been a trusted community space for generations, and any interruption to its services affects families, knowledge‑seekers, students, and community members of all ages.
Six Nations of the Grand River (SNGR) staff and SNPL leadership have been in ongoing discussions for more than a year regarding concerns about the structural condition of the library building. Following the June 2025 flood emergency, continued assessments prompted the Emergency Control Group (ECG), to recommend that the building be vacated as an immediate precaution until a formal structural assessment was completed. This occurred in an in-camera meeting in accordance with SNGR emergency management protocol.
The Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council (SNGREC) confirms that during the in-camera meeting held on September 8, 2025, SNGREC considered all information related to the leased facility currently occupied by the SNPL. Motion ICPL#926/09/08/2025 was passed. This motion authorized the immediate vacating of the library building to permit a comprehensive structural assessment of the facility.
The purpose of this assessment is to:
- Confirm existing and further structural hazards.
- Determine immediate mitigation measures required; and
- Outline long-term measures necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of the building.
SNGREC made this decision to ensure the safety of SNPL staff and community members, reflecting concerns that SNPL leadership had raised over several years. The CEO communicated this decision to SNPL leadership in November 2025 and again by the COO in February 2026.
At this time, the facility has been closed to allow qualified professionals to complete the required assessments. SNGREC is actively working to find another space within the community to relocate SNPL while the structural assessment is completed. Further information will be shared with the community once the assessment results and related reports are available.
The safety of community members, staff, and visitors remains a priority. The Six Nations Public Library is also recognized as a priority for the community. SNGREC offers its sincere apologies to the community for the disruption to library services and acknowledges the challenges this temporary closure may create for families, learners, and community members who rely on this valued space. SNGREC will continue to communicate updates as the process moves forward, and new information becomes available.
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Media Contact Information: COMMUNITY NOTICE: SIX NATIONS PUBLIC LIBRARY BUILDING INTERIM CLOSURE
Darrien Bomberry, Public Relations Coordinator, E: prco@sixnations.ca P: (226) 387-0826
1695 Chiefswood Road, P.O. Box 5000, Ohsweken Ontario N0A 1M0
