Bloomfield receives Government of Canada support through My Main Street Community Activator Placemaking Program

Bloomfield receives Government of Canada support through My Main Street Community Activator Placemaking Program

June 10, 2022 – Bloomfield, ON – The County of Prince Edward Public Library Bloomfield Branch is pleased to announce that our “Library Beyond Walls” project was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator program and has received $39,382 to extend the library’s services to an outdoor patio on the main street.

Through the Government of Canada’s My Main Street Community Activator, delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), Bloomfield will enjoy a more vibrant neighbourhood setting that will draw visitors and increase foot traffic to shops, restaurants and exciting new public spaces. The County of Prince Edward Public Library is supported by My Main Street—a two-year, $23.25-million investment by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), delivered by CUI and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO).

“Library Beyond Walls” will extend the library to the outdoor space at the Bloomfield Branch creating an outdoor patio area, enhancing the WIFI so it’s more easily accessed from outside, adding lending laptops and providing a series of guest speakers. It will also create a cozy outdoor storytime area and add a community message board.

Quotes

“Our government is committed to helping communities bring their main streets back to life. My Main Street is providing vital support to projects that will reanimate neighbourhoods through installations, events and activities that are inclusive, innovative and engaging to create jobs and drive economic growth for local economies.”— The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

“At the County of Prince Edward Public Library, we are always looking for ways to make the most of the space we have, and that includes expanding to the outdoors when we can. Bringing library services to the main street can also be a way to reduce barriers to library services and attract residents to the downtown core of Bloomfield.” — Barbara Sweet, CEO, County of Prince Edward Public Library & Archives

“We are so grateful for this grant, which will enable us to expand our services to better serve the Bloomfield community. A patio where we can offer a space to gather, programs to entertain and inform and Improved Wi-Fi access, all will contribute to a vibrant main street, attracting residents and visitors alike and affirming the library’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation and engagement.” — Devon Jones, Chair, County of Prince Edward Public Library Board

Background

The County of Prince Edward Public Library is a six-branch library system in Prince Edward County. The Bloomfield Branch, located on Main Street in Bloomfield, has a long history of library service to the community and continues to adapt and change to meet the needs of Prince Edward County’s residents and visitors.

The Canadian Urban Institute is the national platform that houses the best in Canadian city building — where policymakers, urban professionals, civic and business leaders, community activists and academics can learn, share and collaborate with one another from coast to coast to coast. Through research, engagement and storytelling, our mission is to ensure Canada builds vibrant, equitable, liveable and resilient cities. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. 

For more than 12 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, job creation and growth in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing their revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts

Barbara Sweet
CEO
County of Prince Edward Public Library & Archives
bsweet@peclibrary.org
(613) 476-5962