Upgrades underway at Maple Library and Community Centre

The revitalization of Maple Library and Community Centre has begun! Improvements include a fully modern library branch, redesigned reading spaces, an outdoor reading garden, new recreation activity rooms, a barrier-free washroom, updated fitness change rooms and more. Renovations are currently underway until the end of this year. The library will continue to be closed to the public until the work is complete. The COVID-19 vaccination centre operating out of the facility will remain open; once the vaccination clinic is closed, recreational programming in the community centre will resume. All the details are available at vaughan.ca/MapleReno. 

The Maple Library and Community Centre, located at 10190 Keele St., is the City’s largest community centre at approximately 148,000 square feet in size. The arena was built in 1974, with the library and community centre following in 1991. It was designed as a full-service community centre, complete with a pool, arena, fitness areas, gymnasium, bocce courts, game rooms and a bowling alley. In 2004, an expansion was completed to include fitness rooms, activity rooms and an art space. 

In 2017, the City completed an assessment of Maple Library and Community Centre, which provided recommendations for repair and upgrades. Due to the age of the facility, it also required modernization, improved space layouts and functionality, sustainability upgrades, accessibility enhancements and improvements in energy utilization. In 2018, Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) completed the Maple Library Special Area Study that assessed the need and future options for the branch. This study proposed renewing the library’s existing space within the Maple Community Centre to align with the branch library model and this was approved by the VPL Board. In 2020, the City began interior planning and design work. The project is now in the construction phase. 

Developed from public feedback and industry best practices, a renovation plan was created for the library. This renovation project reinforces a culture of design excellence through the reinvigorated spaces that will respond to the needs of citizens with strong considerations for functionality, accessibility, sustainable design, urban design, architectural design and citizen experience. The renovations will include:

• a full modern library renovation to maintain and enhance service levels. A portion of the current library space will also be converted into new recreation activity spaces.
• library spaces that will continue to feature services currently available, including a marketplace, storytime area, study spaces, designated reading areas and a new outdoor reading garden.
• new recreation activity spaces, adjacent to the renovated library, which will consist of activity rooms and a kitchenette.
• a new barrier-free washroom for public use.
• updated fitness centre change rooms.

During  renovations, library-goers can use lobby service at VPL’s three Resource Libraries (Bathurst Clark, Civic Centre and Pierre Berton), in addition to the Curbside Pickup Service at any other local branch. Please visit the library’s website for further reopening updates.

The Maple Library and Community Centre renovation aligns with the Active Together Master Plan (ATMP) 2018 Review and Update (May 2018) in its recommendation to renew and revitalize existing libraries and community centres. The ATMP is the guide for the planning of recreation and library facilities within the City of Vaughan. It builds on the City’s foundational documents, including the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan, the City’s Official Plan and Green Directions Vaughan.  

For more information, visit vaughan.ca/MapleReno. 

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