The Guelph Tool Library will no longer receive the funding it expected from the city.

This development comes as they move into the stores on Old Quebec Street in downtown Guelph.

Part of what prompted the move was an increase in membership, which led to the need for more space. They expected the signing of a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), which would have entitled the group to $80,000 for each of the next three years starting in 2025.

But that is no longer the case.

“Now we’re being told this won’t be available until 2027. And that means we have to suspend all of our programs for non-members,” said Guelph Tool Library board member Claire Cowan.

The non-profit organization provides its members with tools and household items and operates much like a regular library.

The money they expected to receive was supposed to be used for new programs.

“It would allow us to have consistent programming, hire consistent staff and actually be able to offer all the great programs that we want to offer to the city of Guelph,” Cowan said.

When the updated municipal budget for next year was being drafted, plans to sign the CBA were scrapped. In a phone interview with CTV News, Jayne Holmes, deputy city manager, said it was a difficult decision.

“We can’t do everything, and wouldn’t we like to? But there is no magic wand that can provide instantly more money, instantly more people to do these things that we know benefit our community,” Holmes said.

She explained that when a multi-year budget is approved, it is the current year that is adopted. The remaining years are retained in principle and adjusted as necessary, which happened in this case.

“Housing and affordability have to be at the top of the list, inevitably there will be things at the bottom of the list,” Holmes said.

Even though the Guelph Tool Library isn’t going anywhere and remains open to its members, the lack of funding makes it much more difficult to operate.

The community will have another chance to change the minds of city staff on November 19, during public delegations on the proposed budget.