The Ajax library chair dispute has intensified after the Ajax Public Library Board declared Piyali Correya a member in good standing and restored her as chair, two months after Ajax council voted to remove her from the board. The Town of Ajax says it does not recognize the board’s action as legally valid, leaving the two public bodies with opposing positions.
Correya was removed following an in-camera council discussion on May 21. The reasons considered during the closed session were not released publicly. Mayor Shaun Collier later said council had acted after becoming aware of alleged repeated breaches of governance rules and codes of conduct.
Correya said at the time that she had not been told the specific basis for the decision and believed none of the grounds she identified under provincial library legislation applied to her circumstances. She had originally been appointed as a trustee for the 2022–2026 term and was selected as chair by fellow board members.
Board Declares Correya Chair After Special Meeting
The latest development followed a special Ajax Public Library Board meeting on July 27. After meeting behind closed doors, trustees issued a brief statement saying the board’s position was that Correya remained a member in good standing and chair.
The Ajax Public Library website currently lists Correya as chair among its 2022–2026 trustees. The library board consists of nine members, including eight residents and one councillor, and is responsible for setting goals, policies and strategic direction for the library system.
No detailed explanation has been released about the discussion that led trustees to restore Correya. Correya did not provide an additional public statement beyond sharing the board’s announcement.
Town Rejects Board’s Reinstatement
Collier said the Town does not accept the reinstatement. He argued that municipal council has the authority to appoint and revoke members and described the board’s decision as unauthorized.
The mayor said the Town had previously communicated its position and attempted to discuss the matter with the library board. With the current municipal term nearing its end, he indicated that council would not pursue an extended dispute and would instead focus on other responsibilities.
Ontario’s Public Libraries Act states that municipal councils appoint members to public library boards. At the same time, provincial library guidance describes a public library board as an independent legal entity responsible for managing library services. The disagreement in Ajax centres on how those roles apply to Correya’s removal and the board’s later decision to recognize her as chair.
Reasons for Removal Remain Undisclosed
The information considered by council and the library board remains confidential because both discussions occurred in closed session. A rumour that the original decision was connected to Correya sharing another person’s social media post was denied by a Town spokesperson, who declined to provide further details.
Correya previously said the removal harmed her reputation. An Ajax resident who supports her has called for a public explanation and apology from the Town, arguing that residents still do not know what prompted council’s action.
Ajax Library Chair Dispute Remains Unresolved
The Ajax library chair dispute has produced two competing public positions. The library board recognizes Correya as chair and currently lists her in that role, while the Town maintains that council’s earlier removal remains effective.
No court ruling or other external decision resolving the disagreement has been announced. With only a few months remaining in the 2022–2026 term, it is unclear whether the Town and library board will take further action before new municipal and library board appointments are made.
