Ottawa Public Library receives Council approval for new flagship Ottawa Central Library

The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) today received City Council approval to develop a new 216,000 square-foot Ottawa Central Library joint facility with Library and Archives Canada (LAC) at 557 Wellington Street. City Council further approved a design-bid-build procurement process in order to ensure maximum control over the facility design, as well as approval in principle for the City-funded portion ($99 million) of the $168 million facility. A library for the future, the Ottawa Central Library will be a “creative placemaker” that inspires learning, sparks curiosity, and connects people. The joint facility will be a one-of-a-kind destination for residents and visitors – both a civic and national landmark. Today’s decision gives approval in principle, and authority to proceed with next steps, including: – Negotiation of the Relationship Agreement with Library and Archives Canada; – Development of a funding strategy, including seeking both federal and provincial infrastructure grants, before final project authority is provided; – Investigation of options to dispose of the existing assets at 120 Metcalfe Street / 191 Laurier Ave West; – Initiation of the procurement process for design (pending final project authority); and, – Completion of a detailed study into parking requirements for the joint facility. The Government of Canada will make a decision regarding Library and Archives Canada’s participation in the joint facility in spring 2017.