Ottawa Plans to Build, Renew 18 Libraries Over Next 20 Years

A comprehensive plan outlining the construction, renewal, and replacement of 18 library branches over the next two decades will be presented to the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) board on September 9, 2023. This initiative aims to address growing community needs driven by population expansion and the aging infrastructure of existing facilities.

The report does not specify costs for each project but identifies branches requiring urgent upgrades. Factors such as demographic shifts and the condition of current buildings have been considered. Some branches are city-owned, while others are leased, leading to various funding sources, including development charges and capital funding.

Should the library board endorse this list, specific projects will be submitted for approval during the annual budget process.

Key Projects and Timeline

The plan highlights several priority projects. The new central branch, named Ādisōke, is set to open in 2026. It will replace the existing main branch at 120 Metcalfe St. and will be significantly larger, offering an additional 37,000 square feet of space. This facility will serve as the home branch for communities such as Centretown, West Centretown, and LeBreton, while introducing new services for library users citywide.

The Greenboro branch, which has been operational since 2006 and connects to the Diane Deans Community Centre, welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually. Plans include enhancing security at the entrance, reconfiguring public spaces for improved programming, and undertaking necessary lifecycle repairs, with activities expected to commence in 2026-2027.

Old Hunt Club, home to approximately 19,000 residents, is projected to grow by 5 percent in the next five years. This area, currently served by the Hunt Club and Bayview bookmobile stops, has been identified as having a “legacy gap” in library services. The project, previously ranked fifth, has been elevated to third priority and is expected to utilize capital funds for its execution within the next five years.

The Elmvale Acres branch has experienced a surge in visits since the pandemic, serving a population of 28,000. Although it is on a leased site, plans to explore expansion opportunities are underway, with the existing lease set to expire in 2027.

Future Developments and Community Needs

The Sunnyside branch, established in 1951, serves around 200,000 visitors annually and is under review for potential renewal or relocation. Necessary repairs, including a new roof and window, are scheduled to start in 2027, while long-term relocation options are being evaluated.

Construction of the Riverside South branch, approved in 2022, is currently in the design development phase alongside the Riverside South Community Centre and Core District Park. The city anticipates completion of this phase by late 2026, with construction expected to commence in spring 2027, primarily funded through development charges.

Plans for a new Barrhaven branch to replace the Ruth E. Dickinson branch, located in the Walter Baker Sports Centre, were approved in 2022. This facility is projected to open in early 2030 and will include a 30,000-square-foot library, a seniors’ centre, theatre, and urban park. Funding will involve a mix of development charges and an Investing in Canada Infrastructure grant.

The Richmond branch, serving a community of 13,000 with a projected doubling of population by 2036, requires redevelopment to meet current and future community needs. Accessibility issues concerning the lower level, which lacks an elevator, have been highlighted.

Plans for the Centennial branch include significant repairs and renovations, particularly regarding accessibility and modernization, as it is on the city’s heritage register.

The need for a 7,500-square-foot east urban branch for the growing communities of Orléans and Cumberland has been recognized. This area has seen substantial growth, necessitating a facility that can adequately serve a combined population of 44,500.

In addition, the Vanier branch, located on a heritage site, has been identified for renewal within the next decade. The Carp branch, originally opened in 1997, will also undergo renewal to accommodate its growing population, which is expected to rise from 6,800 to nearly 18,000 in the next 15 years.

As the Findlay Creek area anticipates a 45 percent population growth over the next decade, OPL is prioritizing the creation of a new 15,000-square-foot branch with a community centre, targeting completion within the next ten years.

Lastly, OPL is considering relocating or redeveloping the Carlingwood branch, which faces operational challenges due to its three-level layout and outdated systems. The community surrounding it is projected to grow by 30 percent over the next two decades.

The initiatives outlined in this report reflect OPL’s commitment to enhancing library services across Ottawa, ensuring they remain accessible and relevant to the evolving needs of the community.