Ottawa Public Library reveals 12 potential sites for flagship location
Sites include both public and private properties
The Ottawa Public Library revealed the sites that could potentially become the location of its new flagship central library on Wednesday. The twelve proposed sites include both public and privately owned properties.
Eight of the locations were brought forward through the request for expressions of interest process that took place in the fall of 2015.
In May, the library held two in-person sessions at city hall to come up with a list of criteria to evaluate possible sites.
The library board decided in June 2015 the new main branch would not be in at the same location as the current one.
"The new central library will be a new build. So, we will no longer be here at 120 Metcalfe," said Danielle McDonald, CEO of the Ottawa Public Library.
Here are the 12 potential sites (see map below)
- Site bounded by George, Rideau and Cumberland.
- Site bounded by Daly, Mackenzie King and Nicholas.
- Site bounded by Slater, Laurier and Bank.
- Site bounded by Queen, Albert and Kent.
- Site bounded by Queen, Albert and Lyon.
- Site bounded by Albert, Slater and Lyon.
- Mid-block between Slater, Laurier, Bronson and Bay.
- Site bounded by Confederation Line, Albert and Commissioner.
- Site bounded by Confederation Line, Albert and Booth.
- Site bounded by Phase 1 LeBreton Flats Development and Booth.
- Site bounded by Confederation Line, Albert and Booth.
- Site bounded by Scott, Trillium Line and City Centre.
Although the library announced in January it was working in partnership with Library and Archives Canada on the project, McDonald said the board decided to prepare two separate planning paths in case the collaboration fell through.
"We're convinced that it's a very unique opportunity ... to create a rich customer experience," said McDonald.
"But at the same time, just in case we come to the end of the road and things aren't right we have a fallback. We haven't lost all this time."
The estimated cost for the stand alone building is about $86 million, but McDonald said that does not include parking or the value of any land that would need to be purchased.
She said currently there is no estimate for the costs associated with a joint project involving Library and Archives Canada.
McDonald said while possible locations have been narrowed down, property owners still have until July 20 to submit their site for consideration if it meets the necessary criteria.
"We did check this with the fairness commissioner and [they] agreed this would not compromise the process."
Zoom in on the map below to see the 12 sites
Map of 12 potential new sites for main library (PDF 2270KB)
Map of 12 potential new sites for main library (Text 2270KB)CBC is not responsible for 3rd party content