Milestones

The Ādisōke Project Team celebrated the setting of the foundation for Ādisōke, the new Ottawa Public Library – Library and Archives Canada joint facility.

Ottawa City Council approved additional funding for Ādisōke, the Ottawa Public Library – Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility.

OPL Board of Trustees approved a total of $16 million from the Library Reserve Fund for Ādisōke, recommended that Ottawa City Council approve these funds as well, and set a fundraising target of $7M.

Ādisōke is an Anishinābemowin word that refers to the telling of stories. The announcement of the name was made at an event held on the site where the facility will be built.

The City of Ottawa released the main construction tender to the prequalified general contractors for the construction of the OPL-LAC Joint Facility.

The final design drawings were approved by the National Capital Commission Board of Directors.

Ottawa Public Library Board endorsed the final design for the OPL-LAC joint facility.

In its Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada announced that it will provide funding to support sustainability enhancements for a net-zero carbon building.

Elders from Anishinābe Algonquins of Pikwakanagan and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg led a blessing ceremony where the new OPL-LAC Joint Facility will be located, a few days ahead of the start of preparatory work on site.

In 2020, the project team held engagement activities with the urban Indigenous community of Ottawa as well as national Indigenous organizations, to help design a space that is welcoming, reflective and inclusive of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation visitors.

General contractors were pre-qualified for the construction of the OPL-LAC joint facility. The process was overseen by a fairness commissioner, engaged by the City of Ottawa, to ensure an open and transparent process.

The City of Ottawa Supply Department has released a Request for Qualification(link is external) (RFQ) to pre-qualify General Contractors for the construction of the OPL-LAC Joint Facility.

An event today revealed the proposed architectural design for the Ottawa Public Library – Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility.

At this workshop, participants will be asked to provide inspiration into the facility’s iconic features and finishing touches, such as the choices of building materials inside and outside of the facility, and the ways in which this facility can become an inclusive destination for all.

Design workshops on Public Art and Landscape, with an emphasis on sustainability, for the new Ottawa Public Library (OPL) and Library and Archives Canada (LAC) joint facility.

UK-artist, Jason Bruges Studio has been awarded the “Artist on Design Team” commission for the OPL-LAC Joint Facility.

The Inspire555 engagement series includes design workshops, pop-up events, and online engagement activities to inspire this new landmark destination.

Public input will be an essential part of the design process, led by Diamond Schmitt Architects and KWC Architects.

Evaluation committee recommends negotiating with Diamond Schmitt Architects and KWC Architects to design facility.

Mayor Jim Watson and Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on behalf of Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, with Councillor Tim Tierney, Chair of Ottawa Public Library Board, dedicate future home of facility.

City Council approves plan to build facility, along with $104.2 million in City funding and $18.1 million for 200-space parking garage.

The OPL Board of Trustees receives joint facility implementation plan and funding strategy, including $1M contribution from Library Reserve Fund and sale of current Main Branch building.

City of Ottawa issues Request for Proposals to design facility.

City of Ottawa receives 33 submissions and shortlists five teams to participate in Request for Proposals to design the facility.

Government of Canada proposes to contribute $73.3 million towards construction of the joint facility

City of Ottawa issues Request for Qualifications to design facility.

City Council approves in principal building new 216,000-square-foot joint facility with Library and Archives Canada at 557 Wellington Street.

OPL Board of Trustees approves partnership with LAC to build a new joint facility and makes a series of recommendations to Ottawa City Council on location, size, and funding option.

Ottawa Public Library Board approves site evaluation criteria for joint facility and stand-alone Central Library.

The public was invited to share their thoughts on the spaces and uses of the new flagship Ottawa Central Library. Two sessions were held at Ottawa City Hall and at Library and Archives Canada.

Ottawa Public Library Board approves public engagement framework for Central Library.

Ottawa Public Library explores partnership with Library and Archives Canada to develop Central Library.

City Council approves new Central Library as strategic priority for 2015 to 2018 Term of Council.

Ottawa Public Library Board approves new 132,000-square foot Central Library.

Ottawa Public Library Board approves Main branch as top priority for renewal.