PROJECT TEAM CELEBRATES SETTING OF FOUNDATION
Earlier this summer, the Project Team celebrated the setting of the foundation for Ādisōke at an event on the project site. To mark this special occasion, the project partners placed a token of significance into a concrete slab that will become part of the facility’s foundation.
Mayor Watson placed a copy of the City of Ottawa’s Coat of Arms, as well as a small shovel. The shovel is a symbol of construction that is featured on the Coat of Arms, in addition to the rivers, arrows and paddle that represent the first inhabitants of the region.
Minister Mona Fortier, on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, placed a copy of a photo showing the official opening of Library and Archives Canada’s building at 395 Wellington Street, as well as a reproduction of L’Abeille, or The Bee, the very first acquisition made by the institution 150 years ago.
Councillor Matt Luloff, Chair of the Ottawa Public Library Board placed an OPL library card into the slab – a key like no other.
Grand Chief Savanna McGregor, Anishinābe Algonquin Nation Tribal Council and Band Councillor Dan Kohoko, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, placed a soapstone carving of a bear.
This exciting milestone brings us one step closer to doors opening for Ādisōke in 2026. To read more about the event, visit our website.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS AND LOOKAHEAD
Construction is progressing well on Ādisōke. Throughout the spring, significant work took place, including drilling, excavation, waterproofing and underground mechanical work. The first of two tower cranes was also installed on the site.
To date, over 85% of caissons have been installed. Foundation walls and vertical concrete elements have been poured on the east side of the site, and will continue throughout the summer. Site services, including the installation of the stormwater management tank, are underway.
Over the summer, the second tower crane will be installed on the west side of the project site. Caisson work will be completed, and foundation pile cap and grade beam work will continue. The horizontal structure slabs for the P1 level of the parking garage will also start to be formed and poured. Underground mechanical work and below grade waterproofing will continue, as well as the installation of site services, including sanitary mains, storm mains and telecommunications duct banks.
Despite recent provincial and local strikes, the project remains on schedule to open in 2026. Below are a few photos of construction progress to date.
TAKE A TOUR OF THE ĀDISŌKE PROJECT SITE
Curious what the Ādisōke project site looks like? Check out our recent video that shows the site from a bird’s eye view!
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
Regular construction updates are now available on the project website, as well as our Ādisōke Twitter page. You can also receive these short updates directly to your email inbox. To register, please email adisoke@ottawa.ca with the subject line: “Construction update subscription.”
YOU ASKED?
Will the full range of materials now in the Ottawa Room be available at the new facility? Will there be any deletions, additions, or format changes, such as digitization?
The Ottawa Room at OPL’s Main branch will transform into a new space at Ādisōke called ‘Living Ottawa’. Living Ottawa on the second floor of OPL will feature collections, seating, study spaces, exhibits and programs that celebrate Ottawa’s past, present and future.
As we transition to this new space, a collection analysis of the Ottawa Room will be undertaken to understand any duplication with LAC’s collection and potential for digitization. Additionally, users of the Ottawa Room will be surveyed to understand how they are currently using the collection and how we can support them as we move towards Living Ottawa.
With a balance of collections, seating, resources and programs, Living Ottawa will emphasize the preservation and creation of historical materials, as well as the recognition and celebration of what is happening today as the history of tomorrow.