Joint Facility Update

September 2020: Latest updates on the joint facility project

September already! Good news: the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada Joint Project Team and architectural firms have continued their design work over the past few months.

Here is some of the latest news on the project:

  • Progress on the design of the OPL-LAC Joint Facility is being made: the focus is now moving to the interior materials and detailing of the interior spaces (“look and feel”).
  • The colours and textures from natural elements are also inspiring the interior design of the Joint Facility. For example:
    • the colours from the sunset over the Ottawa River may inform the accent walls.
    • the escarpment, the river and its textures may inform the materials used for the floors and furniture, to create a textured effect, reminiscent of nature.
  • Acoustics has been a major focus throughout the development of the design. The project team is working with acousticians to implement measures and use technology to provide quiet spaces, as well as amplified acoustics for the multi-purpose space.
  • Three general contractors have been short-listed for the construction of the shared facility: EllisDon, PCL and Pomerleau. The three companies will be invited to submit proposals for preparatory work (shoring, digging and remediation of the site) which is expected to begin this fall. Read more here.
  • The building will comply with the City of Ottawa’s Bird Friendly Design Guidelines. These guidelines are expected to be released later this year. Learn more about the steps taken for the shared facility.
  • The Design Team has met with local Algonquin Anishinabe communities throughout the design process. The relationship with the Algonquin people has been extremely important and the new Joint Facility has been designed with their direction and contributions. In the coming weeks, the project team will also engage with local Ottawa urban Indigenous community members and national Indigenous organizations. The project team will host three videoconference sessions and an online survey to get feedback on how to weave other First Nations, Inuit, Metis cultural elements into the design, services and programming. With this additional feedback, the design will continue to be refined and the Joint Facility Project Team plans to unveil updated renderings in early 2021.

Stay tuned!