Release of main tender for the construction and final design drawings

Ottawa (Public Service Announcement) – The City of Ottawa Supply Services has released the main construction tender to the pre-qualified General Contractors for the construction of the Ottawa Public Library-Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility.

The tender is scheduled to close this summer with construction work to begin this fall.

The release of the main construction tender coincides with another project milestone, the completion of the final design of the joint facility. The designs plans were endorsed by the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) Board and approved by the National Capital Commission Public Board of Directors in April 2021. The design is the direct result of an unprecedented public co-design process that asked Ottawa residents, Indigenous communities, and Canadians from across the country to provide design input and inspiration at every stage.

This engagement process helped shape all aspects of the facility, inside and out. Public input informed the shape of the building, its entrances, the interaction and location of its spaces, the indoor look and ambience, the inclusive and sustainable features, the landscaping and public art, and the exterior materials. There were also significant design enhancements made by Diamond Schmitt Architects, in joint venture with KWC Architects, to achieve net-zero carbon.

One of the most important aspects of this process was the generosity and engagement of Indigenous peoples in Ottawa and across the country, including the Anishnābe Algonquin First Nations of Kitigan Zibi and Pikwakanagan, the Ottawa-Gatineau urban Indigenous community and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation individuals from across the country. Their direction, advice, and feedback has been instrumental in shaping the design of the new facility.

Public and Indigenous engagement for the facility will continue as the project partners move forward with the next stages of the project. gallery of the final design drawings and additional information on the project can be found at inspire555.ca.

Background

Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada (LAC) have partnered to develop a new joint facility that will house OPL’s new Central Library and LAC’s public programs and services in the National Capital Region. The story of this ground-breaking project is about two major public institutions coming together to build a place where Ottawa residents, Canadians and visitors from around the world will come together to connect to learn, discover, and create.

 Ottawa Public Library

Ottawa Public Library is the largest bilingual (English/French) public library system in North America. The OPL extends public access to information and services through the library’s 34 branches, physical and virtual (BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca), as well as two mobile libraries and a vending machine-style lending library service. Serving close to one million Ottawa residents, OPL’s mission is to inspire learning, spark curiosity, and connect people.

 Library and Archives Canada

As the custodian of our distant past and recent history, Library and Archives Canada is a key resource for all Canadians who wish to gain a better understanding of who they are, individually and collectively. LAC acquires, processes, preserves and provides access to our documentary heritage and serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media resources:

Downloadable images (link is external)