Ottawa Plans Major Library Overhaul: 18 Branches Targeted for Change

The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is set to reveal an ambitious plan to build, renew, or replace a total of 18 library branches over the next 20 years. This strategic proposal will be presented to the OPL board on September 9, 2023, marking a significant commitment to enhancing library services across the city.

While the report does not specify costs for each project, it identifies branches that require expansion due to population growth and those needing significant improvements or replacement due to age. Some of these branches are city-owned, while others are leased, and funding sources will vary. Options include development charges in new areas, capital funding, and potential synergies with other city facilities.

If the library board approves this list, OPL staff will submit specific project proposals for consideration during the annual budget process.

Key Projects and Priorities

One of the most notable projects is the central branch at Ādisōke, which is scheduled to open to the public in 2026. This new facility will replace the existing main branch at 120 Metcalfe St. and will be 37,000 square feet larger, serving as the home branch for Centretown, West Centretown, and LeBreton while also providing new services for library users throughout the city.

The Greenboro branch, which opened in 2006 and is connected to the Diane Deans Community Centre, currently sees over 200,000 visitors annually. OPL recommendations include enhancing the entrance for security, reconfiguring public areas for better programming, and conducting lifecycle repairs such as roof replacement. These improvements are slated for 2026-2027.

The Old Hunt Club area, which serves a growing population of about 19,000 residents, is also a priority. It has been highlighted as having a “legacy gap” in library services. Originally fifth on the priority list, this project has moved up to third, with OPL planning to use capital funds due to a lack of development charges for growth. The goal is to complete this project within the next five years using a leased approach.

The Elmvale Acres branch has experienced increased traffic since the conclusion of the pandemic and currently serves a community of 28,000. While it is located on a leased site with an agreement expiring in 2027, it is considered an ideal location for potential expansion.

The Sunnyside branch, established in 1951, welcomes 200,000 visitors each year and is under consideration for renewal, redevelopment, or relocation. The building requires lifecycle repairs, including new windows and roofing, with exterior work anticipated to begin in 2027.

Future Developments and Community Needs

The Riverside South branch, approved in 2022, is currently in the design development phase alongside the Riverside South Community Centre and Core District Park. This project is progressing through land and planning approvals, with construction expected to commence in the spring of 2027. Funding primarily comes from development charges, and OPL is exploring designs that meet net-zero requirements.

Another essential project is the new Barrhaven branch, which is set to open in early 2030. This facility will replace the Ruth E. Dickinson branch and will include a 30,000-square-foot library, a seniors’ centre, a theatre, and an urban park. Conceptual designs will be presented to the public later this year, and OPL aims to hire a design team by the end of the year, funded through a combination of development charges and an Investing in Canada Infrastructure grant.

The Richmond branch currently serves a community of 13,000, projected to double by 2036. The branch’s lower level is not accessible due to the absence of an elevator. While the building is in good condition, it does not meet the current or anticipated future needs of the community, prompting OPL staff to recommend redevelopment and expansion.

The Centennial branch requires significant repairs and renovations. Accessibility issues, particularly in washrooms, and a need for interior modernization have led OPL staff to recommend its redevelopment. This branch is also on the city’s heritage register and is undergoing designation reviews.

The need for a new 7,500-square-foot east urban branch to serve the growing communities of Orléans and Cumberland was first identified in 2016. Since then, the combined population of Portobello South and Chapel Hill South has grown to 44,500, with a demand for a branch twice that size. OPL is exploring co-location opportunities with city partners on existing land.

The Vanier branch, located in a heritage site and serving over 12,000 people, has undergone upgrades in the past 15 years, including the installation of an elevator. However, it still requires further improvements, and OPL staff recommend renewing the facility within the next ten years.

The Carp branch, which opened in 1997, currently serves a population of 6,800, projected to grow to nearly 18,000 over the next 15 years. OPL staff suggest investing in existing infrastructure and renewing the facility within the next decade.

Findlay Creek, with almost 15,000 residents and a projected growth of 45 percent over the next decade, ranks first on OPL’s priority list of neighbourhood gaps. The library is exploring co-location with city partners to build a 15,000-square-foot branch with a community centre, targeted for completion within the next ten years through development charges.

Lastly, OPL is considering relocating or redeveloping the Carlingwood branch due to its operational challenges, which include being a three-level facility needing significant mechanical and electrical upgrades. The area is expected to grow by 30 percent over the next 20 years, with the expansion of the light rail transit system likely to increase foot traffic.

The Bayshore and Britannia area, home to a combined population of 22,000, has also been identified as a high priority due to its “legacy gap” in library services. Current options include exploring partnerships with other organizations or leasing arrangements.

The Emerald Plaza branch in Nepean, which has 10,367 square feet and attracts 135,000 visitors annually, has a lease expiring in March 2028. OPL staff recommend entering into a new lease agreement, while the city has initiated a secondary plan review of the Baseline-Merivale corridor, where the branch is located.

Lastly, although the Vars community has a population of just over 3,000 and is not expected to experience significant growth, OPL recommends developing a new facility within the next 20 years to reinforce its commitment to rural communities and expand library services in these areas.

This extensive plan reflects OPL’s dedication to adapting to community needs and ensuring access to library services across Ottawa.