Foundation laid for new Ottawa central library
Monday marked a major milestone in the construction of Ottawa’s new central library.
City officials as well as Algonquin elders celebrated the setting of the foundation for Ādisōke, the new Ottawa Public Library – Library and Archives Canada joint facility.
“This is a significant milestone," Mayor Jim Watson said. "It's a very exciting project for the city of Ottawa."
“Libraries have become these iconic buildings. They aren’t just the old-fashioned libraries, but places to gather, places to meet, to think and to act.”
The building at Albert Street and Bronson Avenue will be called Ādisōke, an indigenous word for storytelling.
Grand Chief Savanna McGregor of the Algonquin Anishinābeg Nation as well as Councillor Dan Kohoko, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation attended the event and called the project “a strong partnership for the future.”
“Ottawa is at the heart of the Algonquin Nations and this is an example of the beauty that is of the heart- adisoke- to share stories and working together and creating a new vison together," McGregor said. "It is an example that can set precedents across this country.”
Officials placed tokens of significance into a concrete slab that will become part of the site’s foundation. Tokens included a shovel, a city of Ottawa proclamation, a library archival photograph, a coin, and an Algonquin carving of a bear.
“This is symbolic that we are leaving some gifts for future generations to discover, maybe a thousand years from now," watson said. =
Construction continues at the site, with excavating, drilling, and work on the foundation walls of the parking garage.
According to Tracy Condie, a senior superintendent with PCL construction, the project is on time, despite a setback last month when crane operators as well as carpenters went on strike.
“The crane strike impacted us in that, the drill rigs that you see, the mobile crane, the excavator, they are all part of the operating engineers, so that had some impact for a few weeks.”
Cowdie says, “We are a little ahead of schedule when it comes to the concrete work, so overall it should be mitigated.”
“We are hoping that by Christmas we will be at grade level which you would approach off Albert Street.”
The budget for the new central library ballooned to $334 million due to rising inflation and soaring construction costs during the pandemic. But Matt Luloff, councillor and chair of the Library board, says the budget is now fixed and says the city won’t be on the hook for any more extra costs.
“It is a fixed cost, so that was part of the contract negotiation. So if it ends up costing more, that cost is born by the proponents and if it ends up costing less, that is a savings to them," he said. "Sso whether inflation continues , that is all built in. the project team did a great job to ensure that was built in, so the cost is the cost and it is not going anywhere.”
The library is set to open in 2026.
Correction
The budget for the new Ottawa Central Library is $334 million. An earlier version of this story had an incorrect figure.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.