New public library recommended for west of Bronson Avenue

The Ottawa Public Library board is recommending that a new central branch be built on city-owned land just west of Bronson Avenue.

The board revealed Thursday afternoon that it's recommending the new branch be built in partnership with Library and Archives Canada, on a site at 557 Wellington Street.

The $168-million facility would be built about 300 metres on the future Pimisi LRT station at LeBreton Flats.

Under the proposal, the Ottawa Public Library would get about 60 per cent of the space and Library and Archives Canada would get 40 per cent.

The City expects construction could begin in 2019, and the library could open in 2022.

Staff had been looking at 12 potential sites stretching from LeBreton Flats to an area in the Rideau-Vanier Ward.

The Ottawa Public Library board is said to have narrowed down the list from 12 sites to three in a closed-door meeting back in August.

More to come.

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  Ottawa Public Library board picks 557 Wellington St., west of Bronson, as proposed site for new central library. The area is bounded by Confederation Line, Albert and Commissioner.

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  Ottawa Public Library board picks 'site 8' as the proposed site for new central library. The address is 557 Wellington St and is bounded by Confederation Line, Albert and Commissioner. (City of Ottawa)