Price tag for Ottawa's new main library at LeBreton Flats jumps by $131 million
The cost to build Ottawa's new central library at LeBreton Flats has increased by $131-million as the project is hit by escalating construction costs.
A report for the finance and economic development committee says the city of Ottawa needs to cover an additional $65 million to build the new super library project between the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada.
The new library, named 'Adisoke', was originally expected to cost $175 million, with the city covering $104 million, plus an additional $18 million for an underground parking garage.
After the city reviewed the bids from the two pre-qualified general contractors, the price tag is now $334 million including the cost of the parking garage. The cost of the parking garage jumped an extra $10 million to $28 million.
Staff say the two bids from EllisDon and PCL Construction, include the fixed price proposed for the facility.
"The low-price bid from PCL Construction results in an increase of $64 million to the OPL/City costs of the building, from $104 million to $168 million (not including parking and retail fit-up costs, which are recoverable through revenue, or City’s capital budget transfer)," says a report for the Ottawa Public Library Board.
Staff say the difference between the initial estimate of $193 million and the actual cost of $334 million can be directly attributed to an escalation in the construction market.
"Canada is experiencing a significant increase in construction costs due to COVID-19 impacts," said the report.
"A combination of material shortages and commodity escalation, supply chain slowdowns and pressures, labour implications and a superheated construction market, have all been described by the Ottawa Construction Association (OCA) and observed in recent City tenders."
City staff recommend borrowing $36 million, using library surplus funds and tap into an additional $12 million from the library city-wide development charges to help cover the additonal costs.
The finance and economic development committee is being asked to approve an additional $1.2 million for food and beverage spaces, which staff say will be recovered through retail revenues.
The report also says the new Adisoke is now scheduled to reopen in mid-2026 instead of the initial plan of 2025.
Both the Ottawa Public Library Board and the finance and economic development committee will discuss the issues on Tuesday.
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.
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.
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.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
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.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
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.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.