The Ottawa Public Library is recommending building its new central branch, in partnership with Library and Archives Canada ,on the city-owned site at 557 Wellington Street.
A report from Ottawa Public Library staff, released Thursday, says the City should enter into a partnership to build a joint facility on the site, west of Bronson Avenue and near the future Pimisi LRT station at Lebreton Flats.
Staff say the joint facility on the eastern portion of the site would cost $168 million in total, but the library's share would be $99 million.
According to the report, building a joint facility makes more sense, because it saves $13 million.
Staff say the building would be 216,000 square feet, with great views and natural lighting - the Ottawa Public Library would get about 60 per cent of the space and Library and Archives Canada would get 40 per cent.
As for location, the report touts the site's accessibility noting that is 290 metres from Pimisi Station at Lebreton Station and 50 metres from Bronson.
The Cost
While the city portion of the building is $99 million, the City says it's confident it can bring the cost down.
Staff say the cost will be offset by selling the current library property, through a capital fundraising campaign and by getting funding from the federal government.
Ottawa Centre MP Catherine McKenna ran on a promise to fight for federal infrastructure money for a bigger central library branch and board chair Coun. Tim Tierney says he's counting on her to follow through.
"The mayor has already engaged the minister and we look forward to working in partnership with all levels of government," says Tierney.
The $99 million price tag does not include the cost of a parking facility.
The report says a detailed study into parking requirements is required, before staff have an accurate idea of how much parking will cost - though a garage is an estimated $19 million.
The Look
The report describes the library as an iconic, landmark building that is four floors above ground with modern lighting and beautiful views.
Staff envision a building with a main entrance and town square, complete with meeting spaces and a cafe, as well as shared outdoor space for programs and activities.
Once inside, the report says the library will feature an exhibition gallery for unique Library and Archives Canada collections, meeting spaces, and a Genealogy Centre with one-of-a-kind research space.
Staff expect the new library would draw in bigger crowds of about 5,000 visits a day. Currently the old branch on Metalfe St. sees about 1,700 visits a day.
The Timeline
The report released on Thursday asks city council to approve a partnership with Library and Archives Canada, but a contract won't be awarded until council has approved the relationship agreement.
Staff are also asking the City look into parking requirements for the library, in order to figure out how much is needed. It must report back to the library board and city council by March of 2018.
The report also directs the City to start looking at how to dispose of the current, dilapidated branch at 120 Metcalfe St. and to report back.
The City expects construction could begin in 2019, and the library could open in 2022.