Key Takeaways
- The planned disōke central library in Ottawa will not open to the public in 2026 due to ongoing delays
- The contractor continues to report delays, but the city’s director of infrastructure services assures that the project is not in jeopardy
- The project has a budget of $334 million and will replace the main branch at Metcalfe Street and Laurier Avenue W.
- The new central library will feature a heritage workshop, retail space, main floor café, kitchen space, and gift shop
- The project’s design and name are a result of collaboration with nearby First Nations Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg and Pikwakanagan
Introduction to the Delay
The City of Ottawa’s plans to open the new disōke central library to the public in 2026 have been put on hold due to ongoing delays reported by the contractor. Carina Duclos, the city’s director of infrastructure services, broke the news to councillors on Tuesday, citing that the project is still a priority, but the timeline has been pushed back. Duclos did not provide a new timeline or explain the reasons behind the latest delay, but assured councillors that the project is not in jeopardy. The news comes as a disappointment to many, as the project has already experienced previous delays, with the initial expected opening date being 2024, and then summer 2026.
Project Background
The disōke central library is a joint project between the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada, with a budget of $334 million. The library will replace the main branch at Metcalfe Street and Laurier Avenue W., which was built in the mid-1970s. The new library will feature a heritage workshop dedicated to Library and Archives Canada, with rare collections, as well as a retail space, main floor café, kitchen space on the fifth floor, and a gift shop. The library’s design and name, disōke, which means "storytelling" in Algonquin, are a result of collaboration with nearby First Nations Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg and Pikwakanagan. The project is expected to be a state-of-the-art facility, providing a modern and welcoming space for the community to access knowledge, resources, and services.
Reasons Behind the Delay
Kitchissippi ward Coun. Jeff Leiper asked Duclos about the reasons behind the current delays and whether they were the same as the challenges cited this past summer. Duclos replied that the city has been working closely with the contractor and partner since June and has been able to do a deeper dive into the reasons for the delay. However, she added that the reasons cannot be disclosed in a public session, citing legal implications. This lack of transparency has raised concerns among councillors, with Leiper expressing discomfort with discussing some of the details behind closed doors. The council subsequently went in camera to discuss the matter further.
Commitment to Completion
Despite the delays, Duclos emphasized the city’s commitment to completing the project. "Work on site continues with great focus and care and without losing sight of our common goal," she said. "We are committed to working with all partners to get this project across the finish line." Duclos also noted that even after construction is completed, there will still be substantial work to be done before the library can open to the public. "Nothing should be rushed," she said, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the library is ready for the community. The city’s commitment to the project is reassuring, but the ongoing delays have raised concerns about the project’s timeline and budget.
Conclusion
The delay in the opening of the disōke central library is a setback for the community, but the city’s commitment to completing the project is a positive sign. The library’s design and features are a result of collaboration with nearby First Nations, and it is expected to be a valuable resource for the community. While the reasons behind the delay are not yet clear, the city’s assurance that the project is not in jeopardy is reassuring. As the project continues to move forward, it is essential to ensure that the community is informed and involved in the process. The disōke central library has the potential to be a vibrant and inclusive space, and it is crucial that the city delivers on its promise to provide a state-of-the-art facility for the community to enjoy.
