Officials overseeing construction of the city’s new central library say it’s on track for completion by mid-2026, but added that the work schedule for the project remains “fluid” because of the structure’s massive scale and complexity.
The latest update on Ādisōke, a $334-million collaboration between the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada, was presented to the Ottawa Public Library Board on June 10.
According to its website, the joint facility on Albert Street at the eastern edge of LeBreton Flats “will bring together the rich collections of a world-class public library and a national institution under one roof, giving life to the stories and histories that connect us.”
The city is spending $201 million on the project, while Library and Archives Canada has committed $132.7 million. Officially announced in 2018, the new central library was expected at that time to cost just under $193 million and to be completed by late 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic was largely blamed for construction delays and soaring costs.
The library’s name, Ādisōke, means “storytelling” in Anishinaabemowin Algonquin. It is designed to be a “modern, sustainable” facility and a must-see destination for the National Capital Region.
Ādisōke will feature galleries, auditoriums, a restaurant, a community kitchen and a gift shop, among other spaces to explore. Ādisōke will also incorporate artwork from Indigenous creators across the country in both the facility’s interior and exterior.
The exterior of Ādisōke is nearing completion, with the installation of all windows and the wooden roof recently finished. Still, there is plenty of work to be done before the library is ready for the public.
A report presented to the board highlighted several construction milestones, including:
• “significant progress” on installation of solar panels and other exterior elements;
• installation of all bird-friendly windows, “which showcase Indigenous public art commissions;”
• removal of scaffolding has begun, revealing the building’s façade;
• custom wood millwork continues in the atrium and along staircases;
• designation of the Ādisōke project with Preconstruction (Design) Gold
level accessibility certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation.
“The construction site remains very active with contractors working on the exterior of the building,” Tara Blasioli, the library project manager, told the library board. “This work includes stonework, wood siding, roofing details, and we will soon begin site landscaping.”
Construction is expected to be completed in time for a summer 2026 opening for the public.
Concerns about further construction delays were raised recently during a city finance committee meeting. Blasioli addressed the issue at the OPL board meeting.
“Construction schedules on projects of this complexity are inherently fluid and fluctuations are normal,” Blasioli said. “I want to assure the board that there are no foundational problems or structural issues with the building.”
Blasioli said contractors signalled a “pressure” relating to the interiors of the library that could eventually put the project behind schedule. Currently, though, no changes have been made to the anticipated schedule, which has the oversight of third-party experts.
The city and OPL are ultimately focused on getting the project right, said Blasioli.
“We are very focused on quality; this remains of utmost importance,” she said. “We want to make sure that all the complex elements that form part of this project are to the standard that we expect. Things need to be done right, and this work can’t be rushed.”
In the months leading up to the opening of Ādisōke, the OPL and LAC will begin the process of deciding what items to move from their current facilities to the new central location.
“As you can see, staff are working hard to ensure that the opening of Ādisōke is a success,” Craig Ginther, service planning division manager of the OPL, told library board members.
“That depends on ongoing collaboration with Library and Archives Canada and Tara’s team and the project management office at the city, who are working tirelessly to host your future central branch,” said Ginther.
