Federal infrastructure funding to build and renovate Ottawa libraries

Congratulations to the Ottawa Public Library on its success in securing funding from the Federal Infrastructure Stimulus program to support five library capital projects under the Cultural Infrastructure category including the building of a new library in Greely.

Of the $376 million dollars announced for projects in the City of Ottawa, $4.725 million is for library projects.

Ottawa Public Library News Release

Ottawa – The Ottawa Public Library has been successful in its request to the Federal Infrastructure Stimulus program to support five library capital projects under the Cultural Infrastructure category including the building of a new library in Greely.

Total funding announced today from all three levels of government is $4.725 million. Jan Harder, Chair of the Ottawa Public Library Board said, “I couldn’t be more excited. This important investment in Ottawa’s libraries is a wonderful surprise and will really strengthen our branch network in every sector of the city. It’s a real tri-level government partnership and I thank my fellow councillors and all our area-wide elected MPs and MPPs for being so supportive of our request.”

The projects include:

Greely Branch: building of a new public library facility for the village of Greely. Greely is not only the fastest growing rural village in the City of Ottawa but one of the fastest growing in Ontario. From 2003 to 2005, Greely’s population increased from just over 4,000 to just over 7,000 and growth is continuing. Library circulation has doubled since amalgamation. The new library of approximately 3,000 square feet will replace the current library space of 861 square feet.

Amount: $1,200,000

Alta Vista Branch: Retrofit to install self-serve technology, redesign entranceway and service desks, install accessible washrooms, plus re-carpeting and repainting of the whole facility.

Amount: $750,000

Cumberland Branch: a retrofit to include the reconfiguration of the entrance, circulation areas and service desks to permit the addition of self-check units; a new security system, expanded areas for heavy-use collections and displays and a more efficient flow of traffic through the facility.

Amount: $750,000

Vanier Branch: retrofit including the addition of an elevator to make the building fully accessibly to all users who are unable who are currently unable to use stairs to reach the collections and services housed on the second floor.

Amount: $750,000

Sunnyside Branch: renovation of the facility to increase functionality and accessibility to prolong the life and usability of the building including a retrofit of the washrooms, the addition of a multipurpose meeting room for both children and adults, the revitalization of the children’s area, improvement of the operational flow of materials. Community support has already been secured from community associations for new furniture.

Amount: $1,275,000

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For more information:
Jan Harder, Chair Ottawa Public Library Board
Councillor, Ottawa City Council
Cell: 613-668-9600

Barbara Clubb, City Librarian
613-580-2424 x32180 / Cell: 613-299-7282