Ādisōke [Ottawa's New Central Library] | U/C

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by lrt's friend

Remember the few years when the Civic Centre was renamed each year. I could never remember what the latest name was.

Wasn't it called the "Bob's Cartage Centre" or something at one point?

[rocketphish]

5 Things: Ideas for a merged Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada

Joanne Laucius, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: January 13, 2016 | Last Updated: January 13, 2016 6:21 PM EST



Bibliophiles rejoice. In a surprise announcement Tuesday, the Ottawa Public Library said it had a memorandum of understanding with Library and Archives Canada that the two will explore a partnership to build and share a new building downtown.

It’s still too soon to say what the replacement for OPL’s main branch might look like. Discussions won’t begin until next week and there is no site, no architect and no money yet. But in a wide-ranging interview on Wednesday, Canada’s chief librarian and archivist Guy Berthiaume offered some hints about what’s important to him:

1. A page from Montreal’s Grande Bibliotèque: Though the proposed partnership is unprecedented, those who want to know more could look to the merger of Quebec’s national archives and Montreal’s main municipal library. Since opening 10 years ago, the Grand Bibliotèque has become that city’s predominant cultural centre. The Bilbliotèque had three million visitors in 2009, more than all the cultural institutions in Montreal added together, even with the Bell Centre thrown in, says Berthiaume, who was the Bibliotèque’s chair and chief executive from 2009 to 2014. He points out that a public library, which lends materials to cardholders, and a national library, which collects and protects documents of historical importance, are two different things. In the Bibliotèque’s case, combining the two was “a stroke of genius,” he says. “People would walk in to borrow a Sylvester Stallone movie and see the exhibition about (Quebec actor-director) Robert Lepage. People will get drawn in.”
2. Location, location, location: When Montreal’s Grande Bibliotèque was being planned, then-Quebec premier Lucien Bouchard insisted that $141.6-million project be built on top of a subway station on Boulevard de Maisonneuve Est. “Because of the winters we have in Montreal. You didn’t even have to go outside,” says Berthiaume. The cost and size of Ottawa’s new central library has been pegged at $86 million and 132,000 square feet. The partnership with Library and Archives Canada would increase that scope. Berthiaume says his institution would need about 65,000 square feet. Library and Archives Canada would vacate part of the building it currently occupies at 395 Wellington St., which is rented by Public Works, and apply its rent to the new building, he says. It’s too soon to say how the whole project will be funded — a report from the city released last summer identified four ways to structure it, including partnering with a private sector consortium. The land could be owned by the developer or the city. Seven city-owned sites have been identified, including 557 Wellington St., just east of the new Pimisi LRT station. It’s also a little outside the downtown precinct, and moving the central branch out of the core is a contentious issue. Berthiaume has this to say about location: In Montreal, people who lived farther away didn’t complain about distance, as long as they had subway access. Meanwhile, he wants any joint project with the Ottawa Public Library to be near the current Library and Archives Canada location at 395 Wellington St. “It would have to be as close as possible to where we are now,” he says. “We need to keep the clients we have now and acquire more.”
3. Exhibition space: Library and Archives Canada has thousands of intriguing documents and materials in its collection, ranging from the archives of prime ministers, diplomats and authors to government files on UFOs and collections of sports equipment. Library and Archives Canada is currently running an exhibition on hockey players during the First World War, with exhibitions on the Métis and Canada’s Second World War-era comic book industry in the works. More space would just add to the scope for exhibitions.
4. Genealogy brings traffic: With its collection of birth, death and marriage certificates, military records and immigration documents, Archives and Library Canada attracts thousands of amateur genealogists. The Ottawa Public Library has its own collection of materials of interest to genealogists. Berthiaume sees a synergy there, and would like to see a genealogical centre in the new central library.
5. Innovative architecture pays: The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. Yes, Berthiaume mentioned it. “I can see something like the Guggenheim in Bilbao. People would come just to see the building,” he said, referring to the stone, glass and titanium museum designed by architect Frank Gehry. The museum, which opened in 1997, attracted accolades from architecture critics — and tourists brought an economic infusion to the region. There’s even a term for this revitalization: the “Bilbao effect.” Daring architecture has also proved to be a big draw for recent central library projects, says Berthiaume. “It happened in Halifax and Amsterdam. If we create something iconic in the heart of the city, people will come.”

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news...-library-and-library-and-archives-canada

[waterloowarrior]

Very exciting to hear his vision for the site... make it happen Justin!

[lrt's friend]

The existing LAC building was designed for document preservation. That is why so many of the windows as so tiny. It can still serve that purpose. But the public interface could and should be modernized.

I think Ottawa has the possibility of developing a building like no other city in the country because it incorporates a national institution.

I hope they invest in architecture and create a bright and airy building that people will want to visit from across the country.

The Public Library will be able to attract national visitors like never before and so it will become even more popular than ever.

I keep my fingers crossed that this turns into a great project and not another disappointment. With a Liberal government looking for investment, this becomes much more possible than with the previous Conservative government that just seemed to have contempt for Ottawa.

[m0nkyman]

People familiar with Library and Archives Canada are leery of this https://twitter.com/Bibliocracy/status/687315063112372224 . And I'm leery of Ottawa, once again, using the Federal government's largesse as an excuse to cheap out.

Until it's proved otherwise, I'm very nervous that this will be a game of who can rid themselves of the most expense.

[acottawa]

Citizen article says they need 65,000 sq ft in the new building (about 6000 sq m). Current building 36,000 sq m (as per TBS site). If the Tories had proposed this there would be all kinds of vitriol from the people praising it.

The guy in charge of the LAC did a similar thing in Montreal and seems to know what he is doing, so I am reasonably optimistic. Also, anything that would cause that neo-fascist monstrosity on Wellington to meet the business end of a wrecking ball can only be good for the city.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by lrt's friend

The existing LAC building was designed for document preservation. That is why so many of the windows as so tiny. It can still serve that purpose. But the public interface could and should be modernized.

Most of the preservation function has now been moved to the Gatineau hangar.

I have some concerns about the governance and mission of a joint project. They can be overcome, I guess.

[rocketphish]

Group wants more public input in library location

Joanne Laucius, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: January 13, 2016 | Last Updated: January 13, 2016 10:57 AM EST

A citizens’ group that wants the Ottawa Public Library to build its new central branch in the downtown core says there should be more opportunities for public input before a site is chosen.

Bookmark the Core, which has about 20 members and the support of 10 community groups, say its fears the new branch will be at 557 Wellington St., a location identified by the city last year, without giving the public more of a chance to consider other options.

The group’s co-founder Sarah Anson-Cartwright says while the library has commissioned surveys and focus groups abut the project, the last public consultation was in March 2015 — and there was no mention of location at the time. She wants a second public open house.

“A component of engaging the public has to be to explain what central libraries are and how they have been envisioned in other cities,” said Emilie Tamen, a member of Bookmark the Core who ran as an NDP candidate in Ottawa-Vanier in the recent federal election.

Last July, city council endorsed a plan to build a new central branch to replace the aging Metcalfe Street library. A city-owned site at 557 Wellington St., just east of where the Pimisi light-rail station will be located, was identified as the “preferred site” along with four ways to structure the project, including partnering with a private sector consortium to design and construct the new branch on land owned by the city or a developer.

On Tuesday, the library board announced that it had a memorandum of understanding with Library and Archives Canada to explore a partnership that would include building a joint facility.

Bookmark the Core has argued from the beginning that 557 Wellington, which is just west of Bronson Avenue, is too far west from the downtown precinct.

“The purpose isn’t just to serve the catchment area, but to serve as a meeting place, a haven from the elements,” she said. “That’s not to say that the central branch’s current location is perfect, but it’s more truly central. We have visions of people going skating on the canal, then going to the library for a hot chocolate.”

Cities that are smaller than Ottawa have larger central libraries, Bookmark the Core argues. Halifax has a 132,000 square foot library, just slightly smaller than the one proposed for Ottawa, while Winnipeg’s is 189,000 square feet.

Library board chair Tim Tierney said the location of the library is not a foregone conclusion — and there will be more consultation. The potential partnership with Library and Archives Canad could produce something bigger and better than the city had first envisioned, he said.

“There are a lot of synergies that we could bring together.”

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news...ts-more-public-input-in-library-location

[phil235]

Originally Posted by acottawa

Citizen article says they need 65,000 sq ft in the new building (about 6000 sq m). Current building 36,000 sq m (as per TBS site). If the Tories had proposed this there would be all kinds of vitriol from the people praising it.

Doesn't the article say that they are only planning to vacate part of the current building? Not sure that is a valid comparison.

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

CTV Ottawa
Published Thursday, January 14, 2016 3:19PM EST
Last Updated Thursday, January 14, 2016 3:57PM EST

Sources have confirmed to CTV Ottawa that libraries are part of the two remaining proposals to redevelop LeBreton Flats.

Last month, CTV Ottawa learned both remaining bids plan to include an NHL calibre rink.

The request for proposals went out in February 2015 after the National Capital Commission announced it was looking to make LeBreton Flats a bold, new anchor institution for the City of Ottawa. Now, nearly one year later, only two proposals remain.

The NCC released details of the two remaining proposals last month, one from Rendez Vous LeBreton Group - a partner with the Ottawa Senators - and DCDLS Group, formerly Devcore group.

Earlier this week, the Ottawa Public Library announced they are working with Library and Archives Canada on a possible partnership for a new central library branch. Talks are still in the early stages.

A public consultation on these proposals is scheduled for January 26th and 27th, 2016. Comments can be submitted after the initial consultation until February 8th, 2016.

[acottawa]

Originally Posted by phil235

Doesn't the article say that they are only planning to vacate part of the current building? Not sure that is a valid comparison.

They have also said the plan is to redirect the rent they pay to pwgsc to pay rent to Ottawa. It seems a little unlikely they can vacate 1/6 of the current building, get their rent reduced enough to pay for the Ottawa project and then need a major renovation on the existing building for the other 5/6. More likely opl will be the front office and much of the back office will be relocated to other facilities

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by rocketphish

Group wants more public input in library location

Joanne Laucius, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: January 13, 2016 | Last Updated: January 13, 2016 10:57 AM EST

Bookmark the Core has argued from the beginning that 557 Wellington, which is just west of Bronson Avenue, is too far west from the downtown precinct.

“The purpose isn’t just to serve the catchment area, but to serve as a meeting place, a haven from the elements,” she said. “That’s not to say that the central branch’s current location is perfect, but it’s more truly central. We have visions of people going skating on the canal, then going to the library for a hot chocolate.”

Cities that are smaller than Ottawa have larger central libraries, Bookmark the Core argues. Halifax has a 132,000 square foot library, just slightly smaller than the one proposed for Ottawa, while Winnipeg’s is 189,000 square feet.

Library board chair Tim Tierney said the location of the library is not a foregone conclusion — and there will be more consultation. The potential partnership with Library and Archives Canad could produce something bigger and better than the city had first envisioned, he said.

“There are a lot of synergies that we could bring together.”

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news...ts-more-public-input-in-library-location

In terms of location, we're pretty limited. The only place we have room to spare is Bayview (similar to the location of Montreal's Grande Bibliothèque; outside the historic core, on the crossroads of multiple transit lines) or LeBreton (even more of a possibility with the revelations today).

There is little to no room east of the Canal. In the CBD, the only possible location would be Brookfield's parking lot on Queen at Kent, which is still fairly small and limits the impact such a library could have as a grand architectural landmark (dwarfed by 200-300 foot office towers).

In terms of size, that's a comment I've made before. Why was the City aiming to build something about the size of Halifax's new library when we have 3 times the population?

And with the LAC on board we shouldn't just piggy back by building 132,000 + 65,000 and say "hey, bigger than Halifax". An Ottawa+Federal library should be around 300,000+.

[Aylmer]

An examination of some sites I think might be possible:

1. Archives
We could demolish or reuse/expand the existing building. It has a dramatic view of both Parliament and the river as well as a prominent location on Wellington.

2. Escarpment
A new library could be placed either overlooking the escarpment at the end of Queen st. or be placed beside the Park of the provinces along what used to be lower Sparks St. Both would have prominent locations close to both greenspace and downtown(-ish) and would have the added benefit of bridging the gap between downtown and Lebreton.

3. Kent/Queen
I'm not a fan of this site if only because the area is already so built up and claustrophobic. But it is right on top of a LRT station.

4. City Hall
Sorry, rink of dreams and sad-looking yellow grass -
I think that Marion Dewar Plaza is a 'park' we could quite well do without: too much open space creates a void which, beyond its empty blandness, also serves as a chasm between Sandy Hill/uOttawa and downtown. I think it would be a prime location for a new library - not too far from the current one, atop parking and spacious.

5. Plaza Bridge
This would be the most prominent and risky location. Either facing onto Confederation Square in that weird triangular patch of grass next to the canal and the NAC or in/beside old Union Station. It would be a challenge to incorporate these buildings into the surroundings, but if done correctly, it could be very rewarding: it would help bridge the well-trafficked gap between downtown and Lowertown/market/Rideau, it would be VERY central and accessible and it would offer fantastic views of the core. If I could pick any location, this would be it.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by Aylmer

3. Kent/Queen
I'm not a fan of this site if only because the area is already so built up and claustrophobic. But it is right on top of a LRT station.

Not dissimilar to the Vancouver liberry, but yeah, this is a bit of a stinky location overall.

5. Plaza Bridge
This would be the most prominent and risky location. Either facing onto Confederation Square in that weird triangular patch of grass next to the canal and the NAC or in/beside old Union Station. It would be a challenge to incorporate these buildings into the surroundings, but if done correctly, it could be very rewarding: it would help bridge the well-trafficked gap between downtown and Lowertown/market/Rideau, it would be VERY central and accessible and it would offer fantastic views of the core. If I could pick any location, this would be it.

Isn't the NCC - for reasons unknown to anyone, answering to a demand that does not exist - already married to the idea of "opening up" the "view" of the cenotaph?

[acottawa]

I know Ottawa has a tradition that buildings must be surrounded by grass and surface parking, but it is also possible to integrate buildings into cities. The Stauffer Library at Queen's (230k sq ft) is bigger than the 132k the city wants and 65k LAC wants fits comfortably into a 120x100 block. Many downtown sites could accommodate a building that size.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by acottawa

They have also said the plan is to redirect the rent they pay to pwgsc to pay rent to Ottawa. It seems a little unlikely they can vacate 1/6 of the current building, get their rent reduced enough to pay for the Ottawa project and then need a major renovation on the existing building for the other 5/6. More likely opl will be the front office and much of the back office will be relocated to other facilities

I can't imagine that OPL is thinking that it will only be front office, as the cetnral library is planned to be the hub of the system, and contains by far the largest part of the collection.

I expect that the synergies they are talking about relate to the portions of the building used for events, programs, reading rooms etc. There is quite a bit of overlap there, and those parts could be enhanced with two sources of funding.

[acottawa]

Originally Posted by phil235

I can't imagine that OPL is thinking that it will only be front office, as the cetnral library is planned to be the hub of the system, and contains by far the largest part of the collection.

I expect that the synergies they are talking about relate to the portions of the building used for events, programs, reading rooms etc. There is quite a bit of overlap there, and those parts could be enhanced with two sources of funding.

Sorry, I meant LAC's front office, with most of their collection at more specialized storage facilities. OPL I assume is still planning their main branch.

[OTSkyline]

I prefer #3 bounded by Queen, Kent and Albert. To me this is central, downtown and very accessible from the confederation line and buses. Not sure who owns what downtown but there is the large swat of land right now being used as a portal for the downtown tunnel and the large surface parking lot right to the south of it. Together, these two pieces of land are huge enough for a large central library.

What I would like to see is a large and architecturally innovative building in the middle of that block and a wide plaza surrounding the library. Think of concrete, benches, waterfalls, etc... The large set back from the actual streets will provide a "breathable" space in the lot-to-lot downtown and would be a great gathering spots for residents and downtown workers, add a couple of food vendors in the summer, this could have potential. Think of Trafalgar square, Nathan Phillips Square, etc... Lots of examples to use

[eemy]

I still dream about the old Union Station being renovated and expanded into a library. Preserve the front half and then fill in the block with a modern addition that would extend around the east side facing the Rideau Centre.

I'm sure heritage rules are probably too strict to allow this, but I would demolish the back half, basically keeping the part from the Great Hall to Rideau St. and replace the rest with a larger addition that would provide the bulk of the necessary space.

[Robedav]

Does the City Of Ottawa own the 2 half-block parcels of land on which the old Tech High School sits? If so, that might be an interesting site for the combined library.