Quote:
Originally Posted by JHikka
The problem I have with Ottawa's project is that the current library is already in an ideal location. It doesn't get more central than where it currently is. They could be like Edmonton and refurbish and renovate (perhaps with a better exterior result), or even add more levels atop, all while maintaining the primary factor that should be key for every library: a community-focused location easily accessible by all. Instead they've decided to bury it and hundreds of millions at the bottom of the hill with worse transit access surrounded by effectively greenfield. A downgrade if there ever was one, given what they currently have.
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For sure, the current location is far better. More accessible to thousands of residents and workers. They did explore renovating the current branch, but decided against it. They figured might as well spend a bit more for a new building. In hindsight, probably not the best move from a financial stand point.
The City did try, about 5-10 years ago, to buy land on Lyon at Albert, but were unable to close a deal.
As for the chosen location, the current library is sort of lost in the middle of the CBD. No plazas, parks or open spaces. The new library will be in a more prominent location in the hill between the Escarpment District and the Flats. The Flats will be redeveloped, with nearly the entire east side complete around the same time as the library itself (Claridge is now starting the next phase of development on their side and NCC will be unveiling the winning bid to redevelop the land between the library and Pimisi station). Within 25 years, the Flats should be fully built-out.
That said, I do hope that the City opens a community branch for the CBD or Centretown to make up for the loss of the current central library.