Ādisōke library project needs additional $18.5 million

A photo of the Adisoke library as presented to Ottawa's finance and corporate services committee on Dec. 2, 2025. (City of Ottawa)

Taxpayers are being asked to chip in another $18.5 million to build Ottawa’s new central library at LeBreton Flats, as construction is expected to be completed 12 months behind schedule.

The $334 million Ādisōke library is a joint project between the City of Ottawa and Library and Archives Canada and will replace the current Ottawa Public Library’s main branch on Metcalfe Street.

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The library was initially expected to open this summer, but councillors were told in December that the library would not open in 2026, as the contractor reported delays and pressures on the timeline.

In a report for the finance and corporate services committee meeting on June 2, staff said construction of Ādisōke “continues to advance steadily” and the project is now 85 per cent complete.

“The building structure is complete and enclosed, and work is now well underway on interior finishes, building systems, and exterior landscaping,” staff said.

However, the report says the most recent schedule from the contractor indicates completion in December 2026, approximately 12 months past the contractual substation completion date of Jan 2, 2026, and there is no mention of an opening date to the public.

“The extended construction timeline results in additional project costs,” staff said.

“Continued project oversight, including external resources, and an increase to construction contingency, are required to maintain continuity and rigorous quality control, and to ensure that Ādisōke is delivered to the community as envisioned an exceptional civic and cultural facility that meets the highest standards of quality and performance.”

The report for the finance and corporate services committee recommends councillors approve an additional budget authority of $18.5 million, with the City of Ottawa covering $11.5 million and Library and Archives Canada paying $7 million.

Staff say the funding will support two components – continued oversight and supporting services to “maintain continuity of the project team” and provide a top-up to the construction contingency budget.

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