Ottawa Public Library outlines 18 branches to build or renovate over next 20 years

Ādisōke, Ottawa's new central library on June 3, 2025. The 216,000 sq. ft., five-floor facility features many public spaces, shared between the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada. (CTV News Ottawa)

The Ottawa Public Library is looking to build, renovate or relocate 18 branches over the next 20 years to address current demands and future growth needs.

A report for the Ottawa Public Library Board outlines the facilities master plan for the library.

Staff say the plan addresses “legacy gaps, projected gaps based on growth, and needs for existing facilities.”

The top priority for the Ottawa Public Library is Ādisōke, the new main library branch at LeBreton Flats. The project is a partnership between the City of Ottawa and Library and Archives Canada.

Here is the list of 17 other projects for growth, expansion and renewal in the anticipated order of priority over the next 20 years.

• Greenboro – Renewing the Greenbroro branch that is connected to the Diane Deans Community Centre. Work is anticipated for 2026/27.
• Old Hunt Club – Staff say the area has a “legacy gap for library services,” resulting in the need to utilize capital funds for this branch. The report recommends the project be carried out within the next five years using a leased approach.
• Elmvale Acres - Staff recommend exploring opportunities to expand the branch to provide additional space for the community
• Sunnyside - Exterior lifecycle work at the branch 70-year-old branch is scheduled for 2027. Staff are exploring potential relocation or redevelopment opportunities in the longer term.
• Riverside - The Riverside South Community Centre, Library and Core District Park is in design development. The library is designated as a growth project. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.
• Barrhaven -  In 2022, the library board approved the design and construction of a new branch in the Barrhaven community to take the place of the Ruth E. Dickinson Branch. The new branch is scheduled to open in 2030.
• Ruth E. Dickinson - Staff recommend a feasibility study to maintain a reduced presence at the current location.
• Richmond - Staff recommend that the branch be redeveloped and increased in size to better suit the demands of this growing community.
• Centennial - Staff recommend the branch undergo a redevelopment to improve operational challenges, address accessibility limitations in the washrooms, and modernize the facility’s interior. The possible relocation of the branch is also being considered.
• East Urban - Staff are looking for a library to serve Orléans, Cumberland, and surrounding areas.
• Vanier - Staff recommend the library undergo renewal within the next 10 years.
• Carp - Staff recommend investing in the existing infrastructure of the branch and undertaking a renewal of the facility within the next 10 years.
• Findlay Creek/Leitrim - Staff are exploring the feasibility of a partnership with city partners to redevelop existing city-owned land for a 15,000 sq. ft. local library branch with a community centre. The project is expected to be completed within the next 10 years.
• Carlingwood - The Ottawa Public Library is looking at the relocation or redevelopment of the existing branch.
• Bayshore - Staff say, “current options being explored include partnering with other organizations and leasing opportunities.”
• Emerald Plaza - the library is looking at options for a redevelopment of the existing branch or relocation of the branch. The current lease expires in March 2028.
• Vars - Staff recommend a new facility in Vars within the next 20 years.

“The schedule reflects ongoing work, as well as projected and recommended activities,” staff said.

“The anticipated order can and will shift based on opportunities and other factors, such as availability and type of funding required, operating costs, potential offsets, and staff capacity.”

The report notes Development Charges from development are the primary funding source for growth at the Ottawa Public Library. The Ottawa Public Library Board will approve projects within the facilities master plan, including costs and funding through the budget process.