Ontario Construction News staff writer
Guelph will receive $13.5 million for construction of a new central library, MP Lloyd Longfield and Mayor Cam Guthrie announced last week.
The 88,000-sq. ft. building will transform the Baker Street municipal parking lot and replace the current central library which opened in 1965.
“The Green and Inclusive Community Building program funding will help Guelph in building a new, state-of-the-art, fully accessible main library to replace the current library, which no longer meets the needs of the community,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “The funding will help us reduce capital costs while building a net-zero carbon facility, bringing Guelph closer to meeting our commitment to become a net zero carbon community by 2050.”
As a net-zero carbon facility, sustainability and climate resiliency are key factors in the design. Also, included backup power sources and heating will help the building operate as an emergency shelter, as it will be constructed to withstand severe weather events.
The Green and Inclusive Community Building (GICB) program aims to improve the places Canadians work, learn, play, live and come together by cutting pollution, reducing costs, and supporting thousands of good jobs. Through green and other upgrades to existing public community buildings and new builds in underserved communities, the GICB program helps ensure community facilities are inclusive, accessible, and have a long service life, while also helping Canada move towards its net-zero objectives by 2050.
“Cities across Canada are turning to these inclusive building types to revitalize their downtowns, boost visitors, and enhance access to information and resources, said MP Longfield. “Guelph’s new central library will help contribute to a thriving community as a hub that will inspire residents to learn and explore for years to come.”
The federal government is investing $13.5 million in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program and the City of Guelph is contributing more than $51.4 million.
The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program is now closed.