Ottawa Public Library reveals 12 potential sites for flagship location

The Ottawa PublicLibrary revealed thesites that could potentially become the location ofitsnew flagship central library on Wednesday.The twelve proposed sites include both public and privately owned properties.

Eight of the locationswere brought forward through the request for expressions of interest process that tookplace in the fall of 2015.

In May, the library heldtwoin-person sessionsat city hallto come up with alist of criteria to evaluate possible sites.

The library board decided in June 2015the new main branch would not be inat the same location asthe current one.

"The new central librarywill be a new build. So, we will no longer be here at 120 Metcalfe," saidDanielle McDonald, CEO of the Ottawa Public Library.

Here are the 12 potential sites (see map below)

1. Site bounded by George, Rideau and Cumberland.
2. Site bounded by Daly, Mackenzie King and Nicholas.
3. Site bounded by Slater, Laurier and Bank.
4. Site bounded by Queen, Albert and Kent.
5. Site bounded by Queen, Albert and Lyon.
6. Site bounded by Albert, Slater and Lyon.
7. Mid-block betweenSlater, Laurier, Bronson and Bay.
8. Site bounded byConfederation Line, Albert and Commissioner.
9. Site bounded by Confederation Line, Albert and Booth.
10. Site bounded by Phase 1 LeBreton Flats Development and Booth.
11. Site bounded by Confederation Line, Albert and Booth.
12. Site bounded by Scott, Trillium Line and City Centre.

Although thelibrary announced in January itwas working inpartnership with Library and Archives Canadaon the project, McDonald said the board decided to prepare two separateplanning paths in case the collaboration fell through.

"We're convinced that it's a very unique opportunity ... to create a richcustomer experience," said McDonald.

"But at the same time, just in case we come to the end of the road and things aren't rightwe have a fallback. We haven't lost all this time."

The estimated cost for the stand alone building is about$86 million, but McDonaldsaid that does not includeparking or thevalue of anyland that would need to be purchased.

She said currently there is noestimate for the costs associated with ajoint project involvingLibrary and Archives Canada.

McDonald said while possible locations have been narrowed down,property owners still have until July 20tosubmit theirsite for consideration if it meets the necessary criteria.

"We did check this with the fairness commissioner and [they]agreed this would not compromise the process."

Zoom in on the map below to see the 12 sites