Recently Completed Renovations
Hazeldean Universal Washroom
As part of OPL’s commitment to enhancing inclusivity and accessibility, washrooms were identified as priority for renovation to accommodate full universal washrooms. The Hazeldean branch underwent construction of its existing barrier-free washroom. The washroom was expanded to allow the space to become a complete universal washroom, equipped with an adult change table. This project was successfully completed and opened for use in December 2023.
Nepean Centrepointe Elevator Modernization
The Nepean Centrepointe branch received a full elevator modernization of the mechanical systems and interior cab as it was due for lifecycle work. This project followed the modernization of both elevators servicing the Ben Franklin Place facility connected to the OPL branch and was completed in June 2024.
Stittsville Universal Washroom
In late winter 2024, Stittsville branch underwent construction of 2 single washrooms that were combined to create 1 complete universal washroom equipped with an adult change table. The washroom was opened for use in July 2024.
Alta Vista Roof Replacement
In early summer of 2024, Alta Vista branch received a new roof and two new HVAC roof top units. Those upgrades required a 6-week shutdown of library operations. To ensure continued services, a temporary location opened at the Jim Durrell Recreation Center during the shutdown period. The project was successfully implemented, and the library resumed its normal operations at the end of July 2024.
Upcoming and Active Renovations
Carlingwood Permeable Paver Parking Lot Pilot Project
The Carlingwood branch’s parking lot was selected as part of the Ottawa River Action Plan (ORPA) to implement stormwater management retrofits measures to reduce and treat runoff from existing urban areas. The project consists in converting the current parking lot pavement to permeable pavers. The project is well underway and is scheduled to be completed in October 2024.
Metcalfe Village Library Demolition
Following the Metcalfe branch's opening at 8243 Victoria Street in October 2022, the Board approved the demolition of the original Metcalfe branch, located at 2782 8th Line Road. The demolition is scheduled to start October 15, 2024, and will be completed in December 2024.
Rideau Elevator Modernization
The Rideau branch will be receiving a full elevator modernization of the mechanical systems and interior cab as it is due for lifecycle work. This project will be completed in Q4 of 2024.
Centennial Parking Lot Resurfacing
The Centennial branch’s parking lot has been identified as a priority in the latest building condition audit. To revive the parking lot and ensure it is in good repair, the lot will be demolished and repaved in 2025.
Orleans Parking Lot Resurfacing
Like the Centennial parking lot resurfacing project, the Orleans branch parking lot has also been identified as a priority following a building condition audit. OPL clients and visitors can anticipate this parking lot to be resurfaced in 2025.
New Construction Projects
Riverside South
The objective of the project is to design and construct a new single-storey building housing both a Community Centre and a Library Branch with shared common spaces to provide new public services to the Riverside South community. The shared facility will be located on a new district park site that is planned to feature a wide range of recreational and sports facilities serving the core area of the Riverside South community. The new building will be located with frontage on the new Main Street in the community core and within 200m of the upcoming LRT Limebank Station.
The building will be a dynamic and accessible community destination and will function as an anchor for Main Street. The facility’s design will aim to establish a memorable ‘sense of place’, be readily identifiable from all approaches and contribute to the local community identity. The facility will optimize views, orientation, and daylight as much as possible. Staff are working through the planning process of this site currently and anticipate opening of the new facility to occur in 2028.
Branch Improvements
Rockliffe Park Shelving Replacement
The Rockcliffe Park branch was refreshed with new shelving throughout the space.. The newer shelves are reduced in height, providing better sightlines throughout the branch, more natural light, and more accessible features. The shelving replacement project was completed in March 2022.
North Gloucester Shelving & Carpet Replacement
The North Gloucester branch received a large shelving replacement in spring of 2022. This project also featured a full carpet replacement to modernize the branch and remove deteriorating carpet.
Centennial Shelving Replacement
In late 2022, the Centennial branch received a full shelving replacement in advance of an overall branch refresh. OPL staff have been working on improving the branch more with exterior landscaping, interior paint, and soon, a full furniture replacement.
Stittsville Shelving Replacement
The Stittsville branch was refreshed with OPL’s latest standard shelving. The newly installed shelves offer better sightlines throughout the branch with their reduced height and improve accessibility by offering shelving tailored to our clients. The shelving replacement project was completed in May 2023.
Rideau Shelving Replacement
In November 2023, the Rideau branch’s shelving replacement was also completed. . The newly installed shelves offer better sightlines throughout the branch with their reduced height and new orientation. As part of this project, the children’s area was also relocated to the mezzanine, offering a dedicated area for children and families to browse the collection.
Sunnyside 1st Floor Carpet Replacement
The Sunnyside branch received new carpet in April 2024. This upgrade provides a cohesive, updated aesthetic to the branch as all of the carpet is now the same colour and pattern from space to space.
Nepean Centrepointe Children’s Shelving Replacement
The Nepean Centrepointe branch will be refreshed with OPL’s latest standard shelving in its Children’s area which will provide better sightlines and will be configured in a new orientation. This shelving replacement project will be completed by the end of 2024 and will be followed with the next phases of shelving replacements in 2025.