News & Press

October 15, 2020

Blessing Ceremony at OPL-LAC Site Takes Place

An exciting development has taken place for the new joint facility for OPL (Ottawa Public Library) and LAC (Library and Archives Canada) as Elders from Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation led a blessing ceremony on the site on October 8, signalling the start of preparatory construction work. The ceremony included prayers and a smudging of the entire site.  CFMS is excited to be part of this landmark project providing Commissioning, and our Project Manager Jurij Dziuba has this to say about the project:

"CFMS has been involved with the OPL LAC Joint Facility project from the early design stages. It has been an exciting journey seeing this project evolve and the beautiful design take shape. I’m certain it will be just as exciting seeing this landmark building grow throughout construction. In addition to the stunning architecture, there are also a number of sustainable and energy efficient strategies being implemented to complement the building. This project is sure to be an eye catcher once complete!"

Set to open in 2024, this LEED Gold targeting building will have the following spaces:

Shared spaces

• Entrance plaza
• Outdoor space for programs, activities and gathering
• Main entrance and Town Hall, featuring a café and gift shop
• Multipurpose room
• Gallery for rare and unique collections, travelling exhibits and community exhibits
• Genealogy Centre
• Building services and storage

Ottawa Public Library spaces

• Entrance and self-service kiosks
• Community services
• Children’s Discovery Centre
• Creative Centre
• Teens’ Centre
• Adult fiction and non-fiction
• Living Ottawa: past, present and evolving community history
• Service Coordination Centre
• Corporate services and operations

Library and Archives Canada spaces

• Entrance and Orientation space
• Reference services
• Reading room
• Preservation lab

Don't miss more information about the OPL-LAC Joint Facility HERE from DSAI, who are partnering with KWC Architects for this project.