Danielle McDonald, CEO
opened by stating that 2019 represents an extremely busy year for the project
due to the many streams of work occurring simultaneously and components of
work that are interdependent. For instance, while the public and staff are
being engaged on design, the sub-working group is undertaking elements of the
Governance Agreement and thinking forward as to how OPL will provide service
in the joint facility (both independently and with LAC). She stated that
Craig Ginther, Division Manager, Central Library Project and his team are
working on those project components that pertain to OPL, and how the facility
will be set up to provide a great customer experience. The components will be
brought to the Board at a future date.
Simon Dupuis, Manager,
Design and Construction and Mr. Ginther, provided a presentation on the
transformational project and progress to date. (Held on file with the
Chief Executive Officer). Alain Gonthier, Director, Infrastructure
Services, City of Ottawa; Mario Gasperetti; Project Director, Real Property
Branch, Library and Archives Canada; and Ralph Wiesbrock, Partner, Principle
at KWC Architects Inc. were in attendance.
Key highlights of the
presentation included:
-
Project
dashboard;
-
Five
major project phases, highlighting the project design phase;
-
Project
Milestones with schedule modifications;
-
Schematic
Design Process;
-
Public
Engagement Overview (five principle streams);
-
Overview
of the two workshops held and subsequent feedback;
-
Overview
of the design to-date with layouts and sketch views; and,
-
Next
steps.
In response to a question from Trustee Higdon on the
library’s distance to the light rail transit (LRT) station and whether there
are plans to connect the two for all weather protection, Mr. Dupuis said the
distance to LRT is approximately 300 meters. With respect to a causeway, the
idea is to develop a covered multi-use pathway on lands to the west of the
facility.
Trustee Higdon asked if the town hall would have standard
acoustic elements, and Mr. Dupuis confirmed in the affirmative.
Trustee Higdon asking if the building would have escalators.
Mr. Dupuis said the plan envisions elevators.
Trustee Luloff was impressed with the accessibility
features at the Calgary Public Library. He asked whether the team has
consulted with accessibility experts, Mr. Dupuis advised that the building
will be universally accessible and one of the main priorities for the
project. He said that staff would be meeting with the City’s Accessibility
Advisory Committee to discuss design.
Trustee Luloff was happy to see the creation of music
recording rooms in the design and referenced the pilot program at the Ruth E.
Dickinson branch. Mr. Ginther replied that there is space allocated for music
recording rooms in the current plan, and that OPL is testing the idea in
other locations across the system.
Trustee Luloff was pleased that space will be allocated for
a Black Box Theatre. Mr. Ginther stated that the intent in the current plan
is to have a Black Box Theatre.
Vice-Chair Fisher asked a question on the outdoor spaces
and programming for those spaces. Mr. Ginther indicated that there are a
number of outdoor spaces currently planned, and he reviewed the features and
locations in the design plans.
Further to a question from Vice-Chair Fisher regarding
location of elevators, Mr. Dupuis said they envision that the elevators will
be located at both ends of the building.
Trustee Brockington was concerned with the scope of a
national outreach as part of engagement, especially how national audience may
shape the design of a building funded by local taxpayers. Mr. Dupuis stated
that the project is distinct and unique with the partnership. He said LAC requires
a national engagement process for their audience. Mr. Dupuis indicated that
there are shared expenses, 40% of the project budget belongs to LAC. Broad
consultation is required for the combined or joint spaces.
Trustee Brockington voiced his dissent on the National
outreach saying the Central Library is a city, local project. Ms. McDonald
reiterated that a tri-partite agreement is in place - a partnership for a
joint facility. She said the outreach has been balanced and the vision is to
welcome not only local customers but also international visitors to the
capital.
In response to a question from Trustee Brockington
regarding the option to incorporate private retail, Mr. Dupuis said there is
currently two areas/spaces in the proposed design (on the first and sixth
floors) planned for retail partnerships. He said, once explored, details will
be provided further. He noted there is also space allocated for the FOPLA/LAC
gift shop.
Trustee Brockington asked where the LRT line would be in
respect to the Library property; that is does the line travel on or under the
property. Mr. Dupuis indicated it would be north of the property.
Trustee Brockington asked if the ward Councillor, Catherine
McKenney was being updated on progress. Mr. Dupuis said staff are providing
the ward councillor with updates as the project progresses.
In response to a question from Trustee Meehan on the
potential rental of the phenomenal vista spaces after hours of operation, Mr.
Dupuis replied in the affirmative, saying the vision is to bring that option
forward.
Trustee Brown asked a question regarding staff having to do
outreach with specific segments of the community following feedback from the
second workshop. Mr. Dupuis said the consistent methodology is to look at
specific factors in the community, such as Indigenous components. Mr. Ginther
indicated that the idea is to reach all groups. Staff have connections and
will reach out to newcomers, aging adults, and teen groups.
In response to a question from Vice-Chair Fisher regarding
public engagement workshop differences and input used to drive the
discussions, Mr. Dupuis said the project team is proud of the interactive
engagement that has been designed. It is a distinct project element for the
workshops to build upon another.
Chair Tierney asked if environmental grants and funding
could support the project. Mr. Dupuis said the project is not an exact fit to
receive dollars from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Green
fund, which supports municipalities in sustainable community development.
Chair Tierney thanked the Board for their questions and
said the Board made the right decision with respect to the partnership. There
is excitement in the air with each phase that is reached in the project.
There being no further discussion, the presentation was
RECEIVED as presented.
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