Guelph — Guelph is receiving a federal investment of $13.5 million to support the construction of a new central library. This was announced today by MP Lloyd Longfield and Mayor Cam Guthrie, Planned to be 88,000 sq. ft., the new facility will transform the Baker Street municipal parking lot to replace the current central library, which opened in 1965. The new building will be larger, house a bigger collection, be more accessible, and include programming, gathering, and meeting spaces.
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.