A structural assessment of Ottawa’s main library by Morrison-Hershfield shows the building requires $6.25 million in repairs and upgrades over the next decade.
The 38-year-old building was found to be “in generally good” condition, according to a report prepared for the Ottawa Public Library Board that will be considered in a meeting Monday.
Most of the space within the library is open concept, so making changes to the layout will be “relatively easy,” the report noted.
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Expansion options are few, but it’s possible to add a one- or two-storey vertical addition to the northern half of the lower library building, the report stated.
The cost of the full list of repairs and renovations recommended is:
– Electrical systems: $4.23 million
– Building envelope/structure: $1.32 million
– Building interior: $405,000
– Conveying systems: $157,000
– Mechanical systems: $136,000
Library staff recommend the city’s facilities planning committee review the building assessment later in September.

