The opening of the new Library and Multi-Use Facility is currently set for 2025 and will be constructed on the site of Airdrie’s old fire hall located on Main Street SE.
This community facility and public library is envisioned to be a landmark destination that offers a wide variety of opportunities, both indoor and outdoor, for citizens to gather, connect and learn, and as a result, bring energy and vibrancy to Airdrie’s downtown. Currently, Airdrie has one of the highest used libraries per capita with approximately 90,000 visits annually.
The facility will be 73,000 sq ft with 53,000 for the library and 20,000 for the multi-use space and will cost roughly $65 Million. The facility will have an underground parkade with approximately 100 stalls as well as ground-level parking.
The new facility will take into consideration future growth as well as meeting the provincial standards and comparisons of similar sized libraries in Alberta.
The anticipated total art budget for this project is $520,000. This budget is intended to cover all expenses related to public art including consulting fees, artists honorariums, reserve fund contributions for ongoing operations and maintenance, and the purchase of the public art and supporting infrastructure. Questions about the public art consultant can be directed to Claudia.Usuga-Benitez@airdrie.ca.
Engagement activities with both facility stakeholders and residents were undertaken to inform and consult on the future of the facility and it's offerings.
Information was collected through:
Based on a list of suggested activities and services outlined in the household survey to residents, the most popular activities and services were:
Following this public consultation process, City Council endorsed the new Library Functional Program and Multi-Use Space Feasibility Report – the report outlines key components for the design of the needs presented by Airdrie Council and the Airdrie Library Board as well as provides key information such as space requirements, programming and other potential facility and site uses.
During stakeholder engagement, the project team was interested in learning from stakeholders about their:
Targeted stakeholders expressed interest in space that offers:
Vision
Airdrie's New Multi-Use Facility and Library will be innovative and meet the needs of a dynamic and growing community; it will be a destination for all and contribute to a healthy, connected community.
Downtown revitalization
The new Multi-Use Facility and Library will be a catalytic project that will re-energize Airdrie's downtown as a central location for residents to gather, connect and learn creating a gateway to Airdrie's downtown.
Community and connection
The new Multi-Use Facility and Library will be a hub enjoyed by the community and is a destination for all. This will be a place that will serve people of all abilities and demographics where people gather and celebrate, contributing to a healthy and connected community.
The new Multi-Use Facility and Library will draw residents to visit the facility for various reasons and act as a central place for the community to access resources and participate in a wide range of programming.
Growth
With ongoing population growth expected to continue in Airdrie over the next decade, the new Multi-Use Facility and Library will allow the City to meet the needs of our growing population by offering new and expanded spaces and services.