Oct. 5, 2021 / For Immediate Release
AIRDRIE, ALBERTA - On Oct. 4, 2021, City Council endorsed the new Library Functional Program and (Multi-Use Space) Feasibility Report. The report outlines key components for the design of the new Facility that meets needs presented by the Airdrie Public Library Board and Airdrie City Council; it also includes key information such as space requirements, programming other potential facility and site uses.
The Facility will be 85,000 sq.ft., 60,000 sq ft. of library and 25,000 sq. ft. of multi-use space; this allows for the future growth of Airdrie, as well as meets the provincial standards and comparisons of similar sized libraries in Alberta. The project is estimated to cost $62,703,550.
“The new library will be a great addition to our downtown,” says Mayor Peter Brown. “The heart of Airdrie is about community and this will be a great place to gather, learn, and connect with one another.”
The new facility will include a multi-use community space for residents based on public consultation and community need. The Library and multi-use space will be an exciting addition to the Airdrie community, providing more opportunities for residents to access resources and participate in programming in new and expanded spaces.
“We had a great amount of stakeholder engagement from our residents, and we sincerely thank those who gave their feedback on the new Library facility,” says Michelle Lock, director, Community Services. “Stakeholder engagement and participation is critical to the success of these projects and we truly appreciate how engaged Airdrie residents are in the future of the city."
Public engagement activities undertaken earlier in 2021, highlight that many community members expressed interest in a multi-use space that would allow for community gathering, programming and activities with spaces such as a coffee shop, pop-up seasonal markets, retail space, post-secondary programs, among others.
Further engagement will be done to explore potential uses, services, and programs.
With City Council’s endorsement of the Library Function Program and budget, the project’s next step will be to award a design team (the Architect and its sub-consultants). Currently, 16 architectural firms have submitted proposals to be considered for the project. The opening of the new Airdrie Public Library is currently set for 2025 to be constructed in Airdrie’s old fire hall located on Main Street SE.
The Library Functional Program and (Multi-Use Space) Feasibility Report can be found here https://pub-airdrie.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx?DocumentId=11197
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Media contact:
Michelle Lock
Director, Community Services
403.948.8804 ext: 8872