Winnipeg, MB - Mayor Brian Bowman and City Councillor Russ Wyatt officially broke ground on the new Transcona Library this morning.
“It’s great to break ground today on the new Transcona library,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “Libraries are an important community space, not only for learning but also as a place where the community comes together. The much needed, new Transcona library will serve this community for many years to come.”
"Transcona has seen unprecedented growth and by building this new library on Transcona Boulevard beside the Transit Orientated Development, the Park City Commons, and as part of a recreation complex and the start of the future Eastern Rapid Transit Corridor, we are not just building for today but planning the City of the future," stated Councillor Russ Wyatt.
“Winnipeg Public Library is thrilled to break ground on the new Transcona Library project,” said Ed Cuddy, Manager of Library Services. “The new Transcona Library will be a fully-accessible building with flexible space for programming, study and leisure. The library will reflect the community’s priorities and changing needs for library service.”
The new 13,500 square-foot Library will be a one-floor, fully accessible facility with increased parking and an outdoor reading area. Proposed plans include a multi-purpose programming room, two tutorial rooms, and space for a collection of approximately 40,000 items, improved study and leisure areas, as well as an indoor Family Literacy Playground.
The new Library is located in a high-traffic area that is easily accessible by bus, car, bike or on foot. The facility also features a “Living Wall” art installation, and state-of-the-art energy-efficient building systems. The building is designed to meet the City of Winnipeg’s Universal Accessibility Policy and Green Building Policy.
Located at No. 1 Transcona Boulevard, the new Transcona Library is the third library replacement under the Council-approved Library Redevelopment Strategy. Construction of the new facility will begin in July 2017, with an anticipated completion date in 2018. City of Winnipeg funding in the amount of $7,895,000 is has been earmarked for this project.
For more information on the Winnipeg Public Library’s hours and locations, please see winnipeg.ca/library.