Winnipeg, MB – The City officially broke ground on the new Bill and Helen Norrie Library site at 15 Poseidon Bay today.
“Breaking ground on the new library in honour of Bill and Helen Norrie is a momentous occasion and I’m pleased to recognize their commitment to libraries and to our city,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “This will be a truly modern library that is fully accessible and a valuable resource for this community well into the future.”
A new library for the River Heights area was identified as a priority in the Library Redevelopment Strategy. The Bill and Helen Norrie Library will replace the existing River Heights Library and will better meet the needs of the community with a fully accessible public space, more parking, proximity to public transportation, tutorial and programming rooms, improved study and leisure areas, and an outdoor reading and programming area.
“The Bill and Helen Norrie Library will be a gathering hub for all Winnipeggers,” said Sherri Rollins, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks. “I’m excited to see an innovative concept that promotes learning, provides accessibility, and encourages community.”
“Winnipeg is moving forward and the building of the new Bill and Helen Norrie Library represents part of that momentum,” said John Orlikow, Councillor for River Heights – Fort Garry. “The Norries had a passion and commitment to Winnipeg and I’m pleased to recognize and honour them in this important way.”
The future library, named after former Mayor Bill Norrie and teacher and librarian Helen Norrie, will be approximately 14,000 square feet, which is 5,715 square feet larger than the existing River Heights Library. The approximately $9.3 million dollar project is anticipated to be completed in late 2020.