Oct 09, 2020
On Thursday, October 8, Elders from Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation led a blessing ceremony on the site of the future Ottawa Public Library-Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility, ahead of the start of preparatory construction work. The ceremony included prayers and a smudging of the entire site.
Due to COVID-19, the blessing was attended by a limited number of participants, comprising of Elders and representatives from the two Algonquin communities and the project partners.
The idea of a community public library and national library and archives on this site presents an opportunity to examine the nature of knowledge transfer and learning that will take place in the building, and how it relates to the local Algonquin Anishinabeg People as well as other First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation People in Ottawa and across the country. The identity and vision of the project has been made richer by the inclusion of traditional Indigenous knowledge.
The blessing of the site is important and signals the commencement of preliminary construction work that will prepare the site for construction of the facility. You may notice activity on the site beginning mid-October.
PCL (one of three pre-qualified general contractors for the project), has been awarded the Early Works construction package.
The City of Ottawa will be releasing the tender for the main project construction to the three pre-qualified general contractors in early 2021, with construction of the facility to begin next summer.
For details on this future landmark destination, visit Inspire555.ca.
Take a virtual tour of the Town Hall of the OPL-LAC Joint Facility.
