The City of Guelph is receiving $13.5 million in federal funding for the construction of a new central library. The funding comes from the federal Green and Inclusive Community Building program and will be used to make the 88,000 sq. ft. building more environmentally friendly. An announcement event was held near the construction site on Baker Street, attended by Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield, Mayor Cam Guthrie, members of council, and city staff. Longfield emphasized the importance of the library as a place that not only satisfies curiosity and creativity but also respects the environment.
The funding will be used for various environmentally friendly features, including greenspace, energy-efficient systems, backup power sources, and heating. These features will enable the building to operate as an emergency shelter and withstand severe weather events. Mayor Guthrie highlighted the role of the funding in helping the city meet emissions targets, specifically cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 63 percent by 2030. The funding is also expected to help lower the cost of the estimated $62 million building, which will replace the current central library on Norfolk Street and be the centrepiece of the Baker Street District redevelopment project.
The new library construction project is part of a larger renewal program for downtown Guelph. Mayor Guthrie mentioned that the city will be making significant investments in the downtown core over the next few years, with the new library being a significant component of this revitalization effort. Work on the new library began in June of the previous year, and it is expected to be completed by the fall of 2026. The project is seen as an important step in transforming a former parking lot into a new municipal building that will benefit the community for years to come.
Overall, the federal funding for the new central library in Guelph is seen as a positive development that will not only create a more environmentally friendly building but also contribute to the city’s efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The new library is expected to play a crucial role in the downtown revitalization effort, becoming a focal point for the community and a hub for creativity and learning. With construction already underway, the city is looking forward to the completion of the project in the fall of 2026 and the positive impact it will have on the local area.
