Ottawa’s new Ādisōke central library will not open in 2026 as construction delays extend the project timeline, city officials confirm.
Ādisōke Library Opening Delayed Beyond 2026
City Confirms Opening Will Not Happen Next Year
Ottawa’s long-anticipated Ādisōke central library will not open to the public in 2026, city officials told councillors Tuesday. The announcement came from Carina Duclos, the city’s director of infrastructure services, who said the contractor has reported new delays but emphasized the project remains secure and ongoing.
Revised Completion Date Now Pushed to Late 2026
Although a precise timeline was not provided, Duclos noted that the contractor’s updated completion target is September 2026 — months later than the original contractual deadline of January 2026. A slide shared with councillors also showed that the projected public opening date is still undetermined, as substantial post-construction work is required before doors can open.
City Says Delay Causes Cannot Be Disclosed Publicly
Duclos did not specify the factors driving the latest delays, citing confidentiality. She added that the city and project partners have been deeply reviewing the issues since June, but some details cannot be discussed in public due to legal implications. After questions from Kitchissippi ward Coun. Jeff Leiper, council entered an in-camera session for further discussion.
Major Cultural Project Still Considered on Track
Despite setbacks, Duclos assured councillors that the project is not at risk. She said work continues “with great focus and care,” stressing that the city will not rush the remaining steps. The Ᾱdisōke project — a joint venture between Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada — carries a $334-million budget and will replace the aging Metcalfe Street main branch built in the 1970s.
Mayor Calls Delay Disappointing but Understandable
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said the extended timeline is disappointing but unsurprising, noting that several large post-pandemic projects have faced supply chain and construction challenges. He described the building as a “spectacular new library” expected to stand as a city landmark once complete.
Design Rooted in Indigenous Collaboration
Named after the Algonquin word for “storytelling,” Ᾱdisōke was developed in partnership with Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg and Pikwakanagan First Nations. Beyond housing thousands of books, the facility will feature a heritage workshop for rare collections, a café, retail space, a gift shop, and a fifth-floor kitchen area intended for community programming.
Contractor Refers Questions Back to the City
PCL Constructors Canada, the project’s contractor, declined to comment directly on the delays and referred all inquiries to the City of Ottawa. An updated project briefing is expected Friday as the city continues to evaluate the revised timeline.
