Latest news with #LeBretonFlats
CBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Ottawa's new central library Ᾱdisōke could face delays
Library on LeBreton Flats is still scheduled to open next summer Ottawa's new central library is nearing completion, but there are fresh concerns that its anticipated opening next summer could be delayed. During a construction update before the city's finance and corporate services committee Tuesday, project manager Tara Blasioli showed off the building's completed exterior, including its roof of sweeping curves and complex angles. "This is not your traditional construction," Blasioli told councillors on the committee. "One of the things we wanted to achieve with this building is openness, airiness, a lot of warmth, so that is certainly taking a lot of time." Given the complexity of the interior work that needs to be finished, including custom-made fixtures, furniture and art installations, she said there could be delays. "We want to make sure it's done well and we want to take our time with it," Blasioli said, stressing the work is being completed as quickly as possible. "There is a pressure, it's all hands on deck, but everybody wants to work together to recover that time and find strategies to mitigate further delays." Project pegged at $334M Ᾱdisōke (pronounced AW-de-SO-keh) means "storytelling" in the Anishinābemowin Algonquin language. Both the new library's name and its design grew from a collaboration with nearby First Nations Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan. The project, which is a collaboration with Library and Archives Canada, is being funded by both the municipal and federal governments. It's expected to cost nearly $334 million, up from $192 million four years ago, with $27 million set aside for furniture, fixtures and other equipment. It will have a heritage workshop dedicated to Library and Archives Canada with rare collections, a retail space, main floor café, a kitchen space on the fifth floor, a gift shop and of course thousands upon thousands of books. Integrated solar panels on the building's exterior will generate about 10 per cent of the library's energy needs, while natural light and warm wood will bring "the feeling of nature inside the facility," Blasioli said. As Canada's trade war with the U.S. drags on, Coun. Riley Brockington wanted to know if a "buy Canadian" policy was in place for the library's furniture. "As much as possible, we do want to buy Canadian," Blasioli told reporters later. "We're not allowed to limit or restrict bidders that are only Canadian, but we'll endeavour to look at those opportunities." Another update on the the library's construction is scheduled for the fall.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Contractor facing ‘pressure on construction schedule' for new Ottawa public library at LeBreton Flats
Construction on Adisoke, Ottawa's new central library, is more than 50 per cent complete. The building has five floors and features many public spaces, shared between the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada. (Leah Larocque/CTV News Ottawa) The contractor building Ottawa's new central library at LeBreton Flats warns the complexity of the work on the new $334 million facility is putting 'pressure on the construction schedule,' according to staff. City staff say the contractor has 'signalled' there are pressures on the construction schedule, but don't have a 'full schedule' to analyze the main reasons for the delays and to provide an updated timeline to open the facility west of downtown Ottawa. Ādisōke, a joint venture between Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada, is scheduled to open by the summer of 2026. Councillors on the finance and corporate services committee were told that 'work has been progressing very well,' but the contractor is warning pressures may delay the opening. 'Ādisōke's design is very complex and construction is also complicated, but we have seen tremendous progress,' Tara Blasioli, manager in Infrastructure Services, told councillors Tuesday morning. 'While the structure itself is now complete and the building is enclosed, the project is now into another complex phase where interior finishes are intricate and detailed.' Blasioli said work that remains to be completed include custom millwork throughout the facility, including desks and furniture, installation specialized lighting installations to support programming, and coordinating the art being installed in the new facility. 'Quality is of upmost importance and we want to make sure all of the complex elements that form part of this project are to the standard that we expect, that they are done right, and this work cannot be rushed,' Blasioli said. 'To that end, the contractor has signalled a pressure on the construction schedule. Earlier in the project, we did see some minor pressures, but they were recovered with the contractor submitting a recovery strategies and mitigation plans that were successful.' 'At this stage of the project, given the complexity of these finishes and the amount of custom work that needs to be completed, the flexibility could be more limited.' Adisoke interior May 13 2024 A look at progress inside Ottawa's new central library, Adisoke, which is now more than 50 per cent complete. May 13, 2024. (Leah Larocque/CTV News Ottawa) Blasioli says the city has not accepted or validated the pressures from the contractor, and 'due diligence' needs to happen and there will be 'continued oversight on the schedule.' The 216,000 sq. ft., five-floor facility includes a large atrium with performance and exhibition spaces, feature staircases and a wooden roof made up of Douglas fir beams and timber panels. While the contractor is warning of pressures, Blasioli said it's too early to say whether the pressures will delay the project. 'It's not just one single reason, there will be probably be a variety or several reasons this pressure is presenting itself now,' Blasioli said in response to a question from Coun. Jeff Leiper. 'The most notable of which is the complexity of the work that is happening inside and the time it is taking to execute those elements with such detail.' The City of Ottawa is bolstering oversight of the construction, including bringing in third-party expects to oversee the schedule. Blasioli says the city is also looking at opportunities for 'time recovery and mitigation' to ensure the library will open on schedule, including expediting move-in plans and exploring scenarios that could allow for cohabitation. The City of Ottawa is spending $201 million on the new library, while Library and Archives Canada committed $132.7 million.
CBC
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Canada Day lineup unveiled as Ottawa readies for a national celebration like no other
LeBreton Flats in Ottawa will once again host the national Canada Day celebration on July 1, and this year's festivities will feature some top local talent. The party marking 158 years since Confederation will include a noon ceremony and an evening concert featuring Ottawa's own Nick Durocher, who goes by the stage name TALK. Sarah McLachlan, Coeur de pirate, Tom Cochrane, Mitsou, Amanda Marshall, Roch Voisine, Randy Bachman, Édith Butler, Aasiva and Muzion are among the other Canadian artists who will perform at LeBreton Flats, according to Canadian Heritage, the federal department organizing the event. Isabelle Racicot, co-host of CBC podcast and radio series Seat at the Table, will host the evening show from 8 to 10 p.m. ET. The national broadcast will also include performances by Blue Rodeo in Summerside, P.E.I, and more artists in Vancouver and Yellowknife. The show will also feature a list special guests including Jeff Douglas, known to his compatriots as Joe Canada from that classic "I am Canadian" beer ad. This July 1 will also mark the first Canada Day celebration since U.S. President Donald Trump launched his trade war and began threatening to make Canada the "51st state." "More than ever, this year is the perfect opportunity to wave our flag proudly and show the world what makes us the True North strong and free. Canadians are encouraged to take part in celebrations in their communities across the country and in the heart of Canada's Capital Region," Canadian Heritage said. More to explore around the capital Three more sites around the capital will host different activities on Canada Day. Parliament Hill is the place to be to see the Ceremonial Guard Band, bagpipes, demonstrations by the Snowbirds and a big screen showing the main shows from LeBreton. Just down Wellington Street, the lawn in front of the Supreme Court of Canada will host a new "family-friendly space" featuring yoga and drumming workshops. Across the Ottawa River in Old Hull, expect "a festive atmosphere with family activities during the day and captivating evening performances by famous artists." You can find a full list of performances and activities on the official Canada Day website. Canadians are also invited to record a short video "to express what makes them proud to be Canadian," said Heritage Canada. To submit a video, visit the O Canada! Station website or a video booth at one of many major VIA Rail stations across the country. "This year, more than ever, Canada will shine with its shared energy, diversity and the spirit of unity that connects us from coast to coast to coast," said Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault said in the news release. "As a country, we form a vibrant mosaic and we become stronger when we honour the ties that bind us and celebrate together." To get everyone in the festive mood, the department has also released its official Canada Day playlist, and is encouraging Canadians to "discover the artists who will be taking centre stage on July 1."
CBC
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Sarah McLachlan, Blue Rodeo among stars performing in Canada Day celebration
Sarah McLachlan, Cœur de pirate and Josh Ross are among the performers set for Canada Day celebrations organized by Heritage Canada. The federal department says homegrown stars will anchor an evening bash on July 1 meant to celebrate national unity, pride and sovereignty. The festivities will take place at LeBreton Flats in Ottawa, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Most events will be broadcast across the country from Ottawa, with more performers beamed in from other regions: Blue Rodeo in Summerside, P.E.I.; Crook the Kid and Brenda Montana in Yellowknife; and Alex Wells and Dear Rouge in Vancouver. All in all, more than 20 musicians and special guests will take part in the cross-country celebration. WATCH | Metric performs Black Sheep at the 2024 Canada Day celebration: The evening party in Ottawa also includes performances by Tom Cochrane, Mitsou, Amanda Marshall, Roch Voisine, Randy Bachman and Talk. The flag-waving begins with a noon ceremony including Marshall, Garou and Thompson Egbo-Egbo. CBC Gem, CBC Radio and the CBC News YouTube channel. "The July 1 festivities will allow us to celebrate our unity and express our national pride, while affirming our sovereignty, our identity and our culture," the Department of Canadian Heritage said Thursday in a release.
CTV News
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Here is the lineup for Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa
Signs are pictured on Parliament Hill prior to Canada Day in Ottawa, June 27, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Sarah McLachlan, Tom Cochrane, Amanda Marshall, Randy Bachman and Ottawa's Talk will headline Canada Day festivities in Ottawa. Canadian Heritage unveiled the lineup to celebrate Canada's 158th birthday on July 1. The main festivities will be held at LeBreton Flats. 'Celebrating Canada Day in the heart of Canada's capital is a one-of-a-kind experience. Once again this year, Ottawa and Gatineau will host must-see festivities: shows, activities for the whole family,' Canadian Heritage said in a statement. The national noon ceremony at 12 p.m. will feature Amanda Marshall, Garou, Thompson Egbo-Egbo, Rafaëlle Roy and Alli Walker. The evening show from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. includes artists Sarah McLachlan, Randy Bachman, Mitsou, Amanda Marshall, Roch Voisine, Tom Cochrane, Coeur de Pirate, Josh Ross, Dumas, Ivan Boivin-Flamand and Ottawa's Talk. Isabelle Racicot will host the evening show. 'The Canada Day National Evening Show is a must-see event that embodies our Canadian pride,' Canadian Heritage says on its website. 'It features colourful musical performances and an electric atmosphere. As we celebrate our national identity, waves of red and white will flow through LeBreton Flats Park, filling the streets of the capital with excitement that will resonate all across the country.' 'From the heart of Canada's capital, with performances from Summerside, Yellowknife and Vancouver, let's come together through dance, song and the unifying power of music!' Canada Day festivities will wrap up at 10 p.m. with the Tim Hortons Canada Day Fireworks over Ottawa-Gatineau. The main Canada Day events in Ottawa will be held at LeBreton Flats as construction continues on Parliament Hill. Canadian Heritage says there will also be interactive activities at LeBreton Flats, including professional dancers on the dance floor, outdoor short films and a performance by DJ Miss Shelton. There will be events on Parliament Hill on July 1, including the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, the Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums, and a Snowbirds show at 4 p.m. Canadian Heritage says Canada Day events will also be held at the Supreme Court of Canada, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, and in Old Hull. The Strumbellas will perform in the Laval Street pedestrian precinct in Hull from 10:15 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. 'Whether you are here at home or abroad, July 1 is a time to come together, enjoy great music, share our stories and reflect on what makes us unique.' Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, said in a statement. 'As a country, we form a vibrant mosaic and we become stronger when we honour the ties that bind us and celebrate together. This Canada Day, I invite you to join the festivities so that we can raise our voices, wave our flags and, together, show the world what it means to be proudly Canadian.' Here is the list of artists for the evening show at LeBreton Flats
