Wanted: A space to rent and transform into a new northwest Winnipeg public library.
In a new expression of interest, the City of Winnipeg reveals details about the type of space it’s seeking to add the library branch, which would serve about 53,500 people in the Old Kildonan ward.
“The new library should be located in a high-visibility, readily accessible location that provides pedestrian access to public sidewalks and is on a regular transit route, ideally within 600 metres of a bus stop, along with street access and available parking for library customers,” the document notes.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES
The City of Winnipeg is seeking to add a library branch which would serve about 53,500 people in the Old Kildonan ward.
The City of Winnipeg is seeking site options for a “long lease” in a new or existing facility, as per the EOI, preferably near other community services.
The branch would offer about 14,000 square feet of floor area on one level, with parking for up to 40 patrons and five staff.
The city promised to create its 21st public library branch in the area during this year’s budget process, though some Winnipeggers may have expected the municipal government would build and own a new space.
“Key highlights of the investment in library services include… $4.7 million toward the construction of a new library in northwest Winnipeg, addressing the needs of a rapidly growing community,” a news release stated at the time.
However, the budget itself did call for a leased space to house the new branch.
“When they refer to construction, that means building a library period, not the actual structure …There was never anything regarding the physical construction of a brick-and-mortar (new branch),” said Coun. Evan Duncan, chairman of the community services committee.
Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood) said the area lacks a library branch but recent population growth warrants one.
Even though technology has pushed information gathering far beyond the printed page, libraries continue to offer an important and popular community service, he said.
“If it’s not potholes, it’s libraries that people are asking to be invested in and brought up to current standards so that they meet the needs of people, whether that be through… actual book (borrowing) or technology or funding resources. It’s definitely something that I’m hearing a lot about,” said Duncan.
The councillor said the city is still aiming to open the new library branch in September 2025.
The vision for the branch calls for an energy efficient space with natural light, direct external access, flexible public space and a reading garden (if outdoor space is available).
The city is seeking a location within the area bordered by Templeton Avenue to the north, Sinclair Street to the east, Inkster Boulevard to the south, and Mandalay Drive/Strasbourg Drive to the west.
Coun. Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan) said her ward does not have a city library, so the new branch is welcome.
“The northwest part of the city continues to experience tremendous growth and families are looking for a public library to be opened in the area. There’s a great loyalty and a great use of libraries and everyone in the city should be able to access (them),” said Sharma.
She said leasing a space could help the city select a location near other services, which has worked well for other libraries.
Sharma said libraries remain popular for several reasons.
“Winnipeggers are using libraries. Our data shows that. They’re for books, for community meeting spaces and it’s a place of equality where everyone can access resources,” she said.
The EOI document says the city is willing to contribute up to $2.4 million toward leasehold improvements at a rented space.
Winnipeg library services officials could not be reached for comment on Monday.
In an email, city spokesman Adam Campbell said the $4.7 million earmarked for the library lease includes planning, design and capital costs.
The facility is expected to cost about $1.6 million to operate in 2025.
It’s not clear how many years the city would like to lease the library space or how much it could to pay to rent it.
The city will accept submissions for the expression of interest until Aug. 30.
joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca
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Joyanne Pursaga
Reporter
Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne.
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