Ontario Construction News staff writer
The construction timeline for Ādisōke, the joint Ottawa Public Library (OPL) and Library and Archives Canada (LAC) facility at LeBreton Flats, has been extended to December 2026, prompting a request for an additional $18.5 million to cover continued project oversight and contingency costs.
According to a staff report prepared for the City of Ottawa’s finance and corporate services committee meeting scheduled for today, the facility’s construction, overseen by general contractor PCL Construction, is now approximately 85 per cent complete.
“The building structure is complete and enclosed, and work is now well underway on interior finishes, building systems, and exterior landscaping,” city staff noted in the report
Despite the physical progress on the structure, the most recent schedule submission from the contractor indicates a project completion date of December 2026. This represents a 12-month delay from the original contractual substantial completion date of Jan. 2.
The staff report noted that PCL’s schedule has “not stabilized” and has faced “additional delays.” As a result, city officials have stated they still cannot confirm an official public opening date for the facility.
“The extended construction timeline results in additional project costs,” city staff outlined in the report. “Continued project oversight, including external resources, and an increase to construction contingency, are required to maintain continuity and rigorous quality control, and to ensure that Ādisōke is delivered to the community as envisioned as an exceptional civic and cultural facility that meets the highest standards of quality and performance.”
The requested $18.5-million budget increase would elevate the total project cost to $352.5 million, up from the previously approved $334 million. The budget has escalated significantly from its initial $175-million estimate, having jumped to $306 million in 2021 before subsequent increases.
Because Ādisōke is a joint facility, the additional funding responsibilities will be shared. The City of Ottawa is being asked to cover $11.5 million, while Library and Archives Canada will contribute the remaining $7 million.
The funds will specifically support two components: continued oversight and supporting services to maintain the continuity of the project team, and a top-up to the project’s construction contingency budget.
The finance and corporate services committee will review the staff report and vote on the funding request at its meeting.
