Ottawa's highly anticipated landmark library, Ādisōke, will not open its doors in 2026 as previously scheduled. City councillors received the confirmation during a meeting of the finance and corporate services committee on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
Project Delayed But Not in Jeopardy
While the new timeline remains unclear, city officials insist the ambitious project is not at risk. Carina Duclos, the director of infrastructure and water services overseeing the build, assured councillors that work continues with focus. "We are committed to working with all partners to get this project across the finish line," Duclos stated, emphasizing the building's status as a future landmark for the community.
The reasons for the specific delay were not disclosed publicly. Following the public update, councillors and staff moved into a closed-door session to discuss confidential contractual matters that are subject to a reasonable prospect of litigation, as per a motion by Councillor Catherine Kitts.
A History of Rising Costs and Complex Construction
This is not the first adjustment for the Ādisōke project. The opening date had already been pushed from an initial January 2026 to September 2026. The budget has also ballooned, with councillors approving an additional $64 million in October 2021, bringing the total project cost to $344 million.
Warnings about potential delays emerged months ago. In June 2025, the city's finance committee was told about construction industry "pressures" that could impact the schedule. Tara Blasioli, an infrastructure manager, noted at the time that the contractor had "signalled pressure on the construction schedule" and that these pressures were "inherently fluid." She acknowledged the building's design by Diamond Schmitt Architects and KWC Architects is "very complex and construction is complicated."
Significant Milestones Achieved Amid Setback
Despite the delay, Duclos highlighted considerable progress on the site at 555 Albert Street, which will replace the existing main branch on Metcalfe Street. Key completed phases include:
- The foundation structure.
- The distinctive wood roof.
- Making the building watertight.
The project has also integrated sustainable features like solar panels on the roof and façade and recently became the first facility to connect to the federal government's district energy system using water for heating and cooling.
Ādisōke represents an unprecedented partnership between the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada. The curved building, constructed by PCL Construction, features an undulating roof and panoramic windows overlooking LeBreton Flats and the Ottawa River. City council has received regular updates since construction began in late 2021.
