Creative planning could solve library and embassy issues
Re: Patronage at libraries, museums rises, Dec. 28.
I am having a disconnect as I read of the parallel debates documented in the Citizen. The Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada are seeking a new location that will become a premier destination for residents, visitors, historians and visionaries. It must be central; it must be easily accessed; it needs significant space.
Meanwhile, the discussion on how to effectively use the former U.S. embassy, right across from Parliament Hill, shows wild variation in ideas, with apparently none strong enough to build consensus on a shared vision.
It seems to me that with the growing interest in memory institutions as described by Dr. Guy Berthiaume and John G. McAvity, we have a singularly unique opportunity to solve both issues. We can have a new home for the OPL and Archives, as well as a fitting utilization of the historic and beautiful building on Wellington Street. Some creative space planning would surely reconcile the library and archive needs.
What better way to demonstrate respect for the past, underscore the importance of knowledge and build a sense of community? Sherry Nigro, Ottawa
Some other library sites to consider Re: The library site is good — let’s move on to bigger challenges, Dec. 22.
There are two main issues regarding the choice for the future libraries.
First, the proposed site is not free, in the sense that it does not take into account the commercial value of the property and the long-term revenue stream to the city. Using the Albert/Slater values as a criterion, the current proposed site would have a value of about $30 million if developed as maximum high-density residential. Not only that, it would generate substantial tax revenue in perpetuity to the city.
Second, the purpose of a library is to maximize convenience for the users. Studies on libraries have shown that the building should be on a main arterial road, as close as possible to the main intersection of the city. I would suggest that this is the area around the National War Memorial. The site also should be close to an LRT station. For example, the main Toronto Public Library is within one block of the intersection of Bloor and Yonge streets and close to Toronto’s two main subway lines. It has 1.5 million books on a less-than-threeacre site, and has an atrium.
May I suggest two wildly speculative sites? First is the block north of/across from the Rideau Centre, which also faces The ByWard Market. Second is the west end of Confederation Park with the building facing Elgin Street. Good architecture is possible on either site, but best on the second. But please, no “STARCHITECTURE,” such as Royal Ontario Museum addition in Toronto.
I expect serious public consultation before a final decision is made. Ed Pollitt, retired head of planning and urban design, Department of Public Works
This site was meant for a museum
An excellent, very central location actually exists in Centretown for our new combined main library and federal archives building.
This significant building can be built on a large federal site originally intended for a major museum.
The site is now Confederation Park on the east side of Elgin Street facing the Lord Elgin Hotel. An iconic building with exciting interior spaces and underground parking can occupy a minor part of the park, which is also supplemented by Marion Dewar Park across Laurier Avenue.
The new library would continue and complete the existing row of impressive public buildings south of Confederation Square, starting with the National Arts Centre and ending with the provincial courthouse and our new city hall. They are symbols of our three levels of government.
To ensure an outstanding library building, a national architectural competition should be held similar to the one that gave us our fine, earlier city hall on Green Island along Sussex Drive in the 1950s. Stig Harvor, retired architect; Anthony Griffiths, former president of the Ontario Association of Architects
The proposed site is not free, in the sense that it does not take into account the commercial value of the property and the long-term revenue stream to the city. The current proposed site would have a value of about $30 million …. Ed Pollitt