The City of Guelph has received $13.5 million in federal funding from the Green and Inclusive Community Building program for the construction of a new central library. The 88,000 sq. ft. building is being designed to be more environmentally friendly, with features such as greenspace, energy-efficient systems, backup power sources, and heating to make it an emergency shelter that can withstand severe weather events. Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield, Mayor Cam Guthrie, members of council, and city staff attended the announcement held near the construction site on Baker Street.
The federal funding will help the city meet emissions targets, specifically cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 63% by 2030. Longfield spoke about the importance of the new library not only as a place of curiosity and creativity, but also as a space that respects the environment. The funding is expected to reduce the overall cost of the estimated $62 million building. The new library will replace the current central library on Norfolk Street and will be a key component of the Baker Street District redevelopment project, a larger initiative to revitalize the downtown core of Guelph.
Mayor Guthrie emphasized that the new library is part of a larger renewal program for the entire downtown area, with significant investments planned over the coming years. The project began in June and is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2026. The announcement marks a significant milestone in the development of the new central library, which will not only serve as a hub of information and education but also as a sustainable and resilient community space. The focus on environmental sustainability aligns with broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create more resilient infrastructure in the face of climate change.
