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Schmidt’s comments come days before the library board is to vote on the location at its Jan. 31 meeting. The question will then move to city council on Feb. 8.

The city-owned Wellington Street site received the highest ranking in OPL’s analysis of 12 potential sites.

Among the reasons for its selection: it’s a four-minute walk to the Pimisi LRT station and a two-minute walk from Bronson. The nearby escarpment is a unique geological feature and the library will have protected views to the north. It also has unobstructed views of the Ottawa River and is close to an aqueduct and a heritage pumping station. To the east is the high-density core, and to the west the LeBreton Flats, which are being redeveloped.

Ottawa Public Library will partner with Library and Archives Canada to build the four-storey super library. The city’s share of the costs will be $99 million; Library and Archives will pay $69 million. The new library will total 216,000 square feet.

Opponents, including several city councillors, question how well the preferred site will serve pedestrians, people with physical disabilities and mobility challenges, and other vulnerable populations.

They also wonder how the extensive feedback gathered from public consultations is reflected in the decision and suggest the chosen site was really the favourite all along.

Courtesy of Schmidt Hammer Lassen

Somerset Coun. Catherine McKenney, who sits on the library board, said last week that her main concern regarding a site for the new facility is that it optimizes the library’s use. “I want the library to be located where it’s going to be used the most, and I believe that that’s where most people live, where most people work, and where most people visit,” she said.