The new library will be approximately 14,000 square feet. Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2019, with an anticipated completion date in late 2020.

The new library will better meet the needs of the community with a fully accessible public space, more parking, proximity to public transportation, tutorial and programming rooms, improved study and leisure areas, and an outdoor reading and programming area.

A new library for the River Heights area was identified as a priority in the Grant Park Recreation Campus Plan and the Library Redevelopment Plan.

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Updates August 2019 The public engagement summary is now available, including a feedback table with responses to what we heard from the public. The final design is also available. Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2019, with an anticipated completion date in late 2020. May 2019 Thank you to over 70 residents who attended the Bill and Helen Norrie Library information session on May 1 and to over 140 participants who provided feedback through a survey. The feedback will be summarized and considered in developing the final design for the Bill and Helen Norrie Library. April 2019 The proposed design for the Bill and Helen Norrie Library are now available. Provide your feedback online or attend the upcoming information session on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. More information is available on the Engage tab. Sign up for updates to receive emails at key project milestones. Subscribe Inscription Your Email Address Votre adresse de courriel Subscribe to project emails Inscription aux courriels sur le projet Privacy Statement Déclaration de confidentialité Your personal information is being collected in accordance with s.36(1)(b) of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This information will be used to manage your subscription and notification preferences. Your information will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. If you have any questions about the collection of this information, contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail to City Clerk’s Department, Administration Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9, or by telephone at 311. Vos renseignements personnels sont recueillis au titre de l’alinéa 36(1)b) de la Loi sur l’accès à l’information et la protection de la vie privée. Ils seront utilisés pour gérer votre abonnement et vos préférences. Ils ne seront ni utilisés ni divulgués pour d’autres raisons, sauf dans les cas où cela est autorisé par la loi. Si vous avez des questions sur la collecte de ces renseignements, veuillez communiquer avec l’agent de l’accès à l’information et de la protection de la vie privée de la Ville en écrivant au Bureau du greffier, immeuble Susan-A.-Thompson, 510, rue Main, Winnipeg (Manitoba) R3B 1B9, ou en composant le 311.

Engage The final design is now available and responds to the feedback provided by the community during the engagement phase. A summary of what we heard can be found in the Documents tab along with responses to feedback from the community. Those who subscribed for updates will receive an email with a link to the summary. The proposed design is based on feedback received as part of the Grant Park Campus Plan & Feasibility study, developed in 2017.The feedback gathered during the planning process was used to develop a proposed design that meets the needs of the community. We asked for the community's feedback to ensure the library will meet their needs and serve as a valuable asset to the area. Thank you to those who provided feedback the survey (available online from April 17 to May 17, 2019) and attended the information session on May 1. If you would like to stay updated on City of Winnipeg public engagement events, follow the City on Facebook and Twitter or subscribe to the City of Winnipeg public engagement newsletter.

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Background The River Heights library was built in 1961. The library is 8,285 sq. ft. In 2011, a structural issue was identified within the branch. Major work required includes structural deterioration issues, improving accessibility, lighting and flooring. The River Heights Library is a two floor library with the children's department in the basement and no elevator access. The City's Library Redevelopment Strategy makes clear that the need for a modernized library to serve the River Heights/Grant Park neighbourhood is a priority. The Grant Park Campus Plan & Feasibility study was completed in 2017. Through public engagement, data collection, and discussions with stakeholders, the Grant Park Recreation Campus Planning team determined that a new library on the Grant Park campus, located at the corner of Grant Avenue and Cambridge Street will better meet the needs of the community with a fully accessible public space, proximity to public transportation, more parking, tutorial and programming rooms, improved study and leisure areas, and an outdoor reading and programming area. In 2018, the future library was named the Bill and Helen Norrie Library, after former Mayor Bill Norrie and teacher and librarian Helen Norrie. In the 2018 capital budget, funding was included to design a new library with projected funding in 2019 to construct the library.

Frequently Asked Questions Open all | Close all Why is the City building a new library? The City's Library Redevelopment Strategy makes clear that the need for a modernized library to serve the River Heights/Grant Park neighbourhood is a priority.

Why is the City replacing the River Heights Library? The existing River Heights Library does not meet the accessibility and programming needs of the community and requires significant renewal and upgrades to comply with the Province's new Accessibility for Manitobans Act. The existing Library building's mechanical and electrical systems are at or near the end of their service lifespan and there are significant structural issues in the building envelope that must be addressed in the near future. The Grant Park Campus Plan & Feasibility study included public consultation to determine community support for the development of a new, relocated River Heights Library on the campus site. The new Bill and Helen Norrie Library will better meet the needs of the community with fully accessible public space, more parking, tutorial and programming rooms, improved study and leisure areas, and an outdoor reading and programming area.

How much will the Bill and Helen Norrie Library cost? The Class 3 Cost estimate for the new library is $6.25 million (-20% and +30%). The funding for the construction of the new library is included in the City's 2019 project capital budget.

Where will the Bill and Helen Norrie Library be located? The library will be located at the corner of Grant Avenue and Cambridge Street on the Grant Park campus.

Why did the City choose this location for the library? This location was selected to fit with the surrounding neighbourhood and services and serve the greatest number of residents in a convenient location.

How is Rooster Town and the history of this land going to be recognized as part of this project? The City has been consulting with Rooster Town families to determine how best to move forward with the Grant Park Recreation space in a way that respects and honours the history of this place and those who lived in Rooster Town. Recognition of the history of the site will be recognized through: Display of recorded images of photos of Rooster Town

Collection of artifacts and books

Listening station of interviews and recordings from Rooster Town

Saskatoon berry fabric patterns and lighting features

Steel and wood materials to reflect Rooster Town home building

Aerial images of Rooster Town near entry

Concrete seating feature at corner of Grant Avenue and Cambridge Street in Michif language welcoming visitors Please note: Rooster Town families are involved in this process and the design elements of Rooster Town recognition may change following input from Rooster Town families.

How can I get involved? A public engagement summary of what we heard is now available. Sign up for to stay up to date as the project progresses.

When will the new library be open? Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2019, with an anticipated completion date in late 2020.



Maps Map of library - from consultant Map of floor plan - from consultant