New Toronto Public Library branch to be first on the waterfront

Following Toronto City Council’s recent approval at their June council meeting, the city, Toronto Public Library (TPL) and Waterfront Toronto have announced a new branch will be taking root at ...

WATERFRONT TORONTO — Toronto Public Library and Waterfront Toronto have announced a new branch will be taking root at Quayside, a new waterfront community. Community consultations will launch once an architectural firm has been selected to lead the interior fit-out, with that process anticipated to begin in 2028. Following Toronto City Council’s recent approval at their June council meeting, the city, Toronto Public Library (TPL) and Waterfront Toronto have announced a new branch will be taking root at Quayside, a new waterfront community.

“This announcement builds on more than a decade of planning by TPL in collaboration with the city to expand library services along the eastern waterfront,” states a release. “New library branches can take five to 10 years to deliver, so securing space at Quayside now while construction gets underway will help ensure the branch opens alongside the growing community and is ready to serve residents in the years ahead.” TPL will also carry out a community consultation process where members will have opportunities to share input on programming, services and collections as the project moves forward.

Consultations will launch once an architectural firm has been selected to lead the interior fit-out, with that process anticipated to begin in 2028. According to the release, Quayside is one of the city’s most significant housing developments: the first phase will deliver approximately 563 affordable rental homes and 1,170 market rental homes. About 57 per cent of the affordable homes will be family-sized, with two, three and four bedrooms.

The developer is Dream Unlimited Corp. The Quayside branch is only part of a broader plan to serve the waterfront. A second branch is planned for Ookwemin Minising, the new island community taking shape nearby.

“By integrating the library into the first phase of development, the branch can be delivered without new tax-supported capital funding from the city,” the release adds. “The base building will be funded through community benefit contributions, with the developer handing over the completed base building, land and access to the city. TPL will fund the design, construction and furnishing of the interior space.”

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