Oakville Public Library Announces Architecture Firm for New Central Branch
July 30, 2024
Oakville Public Library Announces Architecture Firm for New Central Branch
Oakville Public Library (OPL) is thrilled to announce a major step forward in its development of the New Central Branch. Renowned architecture firm, Perkins&Will Canada, have been awarded the design of the new facility.
Slated for 2028, the exciting project involves relocating the current Central Branch to a new site in the heart of downtown Oakville at 193 Church Street.
Only a five-minute walk from the current Central Branch, 193 Church Street is Oakville’s former Post Office. In partnership with the Town of Oakville, this location has been strategically chosen to enhance accessibility and better serve the community. As part of Downtown Oakville’s Heritage Conservation District, the New Central Branch will respect the area’s historical significance while incorporating modern amenities and features.
Perkins&Will are the ideal partner for this transformative project, bringing over 75 years of experience creating spaces and public libraries that prioritize people and society.
Oakville Public Library is also pleased to share that Smoke Architecture will be leading the integration of Indigenous perspectives into the building’s construction and design. Smoke Architecture, an Anishinaabeg-owned and operated firm based in Hamilton, Ontario, works alongside Elders and community leaders to gather knowledge on how to honour distinct Indigenous identities in every step of the process.
“Announcing Perkins&Will and Smoke Architecture as the architects marks a significant milestone in the development of the New Central Branch. This collaboration brings together a wealth of expertise in innovative, sustainable design and a deep respect for Indigenous traditions and identities.” said Councillor Jeff Knoll, Chair of Oakville Public Library Board. “As we face significant challenges due to the aging infrastructure at the current Central Branch, the New Central Branch brings promise of delivering a modern space that honors our past while building for the future. We are excited to continue to engage the community throughout the development process and ensure that the New Central Branch reflects the vibrant spirit of Oakville, and that it meets the diverse needs of our Downtown Cultural Hub.”
In their presentation to the OPL, Perkins&Will noted: "We want to celebrate the layered history of the site as we transform it into a new place for gathering and sharing information. We asked ourselves the question, 'how is a letter like a river?' At different times in the history of this site, both the letter and the river provided ways to share information and reasons for gathering. Transforming the site from a post office to a library continues its legacy in the town as a place for community and sharing knowledge.”
“We are very excited to be joining Oakville Public Library and the Town of Oakville in their journey to realize a new home for their Central Library at the old post office site. This will be our second collaboration with Smoke Architecture in the design of a library and I think that this site with its proximity to Sixteen Mile Creek and its historic context will have many stories to tell.” said Principal Design Director, Andrew Frontini.
This fall, Perkins&Will will hold public consultations to ensure that this groundbreaking facility meets the needs of our community and enlivens Oakville’s Downtown Cultural Hub.
The Downtown Culture Hub (DCH) is an initiative that explores opportunities to update and improve downtown cultural and performing arts spaces, including the new branch location of the Oakville Public Library, that contributes to the vibrancy of cultural spaces and the local economy.
Visit OPL’s New Central page (opl.ca/NewCentral) and Town of Oakville’s Downtown Cultural Hub for more information.
About Perkins&Will
Perkins&Will is a global, interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design firm, with an award-winning portfolio and long-term plan to become the world's leading sustainable design firm. The firm has more than 75 years of experience creating beautiful and uplifting spaces, specializing in sustainable design and serving a range of clients across both public and private sectors. Learn more.
About Smoke Architecture
Smoke Architecture, founded in 2014, is Anishinaabeg owned and operated, and women led. Offering complete architectural services, our focus is on First Nation and Indigenous projects, working with Elders and community leaders who hold millennia of expertise on how and what to build in our traditional territories. As we work with Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and diverse Indigenous stakeholders, Indigenous principles are embedded into the design and function of spaces to create compelling places that welcome all. Learn more.