New Central Library Overview
What do a river, and a letter have in common? Both connect us, bridging distances, sharing stories, and bringing people together. The New Central Library, situated within Oakville’s historic Post Office, carries forward this legacy of connection. Just as the Sixteen Mile Creek weaves through the heart of Oakville and letters once flowed through the post office, the library will be a place where stories meet, memories are shared, and new connections are made.
Nestled in the heart of Old Oakville, the New Central Branch will honor its roots by recognizing the land's Indigenous history, the post office's role in the town’s past, and the emotional ties people hold with the Central Branch. With its stunning views of the Sixteen Mile Creek and thoughtfully designed spaces, this branch will not only be a newly designed building, but it will be a living thread in the fabric of the community, connecting Oakville’s past, present, and future.
Truth and Reconciliation
Oakville Public Library is situated on Treaty #14 and Treaty #22 lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee. Oakville is currently home to many different First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
OPL is dedicated to integrating Indigenous perspectives into the design of the New Central Library. Through a meaningful partnership with Smoke Architecture and guidance from the local Indigenous Knowledge Guide Stephen Paquette of the Wikwemikong First Nation, we are ensuring that we consult with local Indigenous residents to ensure the new space will respectfully reflect and honor Indigenous cultures, traditions, and realities. This collaboration underscores OPL's commitment to building a space that fosters inclusivity and acknowledges the land's rich heritage.
Sustainability
The New Central Library will be designed with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, aiming for LEED Silver certification and net-zero carbon emissions. Every aspect of the building process reflects OPL’s commitment to creating a space that is environmentally conscious, resilient, and future-focused. Sustainable design elements will minimize the environmental impact while creating an inspiring, healthy space for all who visit.
Architects
OPL is thrilled to collaborate with Perkins&Will Canada and Smoke Architecture on the design of the New Central Library. These renowned firms bring extensive expertise in creating community-centered, innovative, and sustainable spaces that reflect the values and needs of the people they serve.
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.
Smoke Architecture, founded in 2014, is Anishinaabeg owned and operated, and women led. Offering complete architectural services, their 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 traditional territories. As they 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.