KITCHENER, ONT. — The federal government is investing more than $5.9 million to build a new public library in Kitchener.
The new energy-efficient library will meet net-zero carbon building standards and exceed the highest accessibility standards, indicates a release, adding it will draw 100 per cent of its energy from renewable sources, which include solar panels and geothermal technology.
The new library will also be fully accessible with a single-storey design, low shelving with wide aisles and barrier-free parking.
Once complete, the new SouthWest Public Library will provide a space for groups to meet, individuals to work and study and for children to play. The gardens and commercial kitchen will provide a hands-on experience for patrons to learn and explore food literacy from “farm to table,” adds the release.
The Government of Canada is contributing to the project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program with additional funding from the City of Kitchener. The expected total project costs are $14 million.
“We are committed to the sustainability of our services, spaces and resources,” said Mary Chevreau, chief executive officer of the Kitchener Public Library, in a statement. “With this financial support from Infrastructure Canada, we are proud that Kitchener Public Library will be the first in Kitchener, Ontario and one of the first in Canada to build a net-zero and carbon neutral public facility.”