Three of Ottawa’s largest general contractors have been pre-qualified for construction of the joint Ottawa Public Library – Library and Archives Canada facility.

The companies are EllisDon, PCL and Pomerleau. They will be invited to submit proposals for the project’s early works, including the shoring, excavation and site remediation. That work is expected to start this fall.

The City of Ottawa said it will release the tender for the main project construction to the three pre-qualified general contractors in early 2021, with construction to begin next summer. The $193-million project will house the main branch of the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada.

Ottawa’s KWC Architects and Toronto-based Diamond-Schmitt Architects are the lead architects on the project, which is expected to be completed in 2024.

Design of the facility was revealed to the public in late January, and draws inspiration from Ottawa’s long history. Its shape, for example, is reminiscent of the nearby Ottawa River, while its stone and wood exterior cladding reflect the adjacent escarpment and surrounding greenspace. Large windows on the upper floors of the building offer striking views of the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills.

The new building will be located at 555 Albert Street in Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats neighbourhood, and will span 216,000 square feet over five floors.