2017 start for First Parliament Preliminary budget for First Parliament library may top $16 million

Dennis Hanagan –

Construction for a new library at the First Parliament site at Berkeley and Front streets could begin in 2017 with the library ready to open in 2019, according to a report from a working group with the Corktown Residents and Business Association.

That’s a rough timeline. Environmental assessments have been deemed necessary because of contaminants in the soil.

First Parliament building.

In general, the idea is to have the new library also serve as an interpretive centre for the First Parliament building and provide public realm space.

“They’ve been looking at some concepts,” Sandra Iskandar, an architect and CRBA board member, said in an interview. Her focus with the group is on heritage matters.

“They’re looking at a landmark building and a wonderful public space for the public to learn about the First Parliament site as well as using it as a library,” according to Iskandar.

Among the groups with interest in the project are the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association, the West Don Lands Committee, the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA and Citizens for the Old Town.

“Corktown doesn’t really have any civic buildings. As a Corktowner I think this is going to be pivotal for the community. We don’t have any buildings where the public can gather,” Iskandar said. “It’s going to unravel as something quite phenomenal.”

The site was home to the First and Second Parliament buildings from 1797 to 1824. Consumers Gas purchased it in 1879 for the purpose of gasification of coal. Metals, PHCs, organic solvents and components of coal and gasoline have been discovered in the soil.

So far, plans suggest the new building would be 25,000 square feet and no more than two floors high. A total budget of over $16.5 million has been mentioned.