Construction has recently begun on the "John M. Harper District Branch Library" at the corner of Fischer Hallman Road and Laurelwood Drive in Waterloo. This new library branch is being built together with a family YMCA.

Here is the press release provided by the City of Waterloo in early October:

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Waterloo City Council approvals mean Stork Family YMCA and John M. Harper District Library moves to construction phase

(Waterloo, ON - Oct. 5, 2009) Waterloo City Council has approved the final steps that will see the west side joint Family YMCA and district branch library facility move from concept to construction. During this evening's meeting, Council received an update on the cost allocations, and was asked to approve a guaranteed maximum construction price of approximately $18.1 million.

With this approval in place, it is expected that construction will get underway as early as tomorrow.  Construction costs for the project, which first got underway in 2006, are expected to total of $22.3 million, with the City contributing $13.6 million, the library fundraising for $530,000 and the YMCA contributing approximately $8.2 million. In addition, the YMCA will be responsible for all programming, equipment and furnishing and annual operating costs related to the recreation facility.

"This project is a reflection of what can be accomplished through collaboration," says Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran. "By working together with the YMCA, the Library and the University, we've been able to develop a plan that will see the west side better-served, and that will see University lands serviced to support their future growth. It benefits all of the organizations who have worked on this project, but most important, it benefits the community."

In 2006, the City of Waterloo together with the Waterloo Public Library, the Kitchener Waterloo YMCA and the University of Waterloo came together to develop the proposal that would see this new library and recreation facility developed on University lands on the City's west side.

The key components of the project include a combined west side facility that brings together the district Library with a YMCA recreation facility, the opportunity to develop 23 acres of sports fields across the west campus of UW on Westmount Road, and the servicing of 87 acres of the UW's northwest campus, that would allow continued growth for UW.

Features that will be included in the YMCA component include a four lane lap pool with swirl pool and recreational pool attached, a fitness area, group fitness studio and multi-purpose exercise space, multi-purpose rooms, a gymnasium, a track and a change room especially for families.

"Today, we begin to deliver on a promise to the people-especially the families-in Waterloo," said Mike Stork, president of the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA. "We promised to create a place that touches people's lives by giving them a supportive environment where they can grow in spirit, mind and body and that our new Family YMCA would be where it was needed the most. I'm proud that the Stork Family YMCA will soon fulfill our promise."

For the library, key components will include a collection of approximately 100,000 items, both print and multimedia, including collections to enhance family literacy and lifelong learning, a designated reading area for children and families, a teen zone and teen study areas, a computer technology centre, Internet workstations, and wireless access throughout
the branch a multi-purpose meeting room, which will be used for library programming, and as community meeting space, and quiet study areas and collaborative work space. As well, the library portion of the building will have a green roof and a courtyard which will be used for both programming and informal meeting space.

"We have been extremely pleased to be working with architect Stephen Teeple," says Tim Jackson, Waterloo Public Library Board Chair.  "Teeple Architects was awarded two Governor Generals' Awards for Architecture in 2008, and has a proven track record of designing functional and yet innovative library buildings."  Jackson notes that Teeple is currently working on another project in Waterloo, the expansion of the Perimeter Institute on Caroline Street.

Additional elements include a common foyer, public washrooms and shared mechanical and electrical systems as well as a cafe.

The designs include a low building emerging from the landscape with ample windows and a central courtyard to provide natural lighting. The building will be located on the north east corner of the site, providing a prominent street presence to individuals passing by and inviting to pedestrians and cyclists.

Says Waterloo Chief Administrative Officer Simon Farbrother, "The City is pleased to have been able to play a role in bringing this project from concept to construction. The City is making a significant investment in this project. In return, the community will benefit from the library, the added recreation facility, and the expanded use of open space, as well the benefits that will come from supporting the University in its future growth through servicing the land."

As part of the City's $13.6 million share of the funding for the combined facility, the University lands servicing and potential recreation area, the City will borrow $3 million over ten years, with interest charges that will total $1.2 million.

It's expected that construction of this facility will begin as early as tomorrow. The contractor for the project has indicated expected completion is March 2011.

For more information on the Waterloo Public Library system, visit their website at wpl.ca