A future North Oakville public library will be housed on the ground floor of a 23-storey condominium building.
Town council has approved a plan to purchase about 17,000 square feet of space and 23 parking spaces from a Branthaven high-rise condo building planned for the corner of Trafalgar Road and Threshing Mill Boulevard.
While details of the deal the town is hoping to strike are confidential, a $5 million budget is allocated for purchase of property for the branch.
Oakville's new library could be open as early as 2028, although the schedule for construction of the building will be at Branthaven’s discretion.
The town will receive roughed-in ground floor space, with access from Threshing Mill Boulevard.
The library is exploring the best way to build a branch able to accommodate different users at different time of the day in the rapidly growing community, said Tara Wong, Oakville Public Library CEO.
"It is important for us to really think about flexible space," she said. "In areas of high intensification, it is really space that people are looking for. They’re looking for that community living room. They’re looking for space to study, to go with their families."
The town is aiming to purchase 18 dedicated surface parking spots for library customers, with the potential to buy an extra five underground spaces for staff. There is also on street parking available along Threshing Mill Boulevard.
The arrangement offers a practical way to provide service to the approximately 55,000 new residents expected in the area by 2051, says a report from town staff.
"Given the cost and lack of available land in the surrounding area, finding the 1.5 acres required for a comparable size free-standing branch is difficult," it notes.
Ward 5 councillor Jeff Knoll, who chairs the Oakville Public Library board, says the board has endorsed the plan and is "excited about the opportunity."