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More bureaucracy for another Ottawa project...

Plans for new library on downtown block called off

By JON WILLING, Ottawa Sun

Last Updated: July 14, 2010 6:11pm


Plans for a new central library in downtown Ottawa have fallen through.

Barrhaven Coun. Jan Harder, chairwoman of the Ottawa Public Library board, said Wednesday the city has broken off negotiations to buy a block at Albert, Lyon, Bay and Slater streets for a new library.

"We'll have to go back to the drawing board because things have changed," Harder said. "It wasn't for a lack of trying."

She wouldn't say what led to the city walking away from the land negotiations, but she characterized it as a "mutual agreement" between the city and the primary land owner.

Harder said the $26 million set aside for a new library will continue to be bookmarked for the project. Searching for a new location likely won't begin again until the next term of council, Harder said.

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