Newly expanded community centre in Constance Bay officially opens

The newly renovated Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Centre, a $1.725-million investment that includes a two-storey addition to the centre and an expanded Constance Bay branch of the Ottawa Public Library, was officially opened today by Mayor Jim Watson, Beacon Hill-Cyrville Ward Councillor Tim Tierney, Chair of the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) Board, West Carleton-March Councillor Eli El-Chantiry, and representatives of the Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Association (CBBCA).

The renovation and expansion project, adding more than 5,300 square feet of programming space, is a partnership involving the City of Ottawa, OPL which contributed $400,000 to the library branch renovations, and the CBBCA which provided $300,000 of the total cost. The development includes a new 1,000-square-foot library facility, more programming space, and new accessibility features to meet the growing needs of residents.

“This is an exciting day for the Buckham’s and Constance Bay communities as we celebrate the opening of this newly expanded community hub that will provide much more programming space and better services for the entire community,” said Mayor Watson. “The new library branch is about double its previous space and I would like to commend the entire community and the association members, for their support and partnership on this project.”

“We are pleased to be part of this focused partnership with the City, and the community association, bringing an expanded library branch to this area,” said OPL Board Chair Tim Tierney. “Key features of the improved branch include more public computers, improved materials processing, more windows to increase natural light, and better programming space that is shared with the community centre.”

“This beautifully renovated and expanded space meets the needs of a growing community and I want to thank the community association and residents for their contributions and support of this important and collaborative project,” said Councillor El-Chantiry. “The addition of more than 5,000 square feet of space will allow for new services and programs that will serve our residents for many years to come. I think everyone involved can be very proud of this incredible accomplishment.”