At'l Soak Ya -Something that doesn't show up in the newsletter

Credit CBC's Crummey

Rawlson King is a trustee on the Ottawa Public Library Board, the one that is expected to exceed budget for the new main branch by up to a quarter billion dollars after the thing is actually up and running.

Guess who pays the larger part of this. Affordable housing anyone?

Well maybe he is not accountable but this is not something you can really brag about either.

The board has to approve the design scope, select the architect, approve the schedule, budget, approve the contract. Do they get away clean then?

Here is a history lesson. When Colonel By went over budget on the Rideau Canal they held a public inquiry. One is needed for this mess for the new main branch.

Make them accountable. I would.

Ādisōke (Central Library) Capital ProjectThe main area of budget pressure is the joint Ādisōke library project on LeBreton Flats (a partnership between the City of Ottawa, OPL, and Library and Archives Canada). This is a separate capital project, not part of the core operating budget.p

• Current forecast: The project is now projected to cost $352 million.
• Latest overrun: An additional $18.5 million is being requested (primarily for oversight, support services, and contingency). The City of Ottawa is expected to cover most (but not all) of this.
• Previous approved budget: $334 million (itself already well above the original ~$175 million target from years earlier).
• Status: Construction is ~85% complete, with further delays; current contractor schedule points to completion in December 2026 (about 12 months behind the prior contractual date). No confirmed public opening date yet.