Bayview Branch Renovation
Image credit: Courtesy of: MJMA Architects
Toronto Public Library has partnered with the City of Toronto in the joint use facility currently under construction behind the Bessarion Subway station. This facility will feature a community and aquatic centre, and daycare in addition to a larger, enhanced Bayview Branch (to be renamed Ethennonnhawahstihnen' Branch). Pronounced Etta-nonna wasti-nuh, this Wendat word means “where they had a good, beautiful life”. This City community centre and library is the first collaboration with the Huron-Wendat Nation.
With this move, the new branch will expand to 13,000 square feet, almost doubling in size, and will feature library services not possible in its current location.
In 2016 the Library, in partnership with the City of Toronto, conducted a number of community consultation initiatives, including an Open House to get public input into site design and plans.
Based on feedback from residents and other community stakeholders, the enhanced branch will:
- provide ample space for all residents including seniors, adults, children, teens, newcomers and will meet the needs of the expanding population of high-rise dwellers in the community
- increase opportunity for programming with the addition of a program room and enhanced programming opportunities in partnership with Parks, Forestry and Recreation
- feature an additional program room which will be offered for quiet study and meeting space.
- provide convenient location next to the Bessarion subway station, easy access by public transit and underground parking.
- offer easy, one-stop access to multiple services allocated in one complex - a park, pool, daycare and the library.
The existing branch will remain open at the current location during the construction phase, which is on track for completion by the early part of 2023.
We are interested in your ideas and opinions regarding the Bayview Branch Expansion and Relocation Project. Tell us what you think!