Orangeville Public Library
Town of Orangeville
About The Project
The heritage project entailed the major renovation & addition to a 160-year-old bank turned library space. The endeavor involved the installation of a new 4-storey elevator, the upgrading of washrooms, the integration of new mechanical & electrical services, & the addition of an atrium. The meticulous restoration & enhancement efforts aimed to preserve the historical significance of the bank while providing the library with contemporary amenities - including a living wall - & improved accessibility. The completion of this project marked a successful transformation, blending heritage with modern functionality to ensure the continued relevance & usability of the space for years to come.
Orangeville Public Library’s Progress Phases
Progress - Phase 3
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Progress:
A glass atrium is under construction that will connect the main level to the basement.
There will be five barrier-free individual washrooms available - one off the lobby on the main level; three in the basement & one beside Storyland.
Broadway bricks have completed at the sidewalk outside the library. The Storyteller tree sculpture, that is currently outside the Lord Dufferin Centre, will be moved back as the project finishes up.
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Installation of the elevator is underway. The parts are on site & are being installed.
A meeting involving the Town's Horticulturalist occurred to plan for the replanting of the garden facing Broadway.
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The elevator installation is nearing completion. Doors have been added on each floor & the car is now built inside the shaft.
Finished are in process of installation. A new book drop box & shelving have been added to the main level.
Progress - Phase 2
The Mill Street Library renovation project is moving out of the demolition phase & into the construction phase.
According to the Head Project Architect, Mark Hicks of D&H Architects, the elevator project is currently on schedule & on budget.
Progress:
Demolition of the existing small elevator shaft & changes to each level to make room for the new larger elevator
An old bank vault, with walls that had been reinforced with metal railway tracks, was uncovered. This will make removing the section more challenging
Additional excavation and shoring was required as the foundation was not as deep as anticipated
The gas main has been moved and plumbing reconfigured
The new elevator shaft is being erected
Progress - Phase 1
The early stages of the Mill Street Library renovation are well under way, & there has been a flurry of activity as staff are preparing the site to turn over for the addition & renovation. It’s involved more than just moving books and shelves.
Progress:
Setting up the satellite location at the Train Station (49 Town Line) for hold pick-ups & book returns. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Construction has started at the 1 Mill Street.
Preparing the Alder Library for more visitors, extended hours, & creating a refreshed & dynamic children’s space.
The gardens may look a little emptier, temporarily! Parks staff have removed some of the plants for safe-keeping during the renovations, & they’ll be returned to the library next year.
Progress - Mobilization
As part of the library’s commitment to providing accessible customer service, a new elevator is being built in the downtown branch. The current 1980s vintage hydraulic lift will undergo a full reconstruction to create an elevator that is AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) compliant.
We thank all library users for their patience as we work to provide more accessible customer service to its users.