The City of Airdrie has broken ground on the highly-anticipated Library and Multi-use Facility project.

“This is a significant step towards providing our residents with a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a landmark destination to our residents and visitors. The addition of the new Multi-Use Facility & Library signifies not only a revitalization of our downtown but also the creation of a dynamic community hub,” said Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown. “Through this facility, we are sowing the seeds of learning, arts, culture and business development that will undoubtedly shape our city’s future.”

Earlier this year, council approved the schematic design for the project. With a total square footage of 73,000 sq ft, the new facility will include 53,000 sq ft of library space and 20,000 sq ft of multi-use space. Estimated to cost $65 million, the facility is envisioned as a hub for library programming for all-ages, services and collections and as a central gathering space for artists, businesses, residents and organizations.

The facility will have an underground parkade with approximately 100 stalls as well as ground-level parking.

“This new facility will offer a wide variety of opportunities, both indoor and outdoor, for residents and visitors to gather, connect and learn,” added Brown.

Located at 805 Main Street Southwest, the facility will offer both an opportunity for a highly active area along Main Street, as well as a parkland connection along Nose Creek. It will also include an underground parkade with close to 100 stalls as well as ground-level parking.

The new facility will be constructed on the site of Airdrie’s old fire hall with completion scheduled for 2025.