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City services impacted due to the Canada Post work stoppage

City services impacted due to the Canada Post work stoppage

Winnipeg Public Library

Renovation of Cornish Library

Renovated Cornish Library Exterior

About this project

Cornish Library has served the community for over a century. Renovations - including an accessible entrance and an accessible washroom - will ensure the library meets the needs of today's library users. Plans include a complete redesign of spaces with adult, children's and teen areas on the main floor, a computer area, and study and leisure spaces. An extension to the south of the building will include a bright and open reading area. The lower level will be completely renewed with program and meeting rooms, and renovated washrooms. Furnishings will be updated and the building will undergo needed repairs.


  • Timeline
  • Documents
  • Background
  • FAQs
  • Maps
  • Related Links

Timeline

Text based version of timeline linked below

Download a copy of this Timeline

Documents

Related Documents by Date and Type
Document Name Date Type
The newly renovated Cornish Library reopening for holds pickup 2021-05-06 News Release
Cornish Library to temporarily close for renovations 2018-05-04 News Release
Cornish and St. John's Libraries to host public open houses on proposed renovations 2012-07-12 News Release
Winnipeg Library Foundation kicks off fundraising campaign for Cornish and St. John's Libraries 2014-06-09 News Release
Cornish Library celebrates 100 years. 2015-06-15 News Release
Bid Opportunity No. 976-2017: Cornish Library Addition and Renovation, including plans 2017 Bid Opportunity
Bid Opportunity No. 1137-2017: Riverbank Stabilization and Erosion Protection Works at Cornish Library 2017 Bid Opportunity
Bid Opportunity No. 17-2015: Cornish and St. John's Library Refurbishment Documents 2015 Bid Opportunity

Background

Located in historic Armstrong Point, Cornish Library opened on June 15, 1915. The upper level holds the collections and services. The lower level has a program room and washrooms. The library loaned 108,136 items in 2016 and offered 66 free programs and workshops. Public consultations on the renewal of the library were held in 2012 and 2015.

As part of the Cornish Library Renovation Project, the City of Winnipeg contracted a geotechnical consultant to complete an engineering study to resolve ongoing riverbank erosion issues behind the library. Riverbank erosion control is needed to protect the Cornish Library as a historical community asset. A riverbank failure occurred in spring 2017 and since then, the City and the consultant have established the best course of action to address this issue. The City awarded a contract to DJN Services Ltd for the initial phase of erosion protection on February 14, 2018.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why were renovations needed?

Cornish Library has served the community for over 100 years. The building was not currently accessible and needed a redesign to maximize floor space and enable services in demand by today's library user. The building's structure also needed repairs. The addition to the library will result in a fully accessible building and add 780 sq. feet to the existing 7,000 sq. ft.


How was input provided on this project?

An Open House was held in July, 2012 with preliminary plans shared in June, 2015. Feedback from that event led to the final plans for construction.



When did construction begin?

Construction began in the Spring 2018.


What work was done for the riverbank behind the Library?

Installation of erosion protection on the riverbank at Cornish Library was completed prior to the start of the library construction and renovation work. The City awarded a contract for the initial phase of erosion protection to DJN Services Ltd.


How was this project funded?

In celebration of their 100th anniversaries, the Winnipeg Library Foundation launched a fundraising campaign for the renewal of Cornish and St. John's Libraries. The total cost of the Cornish renovation was $3.47 million. Roughly half of the funding was contributed to the project through the Winnipeg Library Foundation.

Where can I learn more about the heritage of this building?

Cornish Library is one of two branches built with grants from the Carnegie Foundation (the other branch being St. John's Library). The library has been designated a Grade II heritage building. Learn more at www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/cornishlibrary.shtml . The Friends of Cornish Library's booklet Leafing through Our History: Cornish Library 1915-2005 is available at several library branches to borrow.


Date added: May 12, 2017

Maps

The Cornish Library is located at 20 West Gate

Related Links

This renewal project was spearheaded by the Winnipeg Library Foundation, which has worked to raise funds for Winnipeg's public libraries for twenty years. www.winnipeglibraryfoundation.ca

For information on the Library Redevelopment Strategy, please see Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services - July 5, 2012


Last update: May 17, 2021

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