Recently I’ve had many showings with people beginning their process of moving to Ottawa, and whenever we are nearby Lebreton Flats or Albert Street, the construction on this building comes up!

I’m always excited to share that in 2026, this site at 555 Albert will open as Ottawa Public Library’s new Main / Central branch! It’s an incredible upgrade (and not just square footage-wise) from the current Main branch at 120 Metcalfe.

This space will be fully accessible, with an auditorium, cafe, theatre, children’s centre, teen centre, creative centre. It’s also a joint facility with LAC Library and Archives Canada and will feature an exhibition gallery with rare items from LAC.

Why the name Ādisōke? It means “storytelling” in Anishinābemowin Algonquin language. The library is being built on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinābe People. The Ādisōke Project Team has been working in close partnership with Elders and members of the Host Nation since 2019.

This will be an architectural gem, valuable community gathering space, and world class public library, which is needed in Ottawa as a capital city.

Ottawa will join the ranks of Halifax and Calgary who have also built totally revitalized main Libraries for their cities in recent years.

Location, Location, Location

Ādisōke at 555 Albert overlooks the Ottawa River and is accessible by LRT at the very nearby Pimisi Station. The transit station is in between the Canadian War Museum at 1 Vimy Place and the new Library. There are great nearby pathways for exploring both downtown and continuing along the Ottawa River on foot or by bike.

Condo Buildings Nearby

While searching for condos, especially with clients new to the city, it’s often very important that they find a location that family will love to visit. What better draw than steps away from the library? Not just any library, OPL’s new main library will have loads of digital tools, creative spaces and a musical instrument library with practice rooms.

428 Sparks Street

Be sure to take note of Cathedral Hill at 428 Sparks Street, a LEED certified building built in 2015 and approx. 2 blocks from the new library.

200, 250 & 300 Lett

This unique Claridge Homes condo project is steps away from the new library - approx. 200m walk over Pooley’s foot bridge

500 & 530 Laurier Avenue West

An Ottawa classic from the 1970’s, Queen Elizabeth Towers is located on the western edge of Centretown - approx. 300m from the new Ottawa Public Library.