A New Vision for the Kelly Library Property

Join Us As We Create a New Vision for the Kelly Library Property

Built in 1969, the John M. Kelly Library has been an integral part of the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) campus for the past 50+ years. Going forward, we see an opportunity to celebrate the place of the Kelly Library on campus, all while ensuring that it can effectively meet the needs of our growing campus community.

We are excited to get this project underway!

Join us as we plan for the future of Kelly Library! Over the course of 2024 and 2025, we are embarking on a process of reimagining the existing library property.

We know that state-of-the-art, new, and improved library facilities and programming are important to our campus community. We want to learn more about how we can deliver on these priorities, and align them with modern sustainability goals, as we prepare an application for a Zoning By-law Amendment to be submitted to the City of Toronto in 2025. This planning process will take some time before any construction could begin, and the library will continue to operate normally for the foreseeable future.

Project Vision & Guiding Principles

Project Vision

A new, improved, state-of-the-art library with a mix of uses and new programming opportunities.

Guiding Principles

  • Enhancing Connectivity
    • Connecting the library and its location, additional uses, and programming, to the campus and broader neighbourhood.
  • Supporting a Vibrant and Activated Public Realm
    • Creating a more inviting streetscape and building at ground-level to foster a sense of community and belonging.
  • Introducing Natural Light & Warmth
    • Bringing in natural light to create a warm and welcoming environment.
  • Providing a Variety of Functional & Adaptable Spaces
    • Providing a balance of spaces that meet functional, programmatic needs, and allow for flexibility and a variety of uses over time.
  • Exploring a Mix of Uses
    • Exploring the possibility of introducing new uses to the library site, such as student residences and conference space.
The new library space incorporates expanded programming, opening up the interior to light and views across the campus, centered around an interconnected central atrium. Materials are being explored to tie to the Library to the historic campus, while creating a modern and adaptable Kelly Library for the future.
An expanded Kelly Cafe is opened up to the street on the frontage, alongside the multi-use room and the central atrium connecting the Library vertically for a more open and welcoming frontage. The new library must incorporate updated loading and servicing requirements as well as integrating the circulation and access to new student residences, conference space and library programming.
Sustainability is built into the design approach, from incorporation of on-site geothermal, to solar panels, green roofs and expanded greenery. The Library is being designed to house a large bike parking facility and to enhance pedestrian connections around the site.
As part of the expanded programming for the Library and USMC Campus, an adaptable conference space and external terrace allows for larger events with supporting programming and views over the historic campus and to Queen’s Park.
The new atrium becomes the light-filled, centre of the Library, connecting students, staff and visitors to the collections, study spaces and putting the Conservation and Print Studios on show for expanded outreach and visibility of the unique Kelly Library programming.

Latest Community Engagement Updates

There will be a variety of engagement opportunities throughout this process, which will inform the building design concepts and programming. Check back to this webpage for all the latest updates on the project.

  • Spring/Summer 2024 – Project Vision & Principles
    • Some of our engagement so far has included:
      • Meeting with City Staff
      • Project Website Launch
      • Survey #1
      • Spring Alumni Reunion Pop-up Event (May 30, 2024)
      • Ongoing discussions with Library Sub-Committee and Students Residence and Campus Life Sub-Committee
  • Fall 2024 – Proposed Design Concept – We are here!
    • Student and Community Pop-up events
      • Meeting with SMCSU (September 5, 2024)
      • Presence at Student Clubs Fair (September 6, 2024)
      • USMC Community Open House (October 3, 2024)
  • Winter 2024 – Rezoning Application Submission to the City of Toronto
  • Winter/Spring 2025 – Rezoning Application Process and Continued Community Engagement
Take Our Survey

Frequently Asked Questions

The Project

We are proposing to reimagine the existing Kelly Library site with a new mix of uses, which would include:

  • State-of-the-art, modern library facilities
  • Student residences
  • Conference space
  • Office spaces for staff

We are still early in the engagement process, and will be required to go through the necessary municipal approvals in order to facilitate any future redevelopment of the site.

Yes – a core component of the vision for the potential new development includes not only recognizing the history of the Kelly Library, but also:

  • Expanding on the quality and variety of study spaces available.
  • Preserving and ensuring access to our collections for the future.
  • Incorporating and integrating the use of technology.
  • Ensuring access to improved student support spaces, such as writing and research help.

The Planning and Engagement Process

We are at the beginning stages of the engagement and design process and are looking ahead to submitting a rezoning application to the City of Toronto in early 2025.

As we advance through the process, we will be providing regular updates to our USMC community and the broader public.

About the Project Team

We have put together a team of experts to guide us through the rezoning process and develop a vision for the library’s future.

Turner & Townsend is a leading global program and construction management firm. For over 23 years, we have supported our clients in Canada to deliver better business outcomes. With seven offices across the country, our team specializes in program management, project management, construction management, cost management, and advisory services, providing an essential combination of local knowledge, industry expertise and global best practices

www.turnerandtownsend.com

KPMB Architects crafts design solutions that catalyze positive change. With uncompromising rigor and close attention to the increasingly complex needs of the world around us, our diverse team devotes their expertise, passion, and creativity to solve today’s challenges and unlock new opportunities for our clients and the communities we serve.

www.kpmb.com

Stevens Burgess Architects Ltd. (SBA) is an award-winning multi-disciplinary architectural firm located in the heart of downtown Toronto. SBA specializes in architectural design, interior design/fit-outs and space-planning, and heritage conservation and strategic planning. With over forty years of experience, the firm has developed a strong reputation for providing quality consulting services to both public and private sectors, particularly for projects that require expertise in heritage conservation and strategic planning.

www.sba.on.ca

MHBC has been delivering a full range of planning services to the public and private sectors since 1973. We work closely with professionals from numerous disciplines and are well known for our ability to manage complex projects within tight timelines and on budget. Our goal is to provide our clients with exceptional service and leadership by combining professional experience, innovative problem-solving skills, and a thorough knowledge of policy and legislation.

www.mhbcplan.com

At Bousfields, we believe the planning and community engagement processes are deeply rooted in collaboration and work to inform one another. This is why we have a dedicated team of community engagement experts to support clients in meaningful engagement practices.

www.bousfields.ca

The Aird & Berlis Municipal & Land Use Planning Group is one of the largest and most highly recognized practice groups of its kind in Canada. Our dedicated lawyers and skilled land use planners devote their practice to matters relating to municipal law, land use planning and development law. We act on behalf of landowners, developers, municipalities, public agencies, elected officials, local board members, institutional clients, utility companies and public interest groups.

www.airdberlis.com

Get in Touch

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