KITCHENER, ON – Kitchener Public Library is ready to welcome people to Southwest Library, our newest community library, on Thursday, March 13. This is Kitchener Public Library’s sixth location and will extend library service to the southwest part of Kitchener, one of the city’s fastest growing neighbourhoods. Southwest Library is the first municipal building in Waterloo Region and one of the first libraries in Canada to achieve the Zero Carbon Building designation from the Canada Green Building Council.
Located at 100 Rosenberg Way in Kitchener, Southwest Library will serve as an anchor for a growing and dynamic new neighbourhood. This is the first new community library location for Kitchener Public Library since 2004. Work is still underway in some areas of the library, but most of our services are available and the Southwest team is excited to start welcoming neighbours into our new library now. A grand opening is expected in spring 2025 following the completion of all project work.
In addition to capital funding from the City of Kitchener, this project received funding from the Government of Canada through the Green and Inclusive Buildings program. This enabled the net-zero design, which means the library was constructed for optimal energy efficiency while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from building materials and operations.
The library was designed with engagement with the Indigenous Rights Holders, Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit. As a result of this engagement Southwest features strong connections to nature, an Indigenous Four Directions learning garden, and space for ceremony and gathering. The library also features a large sunroom, children’s area, demonstration kitchen, and a studio for podcasting, music and video production.
Quotes
“Southwest Kitchener is one of the fastest growing areas in the city and we're excited that Kitchener Public Library will play a vital role in shaping the neighbourhood into a thriving and inclusive community. From a demonstration kitchen to creator tools to a community gathering circle, we can’t wait for people to experience everything Southwest Library has to offer. Southwest Library builds on our vision of a library system that works with the community to break down barriers and enhance people’s lives.”
Darren Solomon, Kitchener Public Library’s Chief Executive Officer
“This is an important milestone for Kitchener Public Library. Through our engagement with Indigenous Rights Holders, we’ve learned the importance of responsible stewardship and our relationship with the land. As a net-zero building, Southwest Library epitomizes the library’s commitment to the sustainability of our services and spaces. We are excited to open this incredible space to the community of Kitchener.”
Brandon Van Dam, Kitchener Public Library’s Library Board Chair
“Kitchener Public Library is one of the most valued services by our Kitchener residents. It is not just a place for books, but a community hub that brings people together. This state-of-the-art, zero-carbon facility reflects Kitchener’s commitment to sustainable growth and will not only support the neighbourhoods in the southwest part of our city but will also serve as a vital space for learning, connection, and collaboration for people throughout our city and beyond.”
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic
"Libraries are at the heart of our communities. They are places to connect, learn, and grow. With the opening of the Southwest Library in Kitchener-Conestoga, families will have a welcoming space to gather and learn in one of Kitchener’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods."
Tim Louis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Member of Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga
Quick facts
- The project broke ground on October 16, 2023 with all interior construction completed in February 2025.
- The library’s grand opening is expected in spring 2025 once all construction is complete.
- Net-zero features of the library include:
- All electric building, no natural gas
- Geothermal system
- Solar panels
- Triple-panel windows and thicker roof, wall, and floor insulation
- Kitchener Public Library engaged Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit in the design process of the library. Some of the Indigenous design features include:
- Bioswales for natural rainwater collection and drainage
- Space for ceremony and gathering
- Indigenous Four Directions learning gardens, which reference the four components of the Indigenous medicine wheel
- Public artwork, Wintertime Stories, by Indigenous visual artists Isaac Murdoch and Nyle Miigizi Johnston
- The Government of Canada is contributing $5,952,060 to this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program (GICB) with additional funding from the City of Kitchener. The expected total project costs are almost $14 million.
Associated links
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For more information about this release, please contact:
Kerri Hutchinson
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Kitchener Public Library
kerri.hutchinson@kpl.org