An artist’s rendering of the future Mike O’Shaughnessy Library at Garden City Shopping Centre. (WINNIPEG.CA)
Construction has officially begun on a new public library in northwest Winnipeg, with the facility set to open in early 2027.
The city and province marked the start of construction on the Mike O’Shaughnessy Library at Garden City Shopping Centre on Wednesday. The new branch will be the Winnipeg Public Library’s 21st location.
The space will include dedicated children’s, teen’s, and general collection areas, program and tutorial rooms, computer and printer stations, comfortable seating, and public washrooms, along with a public art installation.
“We’re seeing strong growth across our library system, with visits up more than 28 percent since 2022, and this new branch will help us meet that demand in a fast-growing part of our city,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.
“Investments like this are about supporting neighbourhoods and ensuring families have access to the services they rely on close to home.”
The project carries a total budget of approximately $4.7 million, with $2.5 million contributed by the province and the remaining $2.2 million funded by the City of Winnipeg.
The library’s namesake honours former area councillor Mike O’Shaughnessy, who retired in 2010. He served on city council from 1974 to 1980, and then again from 1986 to 2010, where he represented the Kildonan Park, Jefferson and Old Kildonan Wards.
