Calgary Breaks Ground on $43M Library

Construction has begun on the new Symons Valley Centre Library in northwest Calgary, a $43-million project aimed at addressing a gap in amenities in the city's outskirts. The library will replace a smaller temporary facility in Sage Hill, which was opened in 2017 and has proven to be too small for the community's needs.

The new library will provide a 15,000-square-foot space, significantly larger than the current 1,700-square-foot facility. This increase in size will allow the library to better serve the communities of Sage Hill, Kincora, Sherwood, Nolan Hill, and Evanston. The current library in Sage Hill has been well-used, with over 180,000 books circulated last year.

The project is expected to be complete in mid-2028, following years of advocacy from the community. Ward 2 Coun. Jennifer Wyness, who was first elected in 2021, has been a key proponent of the project, which was initially deprioritized. Wyness has emphasized the need for amenities in new neighbourhoods, citing the lack of services such as transit and libraries in her ward.

## Why it matters The new library is part of a broader effort to address the gap in amenities in Calgary's new communities. Sage Hill is one of the city's fastest-growing areas, with over 40 new communities in various stages of development on the city's outskirts. The lack of amenities in these areas has been a challenge for residents, and the new library is seen as a key step in addressing this issue. By providing a modern and well-equipped library, the city is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the growth and development of these communities.

The completion of the new library is expected to have a positive impact on the community, providing a valuable resource for residents and helping to support the area's continued growth and development.