New Saanich library project moving forward as temporary space secured

The District of Saanich has secured a space for a temporary library as the Nellie McClung library gears up for redevelopment. 

Nellie McClung Library will be completely demolished and rebuilt, along with over 200 affordable housing units at its current 3950 Cedar Hill Road location. 

In the interim, a temporary library space at 3561 Shelbourne Street will be set up to serve the community. 

“This interim location will help to minimize disruption to library services as best we can during this innovative redevelopment project, which will bring an expansion of those services as well as much-needed affordable homes for people,” says Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock. 

“With each step forward, excitement grows for this first-of-its-kind project that utilizes District property to bring big benefits to the community.”

Next steps for the District of Saanich and the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) are to determine to what extent the temporary Shelbourne space needs to be renovated. 

Additionally, council will have to consider a permit application to vary the parking requirements for the temporary library based on the parking available onsite at the ground level of the building.

“There will be a brief interruption in service from December 14 to mid-February 2025 while we prepare to operate at 3561 Shelbourne Street,” says GVPL Board Chair Andrew Appleton. 

“Library staff will provide access to a variety of collections at the interim location, as well as public computer and Wi-Fi access. The standard hours of operation will remain the same as will the welcoming and professional service the community has come to expect from GVPL’s exceptional staff.”

Appleton added that he, along with the rest of the GVPL team, are excited about having a new, modern library that will serve generations to come. 

Related:

• Redeveloped library branch in Saanich to include affordable housing

Below is a timeline of the project’s next steps:

• September 9th, 2024: A Development Variance Permit application will be presented to Council
• Fall 2024: Design phase for the redevelopment project continues and renovations will begin on temporary library space
• December 14th, 2024: Last day of library services at Cedar Hill Road location
• Mid-February 2025: Temporary library site expected to open to the public
• Summer 2025 to 2028: Demolition of current building and construction of new building

Between December and February, while the Nellie McClung location is closed and the temporary space is being renovated, GVPL will still have 11 library locations open and operational.