OTTAWA - Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is proud to announce a generous $1.5 million donation from the RBC Foundation Community Infrastructure Fund, which supports retrofits, repairs, and upgrades of public spaces, with the goal of increasing accessibility and environmental sustainability in our communities, and by helping to ensure that indoor and outdoor spaces are more inclusive. This donation to OPL’s Unlock Potential campaign focuses on accessibility and will contribute to the achievement of high standards at Ādisōke, including Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC).
RBC Foundation’s donation will reduce barriers and help more visitors participate to the best of their ability. Ādisōke will be equipped with enhanced features including accessible wayfinding throughout the building, tactile walking directional indicators within the main floor atrium, and automatic doors for many public and employee entrances and rooms. These elements will create a welcoming, barrier-free experience for both the public and OPL employees.
“RBC Foundation, through its Community Infrastructure Fund, is honoured to help make Ādisōke a premier public space that is accessible to everyone. This initiative reflects our continued commitment to inclusion and equal access, ensuring that the Ottawa Public Library’s new Central branch becomes a hub for literacy and learning for all,” said Devinder Gill, RBC Regional President and spokesperson for RBC Foundation.
Appreciative of RBC Foundation’s donation, OPL is honored to recognize RBC Foundation at the OPL Entrance and Express area. This marquee recognition will be in place for the next ten years, symbolizing RBC Foundation’s support for fostering a more inclusive and accessible community.
“RBC Foundation’s contribution to the Ottawa Central Library at Ādisōke represents more than a financial donation,” said OPL Chief Librarian and CEO, Sonia Bebbington. “It is meaningful support for inclusivity, helping to enable autonomous movement through the space and to ensure that everyone has access to our resources and services. We are deeply grateful for this donation.”
The Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin, Honorary Chair of the Unlock Potential Campaign, said: “I have used and valued public libraries all my life. This significant support from the RBC Foundation, which increases the accessibility of library spaces and services for all, is tremendous.”
“With this generous donation, RBC Foundation helps enable Ottawa Public Library’s Central branch at Ādisōke to set an example of accessibility in the city and across the country. RBC Foundation’s donation helps our space meet high standards. This is a great source of pride for our community,” said OPL Board Chair Matthew Luloff.