Since 1966, Halifax North Memorial Public Library has been a North End community hub. It’s a place to meet neighbours, sit with a friend, look back, and dream forward. Halifax North Memorial Public Library is one of our oldest branches and is ready for a significant renovation to address building condition issues, introduce the highest levels of accessibility and sustainability features, and reimagine the space.
Request for Supplier Qualifications
On July 13, 2024, a Request for Supplier Qualifications (RSFQ), opens a new window was posted on the Halifax Regional Municipality’s Bids & Tenders website. This is the first step in securing a qualified Progressive Design-Build team for this project.
Procurement process
Halifax Public Libraries is seeking a partner to lead this significant renovation.
This first phase is an invitation for suppliers to submit proposals that outline their capabilities and qualifications. The second phase will be an in-depth Request for Proposals (RFP) based on a short-list from the RFSQ phase. The second phase is more technical, and will outline the full scope of the project. One design-build supplier will be selected for this project.
If you have questions about this specific opportunity, please direct your inquiry to the contact listed in the bid document, opens a new window.
History and Legacy
Halifax North Memorial Public Library opened to the community in August 1966, and has been the home for many social justice movements, including the first meeting of the Black History Association in 1987, the first Black History Month Youth Quiz in 1991, and the challenging community conversations regarding the unfair Street Check policing practices in 2019. The branch feels like home to many community members, and it’s our intention to listen and capture community feedback at each stage of the development.
More historical content will be shared during this community project.
Stay Up-to-Date
Project Website
As this renovation project progresses, we will be sharing all the latest news at halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/YourNorthBranch.
Email Newsletter
We will be creating an email newsletter stream specific to project updates. Updates will be sent bimonthly in these early phases of the project. We will share the opportunity to opt-in to this newsletter on the Your North Branch project website when it is available. Stay tuned!
Frequently Asked Questions
Information as of July 15, 2024 | Any future updates to the FAQ will be republished in a new article and shared via the project website.
Why are you renovating Halifax North Memorial Public Library?
Each year our libraries get busier and busier, and Halifax North Memorial Public Library has outgrown its current capacity to meet the public’s needs. The branch is ready for a significant renovation to address building maintenance issues, introduce the highest levels of accessibility and sustainability features, and reimagine the public space.
A Manager of Community Connections, has been hired specifically for this project. They will capture community feedback at every stage, and inform the design and build team on key decisions.
What is the selection criteria for contractors and partners?
The municipal Procurement Department performs the procurement function for all municipal business units and agencies, including Halifax Public Libraries. This transparent process achieves best value for the citizens of Halifax.
The selection priorities for Halifax North Memorial Public Library include:
- Similar projects and experience
- Accessibility and sustainability
- Commitment to public engagement
- Social value and social contributions
What is the timeline for the project?
This is a large-scale project, and will progress over several years. Once a team is selected, construction will begin in 2026. We anticipate the fully renovated branch will reopen in 2028.
Have you hired the architects yet?
No. The first phase is an invitation for suppliers to submit proposals that outline their capabilities and qualifications. The second phase is an in-depth Request for Proposals based on a short-list from the previous phase. This phase is more technical, and outlines the full scope of the project. One Design-Build supplier will be selected for this project. We expect to have a Design-Build partner in place by early 2025.
Will the Library be closed for 5 years?
No. Library service and a reduced collection of material will be temporarily relocated during the renovation. Stay tuned for more details in the future.
How will you honour the history and connection to the African Nova Scotian Community?
Since 1966, Halifax North Memorial Public Library has been a North End community hub and has been the home for many social justice movements. It’s your place to meet neighbours, sit with a friend, look back, and dream forward. Decisions will be influenced by community, and considered through the lens of Afro-centric design principles.
Community feedback will be captured at every stage of the project, and will inform the decisions throughout the renovation. You can stay up to date and connect with us by visiting: halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/YourNorthBranch.
Can I bid on this work?
You can visit Bids & Tenders website to find more information about the procurement process for this project, opens a new window.
Will the renovated Library be accessible? Will the renovated Library be sustainable?
Yes. The project scope includes Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Gold Certification – a leader in North American Accessibility standards. The Project scope includes net-zero building features and energy reductions as outlined in HalifACT’s climate strategy. It’s our intention to build to a future standard to address changing needs.