Set within the growing community of Hagersville, this new Library and Active Living Centre emerges as a response to both aging infrastructure and the increasing demand for accessible, multi-functional public space.

The initiative replaces two outdated facilities: a century-old community centre with significant accessibility limitations, and a long-standing library constrained by space, programming, and parking. Located within Grant Kett Park, the building is embedded in one of Hagersville’s most active public landscapes, surrounded by recreational amenities and community gathering spaces. Shaped through three years of public consultation, the project reflects a collective vision—one that prioritizes accessibility, flexibility, and a stronger connection between people, place, and community life.

At the heart of the building, a large, glassy atrium acts as a “community living room”—a central organizing hub that brings together the project’s primary functions. Anchored by a café and designed to host events and informal gatherings, the space divides the public library on one side and the active living centre on the other, while opening up to panoramic views across the park and surrounding quarry landscape. Display cases lining the atrium walls showcase local stories and art, reinforcing the building’s role as both a cultural and social anchor.

The Active Living Centre is defined by a multi-use court space that extends far beyond traditional recreation. Framed by acoustic wood paneling, a sloped timber roof, and expansive glazing, it accommodates everything from basketball and pickleball to large-scale community events.

In contrast, the library offers a quieter, more intimate experience. A warm wood ceiling rises toward a light-filled reading lounge, while dedicated youth and children’s areas introduce moments of play and discovery—complete with reading nooks, a lofted space, and vibrant, child-scaled windows.

Throughout the building, a series of study rooms, program spaces, and flexible multi-purpose areas support a wide range of uses—positioning the project not just as a building, but as a true civic hub designed for everyday life.

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