Toronto’s eastern waterfront will get its first public library branch. The project is part of the Quayside development and follows approval from Toronto City Council.

The City of Toronto, Toronto Public Library (TPL) and Waterfront Toronto announced the project on June 26. The new Toronto public library branch will serve one of the city’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods and expand access to public services.

Quayside is one of Toronto’s largest housing developments. Phase one will include about 563 affordable rental homes and 1,170 market rental homes. The Toronto Public Library said continued growth along Toronto’s eastern waterfront has increased demand for library services.

TPL and the city have spent more than a decade planning library services in the area. Securing space during Quayside’s construction will help the branch open alongside the new community. The organization added that new library branches typically take five to ten years to complete.

The project will now enter the community consultation phase. Residents will help shape the branch’s programming, services and collections. TPL expects to begin consultations after selecting an architectural firm to design the interior fit-out. That process is expected to start in 2028.

The City of Toronto, TPL, Waterfront Toronto and development partner Dream Unlimited Corp. are delivering the project. The developer will build the library’s base structure using community benefit contributions. TPL will pay for the interior design, fit-out and furnishings. The partners said this funding model allows the project to move ahead without new tax-supported capital funding from the city.