Hamilton Public Library Celebrates the Opening of the New Indigenous-Focused West Harbour Branch

HAMILTON, ON – August 15, 2026 – Hamilton Public Library officially opened the temporary West Harbour Branch today with an Indigenous Opening Ceremony developed in partnership with the City of Hamilton. This opening ceremony featured performers from each of the Six Nations of the Grand River, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and Hamilton's Urban Indigenous communities. 

The ceremony brought together Indigenous partners, community members, Hamilton Public Library and the City  to celebrate a welcoming new library space while recognizing the Indigenous peoples, histories and cultures connected to this territory. Through ceremony, song, drumming, dance and cultural teachings, the event marked the beginning of a new chapter for the West Harbour waterfront and the continued evolution of the Discovery Centre site. 

The new temporary branch provides library services, programs, Indigenous-focused collections and Indigenous  cultural elements including artwork and furnishings, while supporting the broader vision for the Discovery Centre. As planning continues through the Program Design and Development Study, the site is being shaped in collaboration with Indigenous communities to become a destination for learning, gathering and cultural exchange, featuring a permanent library branch, Indigenous gathering space, exhibition space, visitor amenities and café.  

"Today's opening is about more than a library branch," says Paul Takala, CEO and Chief Librarian, Hamilton Public Library. "It marks an important step in the ongoing vision for the Discovery Centre, creating opportunities for people to connect, learn and gather while we continue planning the site's future with Indigenous partners and the community." 

“The opening of the temporary Indigenous-focused West Harbour Branch is an important investment in Hamiltonians and in the future of our city,” says Mayor Andrea Horwath. “Libraries are places where people come together to learn, connect and build community. By working alongside Indigenous partners, we're creating a welcoming space that reflects the histories, cultures and knowledge of this land while making those stories accessible to everyone. This branch delivers meaningful benefits for residents today and moves us closer to a Discovery Centre that will serve as a lasting place for learning, gathering and reconciliation for generations of Hamiltonians to come.” 

The temporary Indigenous-focused West Harbour Branch reflects Hamilton Public Library's commitment to creating welcoming spaces that foster learning, belonging and cultural understanding. Visitors will find Indigenous collections, programs and educational opportunities that encourage storytelling, knowledge-sharing and community connection while providing access to the Library's full range of services. 

“This project reflects the strength of the partnership between the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Public Library and Indigenous communities,” says City Manager Marnie Cluckie. “Opening the temporary branch allows us to create a meaningful public space now while continuing the careful planning and engagement needed to realize the long-term vision for the Discovery Centre. It demonstrates how we can deliver tangible value today while thoughtfully advancing a lasting destination for the future.”  

The branch also represents an important step in the ongoing Discovery Centre Program Design and Development Study, a collaborative initiative between Hamilton Public Library, the City of Hamilton Indigenous Relations Division and Indigenous communities. The study will guide the long-term transformation of the waterfront site into a shared community destination centred on Indigenous perspectives, learning and gathering.  

“This opening reflects the relationships that have guided this work from the beginning,” says Katelyn LaForme, Director of Indigenous Relations, Indigenous Relations Division, City of Hamilton. “Through continued collaboration with Indigenous communities, we are creating opportunities for Indigenous stories, cultures and knowledge to be shared in ways that honour this place and welcome everyone to learn together. The temporary Indigenous-focused West Harbour Branch is an important step toward a future space where Indigenous voices, languages and lived experiences are woven into the space in meaningful and lasting ways.” 

The new temporary Indigenous-focused West Harbour Branch will serve residents while planning and community engagement continue on the future Discovery Centre. Through ongoing collaboration with Indigenous partners, Hamilton Public Library and the City of Hamilton remain committed to creating a destination that strengthens relationships, celebrates Indigenous cultures and welcomes people of all ages to connect, learn and belong. 

Project updates are available at hpl.ca/discovery-centre. 

About Hamilton Public Library
The Hamilton Public Library is a vibrant hub for information and culture, providing our diverse community the Freedom to Belong and Discover. As one of the largest library systems in Canada, Hamiltonians discover something new at our 23 locations, Bookmobile, or through our extensive digital collections. Visit us online at hpl.ca. Connect with us on X and Instagram @hamiltonlibrary, and Facebook at HamiltonPublicLibrary. 

About City of Hamilton Indigenous Relations Division
The Indigenous Relations Division provides action-oriented, strategic leadership and guidance to advance the implementation of Hamilton's Urban Indigenous Strategy (UIS). The team supports leaders and staff from city divisions and departments in making progress towards the goals of the UIS and to strengthen the City’s relationship with Indigenous communities.