Musquodoboit Harbour Library and Recreation Hub

The Musquodoboit Harbour Library and Recreation Hub transforms an aging suburban strip mall into a vibrant civic hub for the rural community of Musquodoboit Harbour. Working within a modest budget, the project consolidated library and recreation services into a single flexible and universally accessible public space that encourages gathering, learning, fitness, and social connection.

Strategic architectural interventions opened the previously inward-looking building to the village through large curtainwall glazing, new skylights, exposed roof trusses, and warm wood interiors that flood the space with daylight. A new central reception area, café, lounges, and multi-purpose programming spaces encourage overlap between users and activities throughout the day.

The building was re-clad in durable stained hemlock and upgraded with improved insulation, lighting, and accessibility. Inspired by the rural character of the surrounding community, the project demonstrates how modest but carefully targeted design interventions can create a strong civic identity. Since reopening, the centre has experienced a 250% increase in usership.

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