Hamilton’s public library will begin using the Pier 8 Discovery Center during 2026 following the decision of Waterfront Shores to delay the launch of condo sales at Piers 7 and 8.
Waterfront Shores planned to use the Discovery Centre as a sales centre. The building originally constructed by Parks Canada in 2004, operated as the Canada Marine Discovery Centre until 2010, and transferred to the City of Hamilton in 2015.
The Hamilton Public Library plans to eventually construct a new Indigenous-focused library branch at the site, with a tentative $15-million budget estimate, as part of the planned overall redevelopment project.
Chief Librarian Paul Takala said “With the previously planned lease of the building to the developer of Pier 8 not happening we are working on a plan to open the space to the public sometime in 2026 should we get all the needed approvals.”
“Instead of leaving this building vacant for several years, we want to build momentum,” Takala in an interview on Wednesday. “It’s still a work in progress, but we are looking to animate the space.”
He said details will be announced pending agreements and approvals between the Library Board and the City of Hamilton.
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Published: November 20, 2025
Last updated: November 20, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
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