Phase 1 involves construction of the Keshen Goodman Public Library, site improvements such as parking and landscape to support the Library and a trailhead for hiking in Mainland Commons. Because the schedule for Phase 2 construction is not known, it is important that Phase 1 of the development be attractive and work well for the Library even if the Recreational Facility is significantly delayed.

Phase 1 is located on the north part of the site close to Lacewood Drive. The rectangular Library building will be located on the northwest side of the site with the parking located on the east side of the site. The building entrance is located at the mid-point of the east façade of the building and is oriented to the parking lot, the automobile drop-off and the pedestrian route to Lacewood Drive.

The parking lot covers a flat area of the site and the fill requirements will be minimal in this area - maximum 1.0 metres in depth. The Library building site on the west side of the property has a more pronounced slope running through the site from south to north. In order to create a level building area, the site footprint will require small cut areas at the southwest corner; 0.5 to 2.0 metres of fill through the centre and northeast corner and up to 4.0 metres of fill in the northwest corner of the site.

The Library setback along Lacewood Drive will become a stormwater retention pond. Using fill and landscaping design, this retention basin will be designed as a water feature on the site. As a part of the landscaping, a small pedestrian bridge will be located to cross the basin, connecting the covered entry plaza to the Library with the sidewalk along Lacewood Drive.

At the south end of the Library building is a secondary plaza that serves as the new trailhead for hiking in Mainland Commons.

The existing vegetation and forest cover on the site will be retained where possible. Areas close to the building, parking lot and retention pond where natural elevations and vegetation are altered, will be landscaped in keeping with a park gateway location.