New Arena Moving Forward ?
This Thursday, City Council will be presented final design and pricing options for North Bay’s new Community and Recreation Centre project.
EllisDon Corporation, leading the design team, is proposing a guaranteed maximum price of $62.5 million. While this figure is above the original $59.5 million target, it includes the amenities and programming needed to meet the functional needs of the community as identified during the planning phase.
During a Special Committee Meeting at 5:30 p.m., Council will also be presented with potential cost-saving options, such as removing the second-floor walking track or reducing parking spaces. However, these adjustments would impact the centre's functionality and would be more expensive to implement at a later date.
Through a progressive design-build process, the team has balanced cost-effectiveness with functionality, ensuring a fully accessible, modern facility that will serve the community for years to come.
Located at the Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex on Lakeshore Drive, the centre will feature two ice pads, a large community room and expanded recreational spaces to support sports field users. Construction is targeted for completion in August 2026.
The project has already secured $25.78 million from the Government of Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, covering approximately 40 per cent of the total cost. The facility will also be one of the first in Ontario to meet version three of the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Design Standard.
Following Thursday’s presentation, Council will reconvene next week to decide on the pricing options and whether to proceed with construction. The City is also continuing to seek additional funding from upper levels of government, potentially securing up to $2 million more for the project.
The meeting agenda is available on the City’s website at https://pub-northbay.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=746b5b78-0d81-44e3-8611-d99921f1425a&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English
