Firm bids to build twin-pad arena in North Bay for $60M

A report headed to North Bay city council May 7 recommends the city accept EllisDon Corp.’s bid to build a twin-pad arena in the city for $60 million.

Bids to build North Bay's twin-pad arena at the Steve Omischl Sports Complex came in much higher than forecast. (City of North Bay)

The city received seven proposals to build the arena, with EllisDon’s bid edging out Bird Construction Group in the city’s evaluation of the bids.

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“The proposal from EllisDon Corp. scored highest and provides the best overall value to the city,” the staff report said.

“Their bid is considered fair and reasonable.”

The city is receiving almost $26 million for the project from the federal government. The report said the project is expected to add $14.7 million in special debt when other revenue streams are included.

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The report recommends awarding EllisDon a $2.59 million contract to develop the first stage of the project. It will be built at the Steve Omischl Sports Complex.

The city is hoping to build two ice pads that can seat 250 fans each, 12 change rooms that can fit up to 25 people, a 223-space parking lot with 10 accessible parking spaces and city bus drop-off area.

Under the progressive design build of the arena, the company will update city council when the arena is 30 per cent complete, and again when it is 60 per cent finished “to ensure that project’s target budget, schedule, and functional program meet the objectives set out by council.”

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The progressive design build style allows the city to build parts of the arena and make changes as the project moves forward to stay within budget.

The process is in an attempt to complete the facility in 2025 and at the same time meet net zero-carbon requirements to receive close to $26 million in federal funding.