North Bay city council chooses developer for new arena
City councillors in North Bay have given the Ellis Don Corporation the ‘go-ahead’ to build the multi-million dollar arena and recreation centre project.
Mock up of new North Bay arena and community recreation centre. (City of North Bay)
For years, several councils have been debating the project that will be situated at the Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex on Lakeshore Drive.
On Tuesday night, city council voted 8-2 in favour of the project and awarded the approximately $2.6-million contract for development services to Ellis Don.
Councillors Lowery and Inch were the only two to vote against the motion.
"The approval of the contract with Ellis Don marks an important step forward in realizing our vision for a modern, inclusive community and recreation centre," Coun. Lana Mitchell, chair of infrastructure and operations said in a statement.
According to a news release from the city, the new ice pad is still in its early stages.
The contractor will focus on cost, schedule and functionality, allowing council to pick a preferred design.
Once a concept is chosen, then they can refine it to reflect cost estimates along with value engineering options.
Negotiations for a guaranteed maximum price will happen after that, followed by the completion of the design documents, which includes drawings and specifications.
The target for completion of construction is the end of December 2025.
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
The project is a progressive design build, meaning the developer will be giving council updates as it proceeds.
"You’re on a highway and at any point in time; you can take the off ramp and say 'I don’t want to do this anymore.' Until we actually put the shovel in the ground, we still have the ability to off ramp at any time," Coun. Tanya Vrebosch said.
"It’s just making sure that I fully understand that we’re not going to get too far into this, that people say ‘I’m too afraid and I don’t want to do it anymore.' Because another community has done that, where they spent about $30 million and said, 'It’s too much, we don’t want to do it anymore."
The city said the project will maintain the current level of recreation services within a more modernized setting while also providing an additional ice pad to augment the existing inventory.
"This new facility will not only enhance recreational opportunities but will also set a new standard for sustainability," said Coun. Justine Mallah.
The project has secured approval for $25.78 million under the Government of Canada’s Green and Inclusive Buildings program and will strive to meet the zero carbon building design standard.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey
Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump "will be defeated" in the upcoming presidential election, he doesn’t think it’s a given.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Two celestial shows will be visible across Canada this week
Canada is getting not one – but two – celestial shows over the next few days. Keep an eye on the sky for the northern lights and parade of planets!
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
Hundreds of workers on strike at Gibraltar copper mine in British Columbia
More than 500 workers are on strike at the Gibraltar copper mine in central British Columbia, about 200 kilometres south of Prince George.