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
'No sign of life' at crash site of helicopter carrying Iran's president
Rescuers on Monday found a helicopter that was carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, which had crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran the day before.
Court eases internet restrictions for Sask. man who matched with a 15-year-old girl on Tinder
A Saskatchewan man who had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl he met on Tinder successfully appealed to shorten release conditions barring him from online dating.
Stittsville residents seeking answers as bylaw cracks down on street basketball nets
Stittsville residents on Kearnsley Way are seeking answers after an unusual bylaw crackdown on Friday. Every home with a basketball net received a ticket instructing homeowners to remove their nets from the road.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Toxic drugs circulating in northeastern Ont., police say
Canada’s largest First Nations police service, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service issued a community safety alert as extremely toxic drugs are likely circulating in many of the communities it serves.