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
Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Do this once a month and extend your life by up to 10 years. No gym required
Research shows that art experiences, whether as a maker or a beholder, transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.
Mackenzie Hughes 'gutted' after falling short at RBC Canadian Open
Mackenzie Hughes had the dream scenario of winning the RBC Canadian Open in his hometown within reach but then it all slipped away.
Motorcycle doing wheelies, weaving in, out of traffic caught on Highway 417
A motorcycle driver is facing charges after being caught on Highway 417 doing wheelies and weaving in and out of traffic, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says.
Oilers advance to Stanley Cup final by beating Stars in Game 6
The Edmonton Oilers rode their special teams and goaltender to victory on Sunday, beating the Dallas Stars 2-1 to win the National Hockey League's Western Conference and earn a berth in the Stanley Cup final against the Florida Panthers.
'Rotten rock': Climate change altering the face of Canadian mountaineering
The Abbot Pass hut stood for decades in a rugged saddle between two iconic peaks, overlooking the limpid turquoise of Banff National Park's Lake Louise — a destination for alpinists from around the world until the ground melted beneath it and forced its closure.
North Korea says it will stop sending trash balloons as South Korea vows strong retaliation
South Korea said Sunday it’ll soon take retaliatory steps against North Korea over its launch of trash-carrying balloons across the border and other provocations.
'The legacy I want to leave:' Mother with Stage 4 cancer advocates for survivors
People around the world are observing National Cancer Survivor Day, an annual celebration held to honour patients who have been through the often difficult and traumatic experience of living with cancer.
Driver missing after vehicle plunges into the Riviere-des-Prairies between Montreal and Laval
Emergency response crews are on the scene Sunday morning after a vehicle plunged into the Riviere des Prairies in Montreal.