North Bay council picks builder in next steps of new arena and recreation centre

City councillors in North Bay have given the Ellis Don Corporation the ‘go-ahead’ for a multi-million dollar arena and recreation centre project.

Several councils have been debating the project that will be situated at the Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex on Lakeshore Drive for years.

On Tuesday night, the current council voted 8-2 in favour of the project and awarded the approximately $2.6-million contraction for development services to Ellis Don.

Councillors Lowery and Inch were the only two to vote against.

“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,” Councillor Lana Mitchell, chair of Infrastructure and Operations said in a statement.

According to a news release from the city, the ice pad is still in its early stages. It’ll 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 competition of construction is the end of December 2025.

It’ll also be a progressive design build, meaning the developer will be giving council updates as the project 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 group. We still have the ability to off ramp at any time. 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,” said Councillor Tanya Vrebosch.

The city says 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 Councillor 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.