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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Guilty: Trump becomes first former U.S. president convicted of felony crimes
Donald Trump became the first former American president to be convicted of felony crimes Thursday as a New York jury found him guilty of all 34 charges in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex.
Can Trump come to Canada now that he's a convicted felon?
A Canadian immigration lawyer says now that Donald Trump is a convicted felon, he is technically barred from crossing the border into Canada.
Montreal tech billionaire charged with several sex offences
Robert Miller was charged Thursday with several sexual assault charges after Montreal police reopened an investigation into the tech billionaire.
A pair enjoyed pricey meals and bolted when it was time to pay. Their dine and dash ended in jail
A Welsh couple who dined out on pricey meals and bolted when the bill came is now paying the price, behind bars.
Aurora borealis returning to night skies across Canada this Friday: NOAA
If you missed the brilliant displays of the aurora borealis over North America on May 10, you may have another chance to see them on Friday night.
Shell investigating a 'potential cybersecurity incident'
Oil and gas giant Shell says it is investigating a possible cybersecurity 'incident.'
Doug Ford suggests immigrants behind Jewish school shooting
Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested immigrants are to blame for the shooting of an empty Jewish school in Toronto over the weekend, despite police saying they have little information on the suspects.
NDP wants Liberals to scrap proposed election date change that could secure pensions for many MPs
The federal New Democrats want to amend the Liberal government's electoral reform legislation to scrap the proposal to push back the vote by a week and consequently secure pensions for dozens of MPs, CTV News has learned.
'I didn't think it was real': Oilers fans score free Game 4 tickets from stranger
There's always something to be happy about when the Edmonton Oilers are making good strides in the playoffs, but this is especially true for two lucky fans who were able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Game 4 — for free.