Timmins considers building major events centre with ice pads, pool

While it’s a long way from becoming a reality, city council in Timmins has started the process of building an events centre in the city.

At a special meeting this week, councillors directed staff to proceed with cost analysis, design and site selection to determine funding sources for a new facility.

The decision follows an update in June of the city’s Recreation Master Plan, an 181-page document that recommended building a new indoor facility to enhance recreation programs and services.

At Wednesday’s council meeting, there was talk about the city’s plans for culture and tourism -- specifically, the need for space for groups, performances and larger events. An estimated price tag has not been discussed.

“Now is the time to consider this investment,” Mayor Michelle Boileau is quoted as saying in a news release.

“From concept to construction and the final grand opening, it’s a multi-year process. We can keep deliberating or we can start planning for a facility that will revolutionize what the municipality can offer for events and athletics.”

Next steps will be an application to senior levels of government to determine whether funding is available.

“This will include choosing a location for the new facility, with space enough for two ice surfaces, a municipal Class A indoor aquatic centre, event space, and the potential for additional building components like meeting space, walking track, or gymnasium, subject to design, cost and operational feasibility,” the release said.

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“This has the potential of not only being a community hub, but a regional hub and a best-in-class centre for recreation, culture, and tourism,” Boileau added.

For more information, see the master plan update here.