North Bay, ON – Dec. 5, 2024 – The City of North Bay officially broke ground today on its long-anticipated Recreation and Community Centre at the Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex on Lakeshore Drive.
The $63 million project marks a significant milestone for the community, promising modern and accessible spaces to support recreation and wellness for decades to come. The Recreation and Community Centre is being supported by a total federal contribution of over $35 million, covering more than 50 percent of the project costs. This includes over $25.7 million from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program and over $9.4 million from the City’s strategic allocation of its annual Canada Community-Building Fund over several years.
The Recreation and Community Centre, has been designed to meet Version 3 of the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Design Standard, will include two ice pads, a spacious community room, a walking track and 14 dressing rooms to accommodate indoor and outdoor activities, making it a year-round facility.
“The new Recreation and Community Centre at the Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex will provide the community of North Bay with an innovative, accessible and sustainable place to come together, learn and play for many generations” said Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “This Centre paves the way for sustainable and carbon neutral infrastructure and reflects our commitment to a more inclusive and environmentally friendly future.”
“After years of hard work and dedication, this facility will finally become a reality,” said Mayor Peter Chirico. “It will be a welcoming space for everyone, where residents of all ages and abilities can come together for sports, recreation, and social activities. I want to thank MP Rota and the Federal Government for their generous contribution, and I also want to recognize the many community groups whose advocacy and input over the years have been instrumental in bringing this project to life.”
The City is also directing $1.5 million in contributions from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation toward the Recreation and Community Centre project – funds received as part of its share of revenue from hosting Cascades Casino.
“OLG is proud of the support provided to the City of North Bay through the Municipality Contribution Agreement,” said Kathleen Devine, OLG’s Senior Municipal Relations Manager. “This includes support for critical infrastructure such as the new Recreation and Community Centre, and local programs and community festivals. Each and every year, 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in Ontario to support provincial priorities and help build stronger communities. When you play at an Ontario casino, like Cascades Casino North Bay, you play for Ontario.”
EllisDon Corporation, the project’s lead contractor, is using a progressive design-build process to balance cost-effectiveness with functionality. Construction is scheduled for completion in August 2026.
“This is a facility our residents have been waiting for, and it reflects the priorities identified during the planning process,” said Coun. Lana Mitchell, Chair of Infrastructure of Operations. “From accessibility to sustainability, we’ve ensured that this centre will meet the needs of our community now and well into the future.”
The Recreation and Community Centre will be one of the first net carbon zero recreational facilities in Canada. This means it will be environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective – all while positioning the City to meet future environmental challenges.
"Breaking ground today is an exciting step forward for our community," said Coun. Justine Mallah, Chair of Community Services. "This facility, combined with the outdoor fields, will become a true hub for activity – a place where people can gather, connect, and enjoy everything it offers year-round."
Quick Facts:
- The project has a total budget of $63 million, which includes a guaranteed maximum price of $61.4 million, a contingency of $1.1 million, and $500,000 in internal costs.
- The municipal taxpayer-funded share of the project is $24.8 million, after excluding federal contributions, OLG game revenues, and Municipal Accommodation Tax revenues.
- The complex will feature 408 parking spots, including 14 accessible spaces.
Background:
- The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program was created in support of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It is supporting the Plan’s first pillar by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate change.
- The Canada Community-Building Fund is a permanent source of funding provided twice-a-year to provinces and territories, who in turn deliver this funding to local governments for local infrastructure priorities. The Canada Community-Building Fund has 19 project eligibility categories, including capacity building, sport infrastructure, and broadband connectivity. In Ontario, the Canada Community-Building Fund is administered by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
- The Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) is a 4% fee applied to short-term accommodations of less than 30 consecutive days. This includes stays at hotels, motels, lodges, inns, bed-and-breakfasts, dwelling units, or other lodging establishments. Sixty percent of the MAT revenue funds Tourism North Bay, supporting the local tourism industry, while the remaining 40% is used by the City to invest in tourism-related infrastructure.
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