Major step forward for twin-pad arena construction in North Bay

A major milestone was reached in North Bay this week in the construction of the $63 million twin-pad arena slated to open by fall 2026.

North Bay marked a major milestone Thursday morning in the construction of the new twin-pad arena and recreation centre at the Steve Omischl Sports Complex.

The beam signing ceremony included news that the $63 million project is still on time and, most importantly, on budget.

The beam was signed, hoisted into the air and fastened into place, completing a major milestone in the construction of the new twin pad arena and community centre.

“It’s 100 per cent needed,” said Michelle Fish of the West Ferris Ringette Association.

“Just like I said before, it’s going to grow the sport. It will make more ice time available (and participants) will be able to stay within North Bay.”

On budget, on time

The construction is on budget, including a $1.1 million contingency fund set aside for unexpected costs.

“There’s only been about $300,000 to $400,000 of that that was utilized,” said Mayor Peter Chirico.

“And that was due to some rock work that was done.”

The facility will also include a walking track, a community room, and 14 dressing rooms to support both indoor and outdoor sports with parking for more than 400 vehicles. It will be one of the first net carbon-zero recreational facilities in Canada.

The federal government is chipping in close to $26 million from its inclusive community buildings program.

“Taxpayers should be very proud of this project,” Chirico said.

“And the cost reductions from where we originally projected, back, you know, two years ago, to where it is today, I think it’s a good value.”

Officials from lead contractor EllisDon Corp. said once the steel frame is complete, construction crews will move on to steel decking and finishing work, followed by the building envelope phase, which includes roofing and exterior walls.

“Our goal is to have it enclosed for the winter to ensure that we’re able to work right through the winter, no matter what the weather conditions,” said Max Mantha, EllisDon’s chief operating officer for Eastern Canada.

The City of North Bay is using $1.5 million in contributions from OLG toward the project.

The facility is slated to open in August 2026.

“It will be really exciting to have more ice surfaces and have our ringette lines represented for the sport,” Fish added.