Zero-carbon rec centre sets Canadian precedent in northern Ont.

WoodWorks and the Canadian Wood Council toured the site for the new North Bay Community and Recreation Centre in North Bay, Ont., on October 7, 2025. (Supplied/City of North Bay)

A new community hub in North Bay, Ont., is positioning itself as a national leader in sustainable construction, featuring mass timber from northern Ontario and aiming to be Canada’s first full-sized zero-carbon recreational facility.

The City of North Bay hosted WoodWorks and the Canadian Wood Council for a site tour and presentation at the new North Bay Community and Recreation Centre on Tuesday, highlighting the use of mass timber and its role in sustainable building design.

Attendees viewed the installation of nail-laminated timber panels and learned about the benefits of the material.

“It’s especially meaningful to see northern Ontario wood on display in a landmark project here in North Bay,” said Steven Street, WoodWorks Ontario’s executive director.

“Mass timber construction not only supports local jobs and communities, it also highlights the region’s manufacturing expertise and strengthens forest industry supply chains.”

Street also stressed to the economic significance of the project.

“It is imperative during this time of economic uncertainty with our historic markets and trading partners that we understand we have the power to choose where our materials are sourced from,” he said.

Building code changes enable taller wood structures

The organizations also highlighted recent updates to the Ontario Building Code, effective Jan. 1 of this year, which now allow mass timber buildings up to 18 storeys. According to the groups in attendance, these changes make wood a viable low-carbon alternative to traditional building materials such as steel and concrete.

The project has received significant federal backing, with a total contribution of $35,198,810. This includes approximately $25.77 million from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program and about $9.4 million from the city’s strategic allocation of its annual Canada Community-Building Fund over several years.

“This facility was designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally responsible,” said Mayor Peter Chirico.

“With federal support through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Fund, we’re able to give North Bay a space that’s sustainable and really serves our community.”

Precedent-setting zero-carbon facility

The new centre is designed to set a national precedent by integrating climate-conscious technology. Key features include a CO2-based ice plant enabling high-grade heat recovery and all-electric mechanical systems for space and water heating, which eliminate on-site heating combustion.

The design is expected to result in a 26 per cent reduction in energy consumption and nearly 50 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional designs. The facility is also solar- and battery-ready for future renewable integration.

Pauline Rochefort, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, emphasized the project’s broader impact.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that communities across Canada have access to safe, modern and sustainable infrastructure,” Rochefort said.

“The new North Bay Community and Recreation Centre will provide residents with a welcoming space to gather, play and connect, while showcasing how low-carbon and climate-conscious design can be successfully integrated into community infrastructure.”

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