In North Bay, Ontario, representatives from the City of North Bay, EllisDon, and various other organizations gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the highly anticipated Recreation and Community Centre at the Steve Omics Sports Field Complex on Lakeshore Drive. This significant milestone marks the start of a $63 million project designed to provide the community with a state-of-the-art recreational facility that will serve residents year-round.
The new Centre will span approximately 85,000 square feet and is set to be one of the first recreational buildings in Canada to meet the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Design Standard, specifically Version 3. With sustainability at the forefront, the facility will feature two ice pads, a community room, a walking track, and 14 dressing rooms to accommodate both indoor and outdoor activities. This multifunctional space will ensure that the center is a hub for a variety of sports and community events throughout the year.
Max Mentha, Chief Operating Officer and executive vice-president of construction at EllisDon, expressed a personal connection to the project, highlighting that North Bay is his hometown. He noted that the groundbreaking ceremony held special meaning, as it was an opportunity for him to work on a project with his parents present, emphasizing the importance of contributing to the communities they value. For EllisDon, this project symbolizes more than just construction work; it represents a long-term impact on the community.
EllisDon will be executing the construction of the center using a progressive design-build model, allowing for collaborative input from all stakeholders throughout the process. This approach will ensure that the facility is not only built efficiently but is tailored to meet the needs of the community.
The project is receiving substantial support from various levels of government, with the federal contribution amounting to over $35 million, covering more than 50% of the total costs. This includes over $25.7 million from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program and more than $9.4 million from the city’s strategic allocation of its annual Canada Community-Building Fund. The city of North Bay is also contributing $1.5 million from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, which funds are received as part of its share of the revenue from hosting the Cascades Casino.
Construction of the center is slated for completion in August 2026, and once finished, it will provide a modern, eco-friendly space for North Bay residents to enjoy a variety of sports and community activities for years to come. The center’s integration into the existing Omics Sports Fields Complex will make it a vital part of the area’s recreational infrastructure, serving as a beacon of sustainability and community engagement in the region.