Ontario Construction News staff writer
A beam signing marked a major milestone in the construction of the City of North Bay’s new Community and Recreation Centre at the Steve Omischl Sports Complex. With the steel frame nearing completion, the facility is now one step closer to becoming a year-round hub for recreation, wellness, and community gatherings.
The $63 million project, led by EllisDon Corporation using a progressive design-build process, remains on track for completion in August 2026. The facility was designed by Toronto-based MJMA Architecture and Design, with EllisDon serving as the design-builder in collaboration with MJMA and other partners.
The facility will span approximately 85,000 square feet and accommodate a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities year-round. Key features include two standard-size hockey rinks, a walking-running track, a spacious community room, 14 dressing rooms, warm spectator viewing areas, transit pick-up and drop-off locations, and 408 parking spots, including 14 accessible spaces.
The building is designed to meet Version 3 of the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Design Standard, making it one of the first net-zero carbon recreational facilities in Canada. Environmental initiatives include the use of a CO₂ ice plant and heat recovery systems to preheat domestic hot water.
“After years of planning and hard work, this facility is becoming a reality,” said Mayor Peter Chirico. “It will be a welcoming space for residents of all ages and abilities to come together for sports, recreation, and social activities. I want to thank the Federal Government, OLG, and the many community groups whose advocacy and input have been instrumental in bringing this project to life.”
The facility will support both indoor and outdoor sports, from hockey and ringette to football, soccer, softball, and cricket. Once the steel frame is complete, construction crews will move on to steel decking, finishing work, and the building envelope phase, which includes roofing and exterior walls.
“This facility will be an asset to so many in North Bay and Nipissing-Timiskaming for years,” said Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Pauline Rochefort. “It will provide modern amenities for ice sports, much-needed changing facilities for field sports, and inclusive spaces for the community. The net-zero carbon footprint is leading edge, and this design helped the City of North Bay secure a $25.77 million federal grant.”
The city has also approved spending $1.5 million from OLG proceeds. “OLG is proud to be a vital part of the City of North Bay,” said Kathleen Devine, OLG’s Senior Municipal Relations Manager. “When you play at an Ontario casino, you play for Ontario.”