A request for proposals has been issued by the City of North Bay. They are looking to build a new community and recreation centre which will also include a twin-pad arena and is estimated to cost $30 million. It will be at the city's south end at the Steve Omischl Sports Complex that is currently on the site according to North Ontario Business.
The city is looking for qualified and experienced architectural and engineering firms for the architectural and engineering design and layout of the new facility.
Tenders should be submitted by all applicants and should include the following criteria:
- Architectural
- Structural
- Electrical
- Mechancial
- Sustainability/energy
- Civil
- Landscape architectural
- Cost for new facility
The Steve Omischl Sports Complex was completed in 2011 and consists of an 80 acre site that has three baseball diamonds and three soccer fields including one lined for football.
"The new community centre and twin-pad arena in West Ferris will improve access to sport and recreation opportunities for the citizens of North Bay, and add to the already wonderful quality of life we enjoy in our great city."
Chair of Council's Community Services Committee | Councillor Joanne Brousseau
Per Bay Today, a contract for the architectural and engineering services will be awarded in September. The deadline for submitting the proposals is August 7th.
There will be public open houses and council updates during the design phase of this project. Cost estimates will be provided and reviewed as the process moves on.
According to Bay Today, the community and recreation centre will be a multi-use facility. Councillor Brousseau stated that there will be a walking pad, two rinks and some of the organizations in town who want to be involved will be able to give their input.
"Originally, I was told that it was going to be in the spring that we would start construction, but now it is more realistic that it will be in the fall of 2020. We will hopefully drop the puck in 2022."
Chair of Council's Community Services Committee | Councillor Johanne Brousseau
Cost will also be a major consideration to be reviewed. The city will be reaching out to the federal and provincial governments for added financial support. They are hoping that each will pay for a third of the cost. Councillor Chris Mayne, who oversees the building, will also be involved in this project.
The West Ferris Arena will remain open during the construction process as long as it passes inspections.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - North Bay Community & Recreation Centre Architectural & Engineering Services (0021070919)