As seen in the short video above, work is progressing on North Bay’s new Community and Recreation Centre at the Steve Omischl Sports Complex on Lakeshore Drive.
Blasting operations began in mid-February and are scheduled to run until March 31, with up to four blasts per day.
See related: No earthquake...they're blasting at Omischl
BayToday recently got a high-level view of the new arena site, thanks to contributor Neil Brown and his drone.
The new arena is expected to open in August 2026.
Key Features of the new build:
- two standard hockey-sized ice pads
- walking-running track
- fully accessible building
- warm spectator viewing areas
- transit pick-up and drop-off location at main entrance
- community room/meeting space
- total of 14 barrier-free team change rooms, including eight capable of converting into four enlarged change rooms
- 433 parking spaces
- bus parking spaces
According to the City of North Bay, the North Bay Community and Recreation Centre will replace the aging West Ferris Arena, ensuring that the City continues to provide the community with recreational services and opportunities within an improved and modernized facility. The new facility will add an ice pad to the City's existing inventory, helping to better meet demand as demonstrated through public consultation.
The Recreation and Community Centre is being supported by a total federal contribution of over $35 million, covering more than 50 per cent of the project costs. This includes over $25.7 million from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program and over $9.4 million from the City’s strategic allocation of its annual Canada Community-Building Fund over several years.