The bids are in from the construction companies on the pre-approved shortlist seeking to build the City of North Bay's proposed twin-pad arena and community centre.
Three bids were submitted:
- $70,801,000 — JR Certus Construction Co. Ltd., Vaughan, Ont.
- $72,330,000 Atlas Constructors Inc. from Concord, Ont.
- $82,335,000 — Aquicon Construction Co. Ltd., Brampton, Ont.
The project was pitched to North Bay City Council by municipal staff with an overall estimated $51.6-million price tag, including approximately $44 million in construction costs. Up to $25.77 million in funding from the federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program could have seen nearly half of the total projected costs covered.
See related: City seeks builder for new community centre with twin pad arena
The rising cost has always been a sticking point. Many felt economic conditions would push the cost well beyond the spending appetite of the taxpayers but the report listed the price tag at $51.6 million in December 2022 and it had not been updated until Wednesday. The Class 'A' estimate cited then showed a construction cost of $43,531,000.
See related: Council approves new arena project
And: More on council's decision to tender new community centre
The proposed construction of what has been touted as a community and recreation centre, featuring twin ice pads, facilities to make up for the lack of change rooms at the adjacent Steve Omischl Sports Complex, community meeting spaces, and an indoor walking track among other amenities, has been a divisive issue in the city after more than a decade of input and lobbying by various stakeholders and special-interest groups.
BayToday will have more coverage of the arena bids.
