The groundbreaking was less than a week ago, and North Bay city council is already looking at naming the new community centre after former hockey coach Butch Turcotte, who passed away this summer.
"I would like to give a notice of motion for the next council meeting that council consider the possible naming of the new recreation community centre in memory or a portion thereof in memory of Butch Turcotte who passed away earlier this year and that will be a decision of council obviously into the new year and as we move forward with that," stated Mayor Peter Chirico at the end of North Bay City Council meeting on Tuesday night.
See related: A ground breaking experience at Steve Omischl Sports Complex
See related: Local sports icon passes away
City officials noted they are also looking into corporate sponsorship opportunities with the community centre as well.
The $63M project is expected to open in August of 2026 at the Steve Omischl Sports Complex on the south end of North Bay where a ground breaking ceremony took place on Thursday, December 5.
Butch Turcotte was remembered for helping create AAA hockey in North Bay, winning a national midget championship in North Bay as a head coach in 1984, and a provincial junior hockey league title with the North Bay Trappers back in 1976.
The 1992 North Bay Sports Hall of Fame inductee is also remembered for the countless hours spent operating the Labreche Forum outdoor rink in their backyard for more than 40 years.
His son Darren Turcotte had a successful 12-year career in the National Hockey League and he is now the head coach of the Nipissing Lakers varsity women's hockey team.
