A motion to explore the future of West Ferris Centennial Community Arena, located at the Sam Jacks Recreation Complex on Gertrude Street, was referred back to the committee level by the majority of North Bay City Council during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 30.
For more on the motion: What's next for West Ferris Arena?
Only Councillor Lana Mitchell, the chair of the infrastructure and operations committee spoke following the reading of the motion.
"My understanding," noted Mitchell, "is there are no outstanding items that are required to be addressed in the 2019 assessment of the building structure of the West Ferris Arena ... Therefore, I think this motion is unclear in what it is directing staff to do."
Mitchell sought a seconder, Coun. Tanya Vrebosch obliged and, in a matter of moments, and without any discussion, the matter was moved back to the committee level.
Coun. Jamie Lowery, who seconded the motion, was not pleased with the result.
"I’m not sure what was so difficult to understand about the motion. It will likely be buried in committee. However, in my mind, this council has lost perspective on the city’s priorities and is out of touch with taxpayers — there is little to no strategic thinking, in my mind, or linear decision-making."
Asked if there is a rift around the council table, Lowery responded, "It looks like at least nine are on the same page."
Coun. Sara Inch, who was the mover, took a more optimistic view of the evening's events.
"I look forward to discussing the future of West Ferris Arena at committee," Inch told BayToday, "and I'm relieved that a review of the 2019 engineering reports shows that with repair, the lifespan of this arena can be extended. This is fiscally responsible. Council needs to weigh the costs of repairs versus demolition and building from scratch before moving forward."
Lowery has long had an affinity for an arena/community centre project in West Ferris to eventually replace the existing arena. In 2018, he presented a private group's proposal to build a new arena at the North Bay Mall to council — four years before his own election (see photo above).
During Lowery's 2022 campaign, he raised the possibility of rebuilding on the site of the Sam Jacks complex. Lowery has been a consistent critic of the twin pad arena and community centre project.
The motion, brought forward by Inch and Lowery mentions the "changing demographics and economic excess" at play as the City "seeks to make fiscally responsible and sustainable decisions regarding the future of the arena."
A "Building Condition Assessment is crucial to understanding the repair needs of Sam Jacks Arena, ensuring informed decisions are made regarding its future, whether through repairs or repurposing," the motion continues. "The environmental impact of demolishing the arena contradicts the city's goals for a net-zero carbon footprint, making the repair of the existing structure a more environmentally responsible choice."
If passed, the resulting resolution would have:
1. Authorized a Building Condition Assessment for the West Ferris "Sam Jacks" Arena to investigate and evaluate the necessary repairs for its future;
2. directed staff to conduct a thorough examination of the historical, cultural, environmental, and economic aspects associated with the repair or potential repurposing of the arena;
3. acknowledged the importance of engaging the community, seeking their input and support as decisions are made regarding the future of Sam Jacks Arena;
4. committed to transparency and timely communication throughout the assessment process, ensuring residents are informed about the progress and findings.
The motion was "presented with the understanding that, regardless of the outcome of the new build arena plan, something will need to be done with Sam Jacks Arena," and "in light of the economic and sustainable focus, the City recognizes the importance of exploring all available options before committing to a course of action."
