North Bay Nugget

Council selects Ellisdon as the design-builder for the new twin-pad arena

- JENNIFER HAMILTON MCCHARLES

Ellisdon Corporatio­n has been selected as the design-builder for the new community and recreation centre project.

City council initiated the progressiv­e design-build process Tuesday, approving the award of a contract to Ellisdon in the amount of approximat­ely $2.6 million for the provision of project developmen­t services.

“The approval of the contract with Ellisdon marks an important step forward in realizing our vision for a modern, inclusive Community and Recreation Centre,” said Coun. Lana Mitchell, chair of infrastruc­ture and operations.

This initial phase of the progressiv­e design-build process is aimed at achieving early alignment on cost, schedule and functional program, paving the way for council to select a preferred design concept.

Once the preferred design concept has been selected, the process will involve further refinement, including generating cost estimates with value engineerin­g options, prior to a public meeting to gather feedback to be used to help inform the actual form, size, character and design details of the project.

Negotiatio­ns for a guaranteed maximum price will take place next, followed by the completion of design documents, including drawings and specificat­ions.

Once this stage is complete, a finalized design and price will be presented to council for approval.

The target for completion of constructi­on is the end of December 2025.

“While a target price of approximat­ely $60 million has been set for the project, council’s objective with the progressiv­e design-build approach is to deliver a new community and recreation centre at the most competitiv­e price possible,” said Coun. Mitchell.

The new community and recreation centre will be situated at the Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex on Lakeshore Drive.

This new facility will maintain current recreation­al services within an upgraded and modernized setting, while providing an additional ice pad to augment the existing inventory.

“This new facility will not only enhance recreation­al opportunit­ies but will also set a new standard for sustainabi­lity,” said Coun. Justine Mallah, chair of community services. “I’m looking forward to seeing this project move ahead with a design that will work best for our community.”

The project has secured approval for $25.78 million under the Government of Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program and will meet the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Design Standard.

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