The North Bay City Council is set to make a significant decision regarding a proposed $5.9 million sports field project during its upcoming meeting on Tuesday. Following a recent Infrastructure and Operations Committee meeting, the project has garnered unanimous support from committee members.
Project Overview
If approved, the city will enter into a construction contract with Ellis Don to develop a new multi-use sports facility. This project aims to provide a regulation cricket ground suitable for both cricket and soccer, along with much-needed upgrades to Field C at the Steve Omischl Sports Complex. The initiative consolidates two previously separate projects into one.
Key Features of the Project
- Construction of two FIFA-sized artificial turf fields that can also serve as a cricket ground.
- A dedicated cricket wicket located between the soccer fields.
- Improvements to drainage infrastructure, fencing, player benches, and accessible pathways.
- Underground electrical work for potential future lighting installations.
- Localized repairs and complete replacement of artificial turf at Field C.
Funding and Timelines
The city faces a pressing timeline due to a $1.675 million provincial grant from the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. The funding requires that all eligible project expenses be incurred before March 31, 2027. Manager of Special Projects David Jackowski emphasized that the construction deadline is critical, allowing only about 17 months for project completion after its initiation in mid-October 2025.
Winter conditions could shorten the construction period by approximately five months, increasing the urgency to move forward with a decision.
Artificial Turf Benefits
One of the key discussions has revolved around the decision to utilize artificial turf instead of natural grass. Jackowski pointed out that artificial turf significantly extends the usage season from 75 days to 214 days, while also reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Future Considerations: Lighting
While the current budget does not include lighting for the fields, Jackowski indicated that infrastructure for future lighting installation would be integrated into the design. The estimated cost for a lighting package is approximately $1.56 million. Councillor Tanya Vrebosch expressed interest in ensuring that lighting considerations remain part of future discussions.
Next Steps
Currently, no construction work is underway. The project cannot commence until approval is granted by the council. With the unanimous recommendation from the committee, construction is anticipated to begin shortly after council approval, aiming for completion in November 2026. Repairs to Field C are scheduled to start on September 1, 2026, with a target finish date in April 2027.
As North Bay council weighs the implications of the $5.9 million sports field project, the community awaits a decision that promises to reshape the local sports landscape.
