Northern Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of North Bay is beginning long-term planning for two major recreation facilities, the Sam Jacks Recreation Complex and the Steve Omischl Sports Complex, looking ahead to future upgrades and development at both sites.
The project follows a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process and is being led by consulting firm Trace Planning and Design.
Consultations with user groups, schools and nearby residents are already underway. The city plans to expand engagement to the broader community in the coming weeks. The work is being led by Trace Planning and Design, which was selected through a request for proposals process.
The planning effort will result in a master plan for each site, building on earlier studies including the city’s multi-use recreational facility feasibility study and parks master plan. Initial findings are expected this spring.
“Developing a master plan for the Sam Jacks Recreation Complex and the Steve Omischl Sports Complex will provide a roadmap for the next 10 years for both facilities and inform future decisions regarding the long-term recreation needs of the community,” said Coun. Justine Mallah, chair of community services.
The plans will help guide future uses for city-owned land around the Omischl site and look at new possibilities for the Sam Jacks property as programs move to a new facility currently under construction nearby.
The plans will also complement the new Community and Recreation Centre being built at the Omischl site, which is expected to open in August 2026. The net-zero carbon facility will include a walking track, a large community room, 14 dressing rooms, more than 400 parking spaces and two ice pads.
The Omischl site will also include a multi-use cricket ground, with construction expected to begin later this year using a progressive design-build approach.
An online survey is available to collect input on local parks and recreation facilities. For project updates and to participate in the survey, visit: https://northbay.ca/projects/steve-omischl-sam-jacks-master-plans/