Monday, August 31, 2026
The City of North Bay officially open the WFCU Place, North Bay’s new community recreation centre at the Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex.
Delivered on time and on budget, the $63-million community recreation centre welcomed community members and project partners for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, kicking off a weekend of activities inviting residents and visitors to explore the new facility.
“This is a proud day for North Bay,” said Mayor Peter Chirico. “WFCU Place is the result of years of planning, advocacy and collaboration. This facility will provide residents of all ages and abilities with a place to stay active, connect with others and enjoy recreation for years to come. I want to thank our funding partners, community groups and everyone who helped bring this project to life.”
The facility includes two regulation-sized ice pads, an indoor walking track, community meeting space, and 14 dressing rooms designed to support indoor and outdoor recreation year-round.
WFCU Place was delivered through a progressive design-build process led by EllisDon Corporation.
“What makes this facility special is that it was built for everyone,” said Randy Reymer, SVP and Area Manager, Southwestern and Northern Ontario, EllisDon. “From athletes and families to spectators and community groups, there’s a place for people to connect, participate, and feel welcome. Seeing the community come together in a space that was designed with accessibility and inclusion at its core is something our team is incredibly proud of.”
The project was made possible through investments from all three levels of government and key community partners, including more than $35 million in federal funding through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program and the Community Stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund.
“Today we celebrate a very big and exciting milestone for North Bay. The new Community Centre will provide residents with an accessible and sustainable place to be active, have fun and connect with others in the community,” said Pauline Rochefort, MP for Nipissing–Timiskaming and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State. “This Community Centre will support the wellbeing and growth of North Bay for many generations to come.”
The project’s federal investment helped deliver a facility designed with sustainability in mind. WFCU Place is one of the first full-sized recreational facilities in Canada to meet the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Design V3 standard. It includes energy-efficient systems, reduced carbon emissions and design elements that support future renewable energy integration.
The Government of Ontario contributed $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) toward the project. The province also invested $1,675,000 through the Ministry of Sport’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund in the cricket and multi-use field currently under construction at the Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex, further enhancing recreation opportunities at the site.
“Ontario is proud to celebrate the North Bay Community and Recreation Centre’s completion. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the space has on individuals and families in our community,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “This fully-accessible, modern facility will improve access to recreational activities for residents, while also attracting visitors and enhancing our tourism and hospitality sectors in Nipissing.”
In addition, the City directed $1.5 million in municipal contributions from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) – generated through Cascades Casino North Bay – toward the project.
Featured image: (City of North Bay)
