Reuse or demolition: North Bay looks at options for Sam Jacks complex

A report headed to city council May 25 said that since 2016, the city has done the bare minimum to keep the site – also known as the West Ferris Arena -- open while the new complex was being planned and constructed. (File)

As the Steve Omischl Sports Complex nears completion, city councillors in North Bay will have to decide the future of the Sam Jacks Recreation Complex site.

A report headed to city council May 25 said that since 2016, the city has done the bare minimum to keep the site – also known as the West Ferris Arena -- open while the new complex was being planned and constructed.

“This program was explicitly designed as a temporary or interim measure to ensure continued safe operation until the facility could be replaced,” the report said.

“These measures were never intended to extend the life of the facility indefinitely. The planning and decision points to date have consistently been that upon opening of a new replacement facility, the West Ferris Arena would be safely decommissioned, demolished and the site repurposed.”

North Bay doesn’t need 6 ice pads

A study commissioned by the city determined that North Bay doesn’t need six ice pads. And the master plan for recreational facilities concluded that there is no operational need for the West Ferris Arena.

“The preliminary work of the Sam Jacks Complex Master Plan reimagines the site with outdoor facilities,” the report said.

“The West Ferris Arena Consolidated Summary of Reports … demonstrates that The West Ferris Arena has reached the end of its expected service life. This finding is consistent with the strategic direction over the past 10 years to retire the facility.”

Councillors will have to decide whether to proceed with a full building conditions assessment – a process that could cost as much as $600,000. These types of studies usually begin with an idea of what the building would be used for, the report said.

“The scope, depth and cost of the studies vary significantly depending on the intended future use of the facility,” the report said.

“To date, the preliminary Sam Jacks Complex Master Plan exercise has not identified a need to rehabilitate or maintain the facility.”

Economic sense

A less intensive study would examine such questions as whether it would make economic sense to convert the building into a usable public space.

“The total potential cost for the limited undertaking of a desktop review and selective studies is estimated to be between $100,000 and $250,000,” the report said.

“These costs represent a significant commitment prior to undertaking any design work. In keeping with the resolution’s emphasis on economic and sustainable focus, staff is seeking direction before proceeding.”

The report recommends simply proceeding with the demolition of the arena and moving ahead with the development of the Sam Jacks Recreation Complex Master Plan.

There is $539,000 already set aside for that process. If approved, an RFP for demolition services would be issued.

Read the full report here.