There is a target date in sight for the grand opening of Canadore College's much-anticipated 85,000-square-foot multi-use recreational facility.
In a short video posted to its social media accounts, an aerial view shows the construction site on which the facility is being built. In the video's caption, Canadore states, "Exciting progress update! Here's a sneak peek. From initial groundwork to concrete foundations, every detail is taking shape. Opening this fall, the facility will cater to a multitude of sports including year-round soccer, golf, baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, dry land training and sports conditioning."
The $8.5-million sports facility, a work in progress since June 2022, is situated behind the school's Commerce Court Campus. The multi-use facility, which will be available to be rented and used by both the public and student body at Canadore is expected to benefit the school and multiple community user groups, as well as bolster sports tourism initiatives. The facility will include a 6,200-square-foot attached clubhouse, complete with change rooms, a reception area, and spaces for meetings and dedicated instruction.
See related: Canadore building new indoor sports facility
In September 2023, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli announced a $2 million NOHFC grant for Canadore College to build a multi-use recreation facility on the Commerce Court Campus.
"This is more than just a dome," said Fedeli then. "This is an athletic venue, it's a venue for community events. Through targeted investment, our government is enhancing infrastructure at Canadore College to provide sports and recreation enthusiasts with a year-round indoor facility."
George Burton, Canadore president and CEO also addressed the project's delays during the same media announcement. "There are lots of factors, such as supply chain, increased cost with interest rates going up and to ensure we had all the environmental work done," he explained.
— With files from Chris Dawson
