Officials at Canadore College expect to have more news to share in September relating to Canadore College’s potential sports facility development which could include a twin ice pad.
“There are still a few pieces of the puzzle in play that fall within the confidential process,” stated Jessica Charette, Canadore College Communications and Public Relations Director.
“However, there will be concrete news to share in September.”
Back in May Canadore stated they had received all the RFP responses which they have been evaluating since.
The school asked for an extended evaluation period which stretched into the summer months.
It has been a slow process as the school was expected to name its winning bidder in late 2015 but that was before a geo-technical survey was required on the land behind the Canadore Commerce Court Campus where the facility would be constructed.
The facility decision seems to be a key one with the city of North Bay.
Last may the City gave West Ferris arena another year of of operation after the city conducted an engineering report looking at the aging arenas in the city.
Both Council and City Staff have admitted the longevity of West Ferris arena is definitely a concern.
Last winter a preliminary Engineering report in December indicated a portion of the West Ferris arena roof could not withstand more than 150 millimetres of snow, or the rink would have to be shut down, which it was on at least one occasion last winter.
Councillor Mark King, who is also the Chair of Community Services says City Staff have told them West Ferris will need to be replaced by 2019.
He says regardless where a new facility is built, it will be decided on through public consultation.
"Depending on where it goes we could be in a capital build in the $16 million in range, and that's a tough pill to swallow and that’s a major concern for me," stated King.
