Mass timber takes centre stage at North Bay’s eco-friendly rec centre

As Ontario updates its building code to allow taller wood structures, the City of North Bay is leading by example with a state-of-the-art recreation centre built using nail-laminated mass timber panels.

The city hosted WoodWorks and the Canadian Wood Council Oct. 7 for a site tour at the new North Bay Community and Recreation Centre, which highlighted the use of mass timber construction.

Reporters were not invited on the tour.

See: VIDEO: Drone show of new twin pad arena construction

“It’s especially meaningful to see Northern Ontario wood on display in a landmark project here in North Bay,” said Steven Street, executive director of WoodWorks Ontario, in a news release.

“Mass timber construction not only supports local jobs and communities, it also highlights the region’s manufacturing expertise and strengthens forest industry supply chains, demonstrating how homegrown, renewable resources can deliver high-performance, low-carbon buildings that benefit people, the environment, and regional economies.

“It is imperative during this time of economic uncertainty with our historic markets and trading partners that we understand we have the power to choose where our materials are sourced from.”

Updates to the Ontario Building Code became effective Jan. 1, which now allow mass timber buildings up to 18 storeys, making wood a viable low-carbon alternative to traditional building materials such as steel and concrete.

“This facility was designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally responsible,” said Mayor Peter Chirico.

The recreation and community centre is being supported by a total federal contribution of $35,198,810, including approximately $25.77 million from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program and approximately $9.4 million from the city’s strategic allocation of its annual Canada Community-Building Fund over several years, according to the release.

“The new North Bay Community and Recreation Centre will provide residents with a welcoming space to gather, play and connect, while showcasing how low-carbon and climate-conscious design can be successfully integrated into community infrastructure,” said Pauline Rochefort, member of parliament for Nipissing –Timiskaming. 

The new centre will be the first full-sized zero-carbon recreational facility in Canada and is setting a precedent by integrating climate-conscious technology and design.

Key highlights include:

• CO2-based ice plant enabling high-grade heat recovery.
• All-electric mechanical systems for space and water heating, eliminating on-site heating combustion.
• A 26 per cent reduction in energy consumption and nearly 50 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional designs.
• A design that is solar- and battery-ready for future renewable integration.