Ontario Construction News staff writer
The estimated cost to renovate the Fort William Stadium in Thunder Bay has jumped to almost $5 million.
Work, awarded to LTL Contracting, will include replacing the rubber track and artificial playing field and installing a new LED scoreboard.
The cost includes a $200,000 construction contingency that can only be spent with city authorization and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) will provide $1.2 million and FedNor awarded $500,000.
Fort William Stadium and Legion Track is the only facility of its kind in Northwestern Ontario. The revitalized facility will be capable of hosting potential future events such as provincial and national sports events, as well as concerts and festivals. The stadium will continue to be available for use by — charity groups, elementary and high school sports, minor league sports, and residents. This project is anticipated to create five construction jobs.
The city removed field lighting and an enhanced drainage ring separating the track and turf field from the scope of work to cut the cost by $250,000.
LTL was the only bidder on the tender, which was issued in October and work is expected to begin next summer.
In a news release, FedNor said the upgrades will allow the facility to host provincial and national sporting events, concerts, and festivals, and the stadium will still be available for use by charity groups, high school and minor league sports, and residents.
“The Fort William Stadium and Legion Track is a community cornerstone in the southern core of Thunder Bay, and the FedNor funds will help ensure it remains central piece of the neighbourhood for decades to come,” said Marcus Powlowski, Thunder Bay—Rainy River MP.
“Supporting our local tourism infrastructure will help keep our economy growing, and we are proud that, through this collaboration with the City of Thunder Bay, we are helping create new growth and new opportunities for Thunder Bay and Northernwestern Ontario.”