The City of North Bay is purchasing the building and surrounding lands owned by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) along the Laurentian escarpment.
The $1.4 million purchase agreement was backed by the NBMCA Board last week and was approved by Council this evening.
The purchase includes approximately 50 hectares of land, including Laurentian Ski Hill and the Interpretive Centre building, which houses the Conservation Authority’s offices.
“This agreement provides certainty and long-term stability for the future use of the lands and represents an important investment by the City of North Bay in protecting a regional asset,” said Mayor Peter Chirico. “These lands will remain publicly accessible, providing ongoing opportunities for recreation and tourism for area residents and visitors.”
NBMCA will remain on-site as a tenant, keeping all programs, services, and staffing in place with no changes for the public or member municipalities.
“This agreement allows NBMCA to continue its important conservation and environmental work on-site without interruption, while focusing resources on our core programs and services,” said Lana Mitchell, Chair of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority. “Working in partnership with the City ensures the land remains protected, accessible, and beneficial for all local communities.”
The Laurentian Ski Hill and Snowboard Club will continue operations under a new operating and lease agreement to be negotiated with the City; and the trail network will remain part of the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails Conservation Area with no changes to availability or public access.
“The City and NBMCA have a shared commitment to conservation, recreation, and community well-being, and are focused on a smooth transition and continued stewardship of the site,” said Mayor Chirico.
Contacts:
Gord Young
Communications Officer
City of North Bay
Tel.: 705-474-0626 ext. 2505
gord.young@cityofnorthbay.ca
Liza Vandermeer
General Manager/Manager, Drinking Water Source Protection
North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority
Tel.: 705-474-5420 ext. 2018
Liza.Vandermeer@nbmca.ca