City of North Bay to Include Cricket Facility in 2024 Capital Budget

The City of North Bay is gearing up to potentially add a new sport to its roster as plans for a cricket facility are in the works. The forecast in the soon-to-be-approved 2024 capital budget includes $140,000 for cricket facility design fees this year, with an additional $2.37 million estimated for construction in 2026.

Ian Kilgour, director of community services, expressed the city’s commitment to securing funding for the project, with staff already conducting site searches and preliminary assessments. The need for a large playing surface has led to discussions with local cricket enthusiasts to determine the best location for the facility.

The growing interest in cricket in North Bay, particularly among the South Asian community, has highlighted the need for proper facilities to accommodate the sport’s increasing popularity. With an estimated half a million players in Canada by the mid-2030s, cricket is on track to become the country’s fastest-growing sport.

Councillors and community members have voiced their support for the project, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and diversity in sports. The potential addition of a cricket field at the Steve Omischl Sports Complex could provide a much-needed space for players to enjoy the sport and foster a sense of community unity.

As plans for the cricket facility progress, the City of North Bay is poised to embrace the new and diverse contributions that cricket brings to the community. With construction expected to begin in 2026, the city is on track to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for cricket enthusiasts of all backgrounds to come together and enjoy the game they love.