Intentions for a new Grand Bend Community Centre have taken another step forward after Lambton Shores council directed staff to work with Skinner & Skinner Architects Inc. on a preliminary design.
A feasibility study was presented during a recent council meeting.
The draft, developed by Monteith Brown Planning Consultants Limited, found a new multi-purpose facility would be justifiable in the community.
Council approved the recommendation for the architects to complete the preliminary design for $75,000.
Municipal staff were also directed to seek assistance from Ontario's Community Sport and Recreation Fund.
"The fund includes a total of $200 million, with individual projects being eligible for 50 per cent of project costs to a maximum of $10 million per applicant," read a report to council. "Under unique and special circumstances, the ministry may consider a provincial contribution of up to 70 per cent of eligible project costs for municipalities with populations of less than 20,000."
Projects receiving funding through this program would need to be completed by March 31, 2027. As specified in the report, the funding cannot be combined with other provincial funding opportunities but may be combined with federal programs.
Since there is an urgency in applying for the provincial program, staff compiled a timeline to complete tasks within a certain timeframe.
Staff will report back to council on December 17 with a preliminary design, proposed location, and estimated construction budget.
If the municipality is successful in receiving provincial funding, the final design and tendering would need to be finished by August 2025 to allow for 18 months of construction.