Lambton Shores municipal staff are reviewing the design of the proposed Grand Bend Community Centre, looking at ways to possibly reduce the overall budget.
The municipality previously applied for $10 million from Ontario's Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to cover roughly half of the estimated $21 million project.
However, the application was unsuccessful.
CAO Steve McAuley said the provincial program was oversubscribed, as $1.15 billion was requested in total.
"Obviously, there's a need amongst municipalities for that kind of money to go toward recreation projects," he said during a recent council meeting. "We're told that there could be another round [of funding] coming out."
Moving forward, city staff will review the design and preliminary budget, consider an alternative site, and formalize a fundraising plan.
Staff worked with Skinner & Skinner Architects to develop a preliminary design for a two-storey building at 18 Municipal Dr., on the existing municipally owned ball diamond property.
Plans for the interior included a public library, seating areas, a kitchen and bar, a walking track, a large multi-purpose space, and a large multi-purpose room that can be separated into three rooms.
The exterior design included an outdoor kitchen space, a dedicated picnic area, and plenty of parking.
While staff will look to maintain the concept of the multi-use facility, the size may be modified.
"We'd like to try to maintain that kind of use, but at the same time, understanding that square footage is what drives cost," McAuley said.
Councillor Scott Ferguson said he'd hate to see the site be reduced in size or services.
"Grand Bend's growing, our municipality's growing. How many times do we see places that are built and by the time they get built, they're already underserved," Ferguson said. "I'd really like it not to get cut down in size. If we're going to go ahead, let's do it right."
Councillor Lorie Scott asked if the project could be done in phases. While McAuley said it's something that could be considered, Councillor Dave Marsh said a phased approach might end up costing more in the end.
When funding does become available, McAuley said the municipality's application may look more appealing if it includes a smaller request and a community commitment.
"We think the community wants to start raising funds towards the project but we want to do that in an organized fashion," he said.
McAuley referenced projects in Forest and Thedford, as well as the community centre in Warwick, as examples of organized fundraising.
