Discussion regarding a proposed new recreation facility in the city is returning to Grande Prairie City Council during the April 3rd meeting.
The Public and Protective Services Committee voted to send the $10 million discussion back to council during their March 28th meeting, after administration presented the framework used in choosing a recommended site for the facility. If council approves the up to $10 million in principal funding and selects a preferred site for the project then the city can move forward with the next steps which include making a more detailed budget, creating a facility design, and moving forward with project planning.
The discussion about a new facility started back in January when Swan City FC a presentation to council looking at the possibility of putting up a dome facility after the club identified a high demand for the facilities, which they expect to increase with the demolition of the Leisure Centre Soccer Pitch. At the end of January, the committee recommended council support the proposed Avondale site before administration was directed to break down items listed in the framework used to recommend the location.
In February Mayor Jackie Clayton told MyGrandePrairieNow.com the proposed site in Avondale is part of an area redevelopment plan, which is a long-term land use concept. Part of the plan is to identify recreational areas and a future multi-family and commercial space.