The clock is ticking on plans for a regional recreation centre in Owen Sound, as the newly formed steering committee narrows down the candidates for the architectural consultant job.
Committee Chair Jim McManaman says at a meeting earlier this week — the committee whittled the list down from 17 to 5 top candidates.
McManaman says they plan to interview all five next Tuesday and have a recommendation for the Owen Sound Council meeting the same night.
It is a tight time frame for the 32.6 million dollar rec centre project, as most of the work needs to be completed in less than 20 months, in order to qualify for Federal funding.
Ottawa and Queens park have both agreed to pick up one third of the total cost, as long as the project is near completion in March of 2011.
McManaman says the good news is that all the main contenders for the architectural consultant job feel the 32.6 million dollar budget should be enough to cover the cost of the project.
However, all want to get a shovel in the ground before the end of 2009.
Once the consultant is hired, tenders can be called for the work.
The proposed rec centre will include a competition sized swimming pool, therapeutic pool, fitness centre, a walking and running track, two ice pads, a gymnasium and a senior’s centre.
McManaman says the Family Y is planning a five million dollar fund raising campaign for the fall.
Details on the fund raising have not be finalized yet.