The dream of a multi use recreational complex in Owen Sound could soon become a reality.
City Council has two thumbs up for a proposal to construct the centre.
The new facility would be located at Victoria Park, the site of the current aging Coliseum and would include a regulation sized indoor pool, fitness centre, gym, activity rooms and a walking track.
In addition a new one pad ice rink would be build to replace the Coliseum with the potential to be expanded to two rinks.
Mayor Ruth Lovell Stanners says Council was unanimous in its support of the plan which is being pushed forward by the Family Y.
While the total cost of the facility could be in excess of 25 million dollars, Mayor Lovell Stanners says the city share of that would be in the four million dollar range.
Councillor Deb Haswell says this is a very good project for the city and by partner with the Y the city is not only able to replace the Coliseum, but also will be attached to the multi use recreation facility.
She says the facility will not only draw from other municipal partners like Georgian Bluffs and Meaford, but will be a huge attraction for anyone considering moving to Owen Sound and area.
City staff now will work with the Family Y to prepare applications for various federal and provincial programs that could provide shared funding for the project.
Both Mayor Lovell Stanners and Councillor Haswell hope that they quality for funding and the project can move ahead very quickly.