Sylvan Lake town council unanimously approved on Monday a design development report for the $30.6-million NexSource Centre.
That allows the architects to create the contract documents ahead of tendering the project, which is expected to happen in a few weeks.
The centre is to include an arena, curling rink, seniors centre, children’s play area and other civic spaces.
In anticipation of future needs, the building has been designed so a second floor can be added in the future, council heard.
Council was also considering on Monday a bylaw to borrow $13 million towards the project. Another $6.4 million will come from town reserve funds, $2 million from taxes, and the rest will be covered by fundraising, sponsorships, contributions from neighbouring communities and government grants.
The facility is badly needed in the fast-growing community.
The roof of one of the town’s two arenas collapsed a year ago after heavy snowfalls. An existing curling rink had also reached the end of its life span.
Construction is expected to start this spring for a fall 2016 completion.
In other council news:
lCouncil unanimously supported the Sylvan Lake Regional Water Commission, which has begun planning to build a pipeline to supply the community with water from the Red Deer River.
Sylvan Lake is currently served by wells, but water supplies are not expected to be adequate as the community grows. It is expected the pipeline will connect Sylvan Lake to Red Deer’s water treatment plant.
lCouncil approved a Business and Investment Attraction Policy that lays the ground work for the town’s effort to expand its commercial and industrial base and attract new investment.
The policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of council and town staff in promoting economic development. Businesses might be helped with everything from town-hosted tours to specific financial incentives depending on circumstances.