The Grand Bend Optimist Club has revealed plans for a new multi-use recreation facility in the Lake Huron resort community.
Lambton Shores Mayor Bill Weber said it would include a building with a single court gymnasium for year-round use, and an outdoor skating rink that could be used as a community space for a farmer's market, pickleball, shuffleboard, and road hockey in the warmer months.
"They brought prices for a $2 million project to have an outdoor rink and facility, they also had a costing of $15,000 a year for operating it," said Weber. "Council had some questions and concerns. That seems very low for refrigeration and ice surface and manning [the facility] and all of the things that would have to happen to make it a municipal operation."
In its presentation to council, the club said a comparable facility in Kirkland Lake spends $15,000 annually on hydro, gas and water charges.
The club also has plans to secure rink board advertising which could generate between $15,000 and $25,000 each year to offset expenses.
A location behind the Legion off Municipal Drive has been proposed.
The Optimist Club is planning to fundraise and apply for grants to pay for the project.
