King council has given Township staff the green light to start construction on the new Schomberg Arena and King Township Curling and Fitness Centre.

Council gave staff permission to begin the request for proposals (RFP) process to retain a project manager and another request for a proposal for the prequalification of bidders. This is in regard to the federal and provincial governments laying down $9.44 million for the arena less than a month ago, though it only pays for two-thirds of it.

The project consists of the construction of a 68,000 square foot single ice surface, with a foursheet curling facility, along with change rooms, a lounge and a fitness facility.

As identified in the staff report, the issue will be brought forward at the Aug. 24 council meeting, where staff will place before council choices for a project manager and the pre-qualification of bidders.

This will also include, for information only, the design/build RFP with hopes that council will return Sept. 21 with the selection committee's recommendation regarding the successful bidder and proposal.

Though the plan is rolling, there were some concerns brought up by some council members and King residents.

Councillor Cleve Mortelliti had concerns with how the Township was going to pay for the project.

"Where are we going to get the rest of the money," Mortelliti asked.

Councillor Jeff Laidlaw echoed some of Mortelliti's concerns, asking his colleagues and staff whether this is the right time to build a new arena.

"I agree that Schomberg needs a new arena, but I don't think that right now is a good time, especially when the money can be used to help fix the sewers in Nobleton," Laidlaw commented.

Councillor Bill Cober explained the new arena would pay for itself, explaining that the Township will have a great asset at the end, which will service all taxpayers of King.

"This cannot be overlooked," Cober argued.

Bob Hunt, member of the Schomberg Community and Agricultural Arena Board, said he was delighted that council was going forward with construction.

"I strongly applauded you for going along with this," Hunt said. "Schomberg needs a new arena and you have granted that, so thank you.

Previously, York Regional council had given the Township the okay for the transfer of lands no longer required at the Schomberg Water Pollution Control Plant for funding for the new arena.

Mayor Margaret Black expressed delight in the Region's approval.

"The arena is becoming more of reality," Black said. "I am happy that the Region has approved the project."

The Regional staff report stated King has submitted a formal request to the Region's Chief Administrative Officer for a transfer at nominal value of the westerly portion of Regional property currently known as the Schomberg Sewage Lagoon Lands to King for recreational purposes.

In December 1986, the Region purchased 65 acres for $320,000 for the purpose of a water pollution control facility. There are three existing sewage lagoons on the site. Region's Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Schomberg Water Pollution Control Plant recommended that the Region retain the most easterly lagoon for its own purposes and convert the two westerly lagoons to a wetland.

King has requested the Region to transfer the lagoon and the remaining lands to the west at an attainable value.

They wish to use the land for their new arena.

King has also been approved Infrastructure Stimulus funding for the project.

As indicated in the report the Township will need to move quickly to implement the project as per the funding conditions.