The second phase of a plan to improve the Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood Arena needs a firm plan before it moves ahead.

The Alvinston Optimist Club hoped to start the second phase of an arena plan – a canteen and dressing rooms – now that the pavilion is complete.

But the municipality’s public works manager is concerned a plan submitted “doesn’t really give us a good idea … for how the dressing rooms, how the building was connected to the old building.” And Randy Hills says there is concern there has been cracks found in the arena/community centre floor. He doesn’t want to simply add another layer to the building without knowing what is going on.

Councillor Jamie Armstrong agreed there needs to be some work done before the Optimist Club – which he is a member of – starts applying for grants.

“An architect will have to be involved with getting the detailed planning… if we’re going to go ahead with it,” says Armstrong.

He and other members of council also agreed the Optimist have to meet with other arena users to make sure whatever moves ahead is useful to all.

Mayor Dave Ferguson adds a better plan will give the Optimists a better chance of winning grants to help pay for the project.