A drive to raise $2 million for the new East Lambton Community Centre is underway.

George and Rhonda Noll are spearheading the campaign to raise money for the revamped arena with a community center addition.

Construction of the $11.5 million project is well underway, although officials now say it will be the fall of 2022 before the work is complete. Delays due to COVID-19 and a lack of skilled trades workers has slowed the project according to town staff.

The Nolls were appointed last year and began putting a campaign team together.

“We have set our goal and we know that the goal is attainable with the Warwick and surrounding area’s support,” Rhonda said. “We are ready, we are set, let’s go.”

Former owner of Acton’s Service Centre Mike Acton, Rick Bebingh of Bebingh Insurance, Carolyn Cornelissen of Cornelissen Farms, Warwick Fire Dept. Fire Chief Brad Goodhill, Watford Optimist Club members Mark Hamel and Steve Minten along with owner of Brad Rombouts of Rombouts Farm Drainage & Excavating, join Mayor Jackie Rombouts Warwick Township Councillor Todd White will lead fundraising efforts.

“We are so excited to have such committed community volunteers who feel passionate about this project and the amenities it will bring to the community.

“Council can’t wait to see the finished product and to attend events in this new facility. It is so exciting to drive by and see the new building take shape,” she said in a news release announcing the drive.

Watford Rotary has already committed $25,000 to the project.