Heather Wright/The Independent

Lambton Shores is looking for ways to trim costs and possibly at a new location for the proposed Grand Bend Community Complex.

That after the municipality learned it did not receive grant for half of the cost of the project which could be as high as $21 million.

Lambton Shores plans to build the two-storey facility at Lion’s Park. It will include a library, a multi-purpose room for 400 people, and a walking track, among other enmities. 

Lambton Shores CAO Stephen McAuley says they were told by the provincial government that the municipality’s request was a little too much money. So, he’s suggesting finding ways to reduce the centre’s cost.

“The second floor is an expense. It’s an expensive element. Is there anything we can do to change that?” he said. “We’d like to try and maintain that kind of use, but at the same time understanding that square footage is what drives cost.” McAuley says they’ll work with the architects to “tighten up the space.”

But councillors also had ideas. Lori Scott suggested the facility be built in stages.

Deputy Mayor Dan Sageman said the municipality should also examine whether Lions Park is the best location. “When we put the application in the last time, it was quick, so we went with what we had. So I would like to see maybe just a quick analysis in that report of maybe another suitable site in the area, maybe something could be donated, maybe something to buy,” he said.

Councillor Glen Baliee agreed. “I get nervous about the congestion around there, and so getting the library moved is really important.”

Staff will revisit the proposal hoping to find enough savings to make the community’s next funding request smaller and more palatable and exploring a new location.