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5| W aterloo C hronicle | T hursday,M ay 24,2018 w aterloochronicle.ca 85 BRIDGEPORT RD. E. WATERLOO (Across from the Bridgeport Rd. Plaza) Since 1971 519-893-8118 MON., TUES., WED. 10 AM - 6 PM THURS., FRI. 10 AM - 8 PM SATURDAY 9 AM - 5 PM SUNDAY 12 PM - 4 PM Furniture & Mattresses Since 1971 LOFTY IDEAS FOr SMALL SPACES NEED HELP DOWNSIZING? DISCOvEr Our CLASSIC, CONTEMPOrArY AND TrANSITIONAL STYLES FOr ANY SIZE SPACE The City of Waterloo has taken the next step in much-anticipated renova- tions to the Waterloo Me- morial Recreation Com- plex. At the finance and stra- tegic planning committee meeting on Monday, coun- cillors agreed to fund the first phase of the project - just the planning and de- sign portion - and issue a request for proposals by the end of May. In total, the city ap- proved the use of $700,000 in development charges funding, as well as $1.5 mil- lion to fund the design and planning work for a total of $2.2 million. The total cost of the pro- ject, while includes an ex- pansion of the rec complex, as well as the addition of a new older adult centre, is $25.6 million. The tender is expected to be awarded in August this year. City staff expects to be able to review de- tailed construction docu- ments in the summer of 2018 The construction time- line is estimated at about 24 months, meaning both the expansion and older adult component will be open in the spring or summer of 2021. The project officially kicked off in December 2017 when council approved the Waterloo Memorial Recre- ation Complex and Older Adult Centres Facility In- tegration and Develop- ment Feasibility Study and directed staff to being work on the next phase of the project. Accessibility was a big concern going forward with an aging population, and there will be elevators and a new pedestrian bridge from the communi- ty pavilion to the rest of the complex that will ensure the free flow of people no matter their mobility is- sues. "It's a two-storey struc- ture that will incorporate a lot of the Wing 404 and ARC program components. plus some additional communi- ty rooms as well," said Phil Fenech in Decemeber, one of the principal architects from Perkins + Will who put together the design for the project. The main feature of the structure, that will add 6,800 square feet to rec complex, is a central activ- ity court. It will have room for four pickle ball courts, a game that can played by all generations, but is particu- larly popular with seniors. The area can also quick- ly be reoriented to a basket- ball court for pickup bas- ketball games, and can also stage events and meetings with the open space replac- ing some of the functional- ity of the former Hauser Haus. "It can be used for sup- port functions during spe- cial events, banquet facili- ties and other scenarios that could use a large room," said Fenech. "Spe- cial consideration will be give to finishes and types of lighting. NEWS This is an artist representation of part of the $26.5 milliion renovation of the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. Graphic courtesy City of Waterloo City council takes next step in WMRC upgrades ADAM JACKSON ajackson@waterloochronicle.ca for Waterloo