The puck has dropped, the curling rock has been thrown and a leisure centre is in the works.

 On Jan. 26, Lethbridge MP Jim Hillyer announced that the city has received $10 million from the federal government towards building a westside recreation campus.

Phase one of the project includes the construction of two regulation-sized ice arenas with seating for 900, as well as a 38,000 sq. foot curling rink with 10 sheets of ice. The new skating rinks and curling facility will replace the ones currently located downtown in the Civic Centre.

“We knew that eventually the Curling Club was going to end its usage and we would need to continue curling,” says Kirk Mearns, president of the 68-year-old facility.

Although construction on the new facility won’t begin until after the World Women’s Curling Championships are over in March, the benefits of the new facility will continue for generations to come.

It’s not just the organization hosting the championship – the Canadian Curling Association – that sees the city’s potential.

“The world sees Lethbridge as a huge curling market and the addition of a state-of-the-art facility will just allow us to grow our profile in the curling community around the world,” Mearns said.

Hillyer said the project will strengthen the local economy.

“When you need shade, the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, and that’s what we’re doing today,” said Hillyer.

Mayor Rajko Dodic said that the City intends to apply for a grant from the provincial government to match the $10 million federal contribution.

Construction for phase one is expected to be complete in June 2015 and the facility will be open to the public in September.

Due to the federal grant, the twin ice arenas and the 10 sheets of curing ice are fully funded while other components such as a daycare, indoor track and an aquatic centre are still being discussed and awaiting funding.

The facility is not being designed with creating competition in mind; it will be for all members of the community.

An open house for the potential leisure centre is scheduled for tonight, and will be held from 7-9 p.m. at City Hall. The presentation  will take place from 7-7:45 p.m., with an opportunity for questions, comments and concerns to follow.

For more information you can visit www.lethbridge.ca or contact Ashley Matthews, general manager for recreation and leisure in Lethbridge at 403-320-3991.