Cambridge defers decision on sports multiplex location until fall

Cambridge city council won'tmake a decision about where a proposedsports multiplex will go until the end ofSeptember.

There were several delegations at a special council meeting Monday night to discuss the multiplex. Council decided to create a task force to address the location issues.

In the meantime, council approved the full scale concept design, which lays out what will go into the multiplex.

There will be four ice pads, a leisure pool, a 10-lane competition pool, three gyms and a walking track.

Proposed location 'unacceptable'

The public outcryover the location of the planned sports multiplex grew after Coun. Nicholas Ermeta pitched the idea of moving the facility off Conestoga College lands.

"I want council to realize that the location they have chosen is unacceptable and that we need to find a site that is better for all of Cambridge," Nicholas Ermeta told CBC News in March.

Since then, residents have picketed at meetings and signed a petition asking council to reconsider the location. Many said the Conestoga College lands are inconvenient for residents.

Earlier this month, council agreed to reconsider locations.

"There will be community consultation, regarding the site selection process over the next four months, including evaluation of alternative locations," said Kent McVittie, city commissioner of community services.

Council will discuss the location again on Sept. 29.