Swift Current Mayor Al Bridal says the city is prepared to move ahead quickly with its proposed aquatic centre if it secures funding through a newly announced federal recreation infrastructure program. The federal government has announced $1.5 billion over nine years for arenas, pools and other community recreation facilities. Bridal says the funding could provide another opportunity for Swift Current to secure support for its proposed $25-million aquatic centre. Bridal said he discussed the program with Secretary of State Buckley Belanger on federal budget day, asking whether Swift Current would be included. “He kind of chuckled a bit and said, ‘We're working on it,’” Bridal said. The mayor said the city has not yet received details about how the funding will be distributed or whether previous applications could be carried forward. “We haven't got a yes yet, but we haven't got a no yet,” Bridal said of the city's existing funding applications. City awaiting details on application process Bridal said the federal announcement is still new, with no application process communicated to the city at the time of the interview. He expects the federal government will establish a process but said he has not yet been provided with details. He also could not confirm whether previous applications for the aquatic centre could be transferred to the new funding program. The city has already hired Colliers International to consult with residents, council and administration on what an aquatic centre should include and what the community can afford. Related Stories: Patzer criticizes federal deficits, points to helium and rink funding Living Sky Community Development Corporation Grant details shared Chisholm receives recognition from Lifesaving Society for mentorship efforts City prepared to get project moving Bridal said the city would be ready to act if federal funding approval came through, with the provincial government having committed to covering one-third of the project cost. “If I got the letter next week, we are ready to go,” Bridal said. He said the city would move quickly into the planning and engineering stages, with the goal of having construction underway the following year if the necessary funding was secured. “They're putting together some ideas about what we can afford, what we require and what we're currently able to afford, what the people want,” Bridal said of Colliers' work. Bridal said securing $25 million from the federal government, alongside matching provincial support, would allow the city to move ahead with the proposed facility. The federal funding announcement represents another potential source of support as Swift Current continues pursuing the money needed to build the aquatic centre.