The town of Rocky Mountain House has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a landowner near Old Town to explore the potential for a new multiplex facility.

The proposed 54-acre site south of 47 Avenue could one day include a field house, pool, climbing wall and new town office.

The MOU and potential location are only the first steps in the field house plan. Next steps include hiring a consultant to prepare concept plans outlining possible indoor and outdoor amenities, servicing requirements and parking needs.

Chief Administrative Officer Dean Krause said council’s role will be to provide the consultant with a broad vision of what the community wants to see in a multiplex before plans are developed.

The town’s Recreation Master Plan identifies two top priorities: developing two new rectangular sports fields and building a new fieldhouse facility with a walking track.

At its July 7 meeting, council members shared several ideas they would like to see included. Coun. Justin Sinclair said he would like more space for youth groups, the library and arts programming.

Coun. Trevor Kalyn said any future facility should prioritize a new town office, noting the current building is on its last legs.

Mayor Shane Boniface also suggested the facility could eventually include space for future law enforcement services, whether that be the RCMP or Alberta Sheriffs.