The future Aldergrove Recreation Centre needs some local citizens to shepherd it into life, according to Langley Township's mayor and council.

A mayoral standing committee is being formed, to help with the public consultation for the approximately $33 to $35 million pool and ice arena project.

"We want to hear from the public, we want their input, and this committee will help ensure those voices are heard," said Mayor Jack Froese, in the announcement of the committee. "It will champion the project through to its construction."

The project is to incorporate the former Aldergrove Elementary, building the heritage structure into a new facility.

Two options, for $34.8 million or $33.4 million each involve a pool, sauna, ice rink, meeting rooms, and a relocated library.

The cheaper of the two plans would have a lap pool outside for summer months only.

Councillor Bob Long was appointed to chair the new mayor's committee.

He said citizens who want to take part can expect to attend at least three to four meetings before Christmas, along with a pair of open houses.

"We want to get these two preferred concepts out in front of the community before the end of the year," Long said.

He expects there will be plenty of people interested in serving on the committee.

"We have quite a vocal Aldergrove community," he said.

Long emphasized that he wants to see shovels in the ground by 2014 at the latest.

The mayor will choose the four citizen members of the group.

The project proved controversial, not with residents of Aldergrove, but with Glen Valley and Fort Langley citizens who opposed a plan to sell off some forested land near 256th Street and 84th Avenue to pay for part of the centre.

The Township has already agreed to take one section of land off the market, and residents are pushing for another section to be turned into a park as well.

Other funding will likely come from a variety of sources, Long said.

The Municipal Green Fund is one likely source of partial funding, said Long.

The federally provided cash may pay for the energy-efficient system planned to both heat and cool the pool and ice rink, respectively, Long said.

The Township will also reach out to groups in the community that want to be a part of the project, from the Elks to seniors groups, Long said.

He compared the pro-cess to the creation of the Langley Events Centre, which has partnerships with the school district, Trinity Western University, and other groups to partially fund the project.

To apply to serve on the Aldergrove Recreation Centre Standing Committee, email a letter and brief resume to legservicesinfo@tol.ca or drop them off at the mayor's office at the Township's Civic Facility at 20338 65 Ave., or mail applications to Legislative Services at the Civic Facility.

mclaxton@langleyadvance.com