Members of the three ice user groups as well as the Airdrie Regional Recreation Enhancement Society were on hand at Monday night's City Council meeting for a cheque presentation to show they are all on board with fund raising for Genesis Place Phase 3, and the City's two new ice surfaces. After a review of the layout of the new facility the group presented a total of $343,400 to the City.

Jack Lumley from ARRES says that this was a very important step for the groups, but there's more to come.

Alderman Kelly Hegg, who lead Council in the absence of Mayor Peter Brown, says the presentation is a great start towards the future of new ice at Genesis Place.

The community is responsible for $3.2 million in fundraising to make Genesis Place Phase 3 a reality. The bulk of the remainder is expected to come from sponsorship support, and various fundraising events happening in and around the area.

It's expected that ground will be broken in May 2012, and open in time for the 2013 season.