The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is set to get an expansion that aims to meet the needs of the city's growing senior population.

Construction is expected to get underway in January 2020.

A major part of the expansion is a new two-storey building that will be the future home of the city's Older Adult Recreation Program, which is currently offered out of the city's Adult Recreation Centre and the Wing 404 RCAFA Rotary Adult Centre.

An elevated pedestrian bridge will connect the new building and the recreation complex.

"We really need to have modern facilities," said Waterloo mayor Dave Jaworsky.

"We have to keep moving forward as a city and recognize that we have to suit the needs of all of our citizens."

Jaworsky adds the complex's expansion will also serve families across Waterloo.

An addition to the front of the complex will house a large multi-purpose gym, change rooms, inclusive washrooms, more office space, a cafe and an outdoor patio.

Waterloo city council approved more than $24 million toward the construction of the project Monday night.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $30.1 million. An additional $5.6 million from previous funding will also go to the project, said Jaworsky.

"Although it's very costly, [the expansion] will serve us well for the next 10, 20, 30, 40 years," he said.

The expansion is expected to be finished by summer or fall of 2022.