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A City of Calgary committee endorsed a $19-million funding request on Friday to proceed with the design phase of a new field house in Foothills Athletic Park, moving the long-discussed project forward.

The decision sets the stage for a council decision on the request, which would be funded through “off-site levies” — charges that developers pay to the city to help with the cost of off-site infrastructure.

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The proposed facility, located close to the University of Calgary, includes a 400-metre track, with seating for up to 10,000 spectators for national and international meets. It would also have a FIFA regulation-size soccer field, as well as a 50-metre pool and twin ice surfaces.

It is estimated to cost upwards of $235 million and would take 4½ years to build, according to city administration.

Along with the BMO Centre expansion, a new NHL arena and the first phase of an Arts Commons expansion, the city has identified the field house as an infrastructure priority. Council voted in April to formalize a new reserve, totalling nearly $400 million, to finance those capital projects.