Milton council approved the concept plan for the two-phase, $35 million expansion to the facility on Santa Maria Boulevard at its meeting Monday night.

Council voted to accept Councillor Paul Scherer’s proposal to make the 25-metre pool, to be included in the second phase of the expansion in 2011, eight lanes rather than six and with seating for 300 spectators rather than 200.

Those were the changes being sought by dozens of members of the Milton Marlins Swim Club, who attended the council session decked out in club t-shirts.

The vast majority of the young swimmers missed the final decision though as the matter didn’t come before council until 11:30 p. m., more than an hour after the club members presumably went home to bed.

Scherer told council the additions to the pool design would cost about an extra $800,000 in up-front capital costs.

However, council also voted to accept Scherer’s proposal to cut $1.2 million in costs by seeking only a LEED basic certification in the design and construction of the expansion rather than a LEED Silver.

LEED is a building standard that recognizes efforts made toward improving human and environmental health through sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

A Town consultant had recommended a LEED design, noting while the building techniques it prescribes increase capital costs they can result in less operating expenses.

However, at a recent community services committee meeting, Scherer had expressed doubt a LEED Silver certification was necessary because the Town’s council was already committed to incorporating green energy generation technologies into the facility, which would ultimately reduce utility costs.

Council agreed Monday to sign a memorandum of understanding with Milton Hydro to that effect.

In total, Scherer’s two changes will result in a savings of $400,000 on the capital costs of the sports centre expansion, but for developers rather than taxpayers. The Town of Milton is planning to use development charges to pay its portion of the expansion — $22 million.

The remaining $13.5 million will be paid for by the provincial and federal governments, which committed that amount earlier this year to the first phase, which includes the construction of two ice rinks and a double gymnasium.

Tim Foran can be reached at tforan@miltoncanadianchampion.com .