Based on a market study of about 1,200 people from all three communities -- Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln -- consulting firm Leisureplan International says its results suggest a potential market "pool" for a new YMCA of more than 40,000 people, or 69 per cent of the current population of Niagara West.

"The community response is just so overwhelming," said Stephen Butz, CEO of YMCA of Niagara. "I think it needs to be done."

"It demonstrates the first responsibility -- if it's built it can be sustained."

The results were so positive that Leisureplan President John Stephenson said they were "among the highest ever demonstrated in my 30 years of experience."

With the question of potential users answered, the YMCA now moves on to examining one of the major factors -- a feasibility study. The study will look at the potential for capital support.

Mr. Butz said that support will be gauged at various levels, including public support through memberships and fundraising, as well as from municipal, provincial and federal government.

"No one organization is going to do this alone. It's only when everyone works together that this will be possible," he said.

The review will also examine the potential cost and features and location of the facility.

As a starting point, the new facility is proposed to include an indoor lane and leisure pools, a multi-use gymnasium, conditioning facilities, family change rooms, facilities for youth and children and multi-puropose space.

"It's a full facility YMCA," said Mr. Butz, adding the market research demonstrated that's what respondants wanted.

As for the location, Mr. Butz isn't prepared to discuss what sites are being considered.

"We're investigating a number of potential sites within West Niagara," he said, adding a decision would be made "in the coming months".

The next stage, said Mr. Butz, should be completed by early 2009. At that point, depending on the results of the feasibility study, it will be determined whether or not the facility will get the go ahead.

While the results were positive, it needs to be fiscally responsible, he said, before they can commit to building. It's all part of what the steering committee, which consists of representatives from all three municipalities, is calling its "disciplined process."

"Right now we've opened the next door," he added. "Now it's the capital case that will determine whether to go forward."