Ben Jack had them in the palm of his 10-year-old hand.

The local youth, dressed in a Sunday-best blazer, had spent several minutes quietly urging city council to move forward with the long-delayed plan to build a recreation complex on West Street South.

Behind him, in the gallery, sat an audience of about 180 like-minded supporters who were moved to applause more than once.

“I’m disappointed that it takes so long for adults to agree about something for Orillia,” Jack, reading from prepared notes, said. “This city has to plan for the future of Orillia.”

The Hillcrest Public School student had previously written council several letters on issues ranging from playground facilities to hazardous snow banks.

But on this night, he had joined a delegation of grownups concerned for the future of the stalled recreation project.

Swimming pools are needed, as are ice rinks, change rooms, and score boards that work properly, Jack told councillors.

“I appreciate people care about the environmental safety of the MURF location, but I trust the city council and the government engineers have done their homework and wouldn’t build on unsafe land,” he added. “If the experts say it is safe, then let’s get it built.”

Several others echoed his comments.

“It’s about time we got it done,” said Ken McLaughlin, a former councillor who during his term proposed the city erect a Cadillac-caliber facility.

The presentation followed a recent public forum focusing on concerns over the project’s $63-million budget.

Pete Bowen, past-chair of the city’s recreation advisory committee, said the components envisioned for the complex were the result of extensive public consultation.

Early cost estimates were just that, and have risen due to environmental issues and the addition of components that will benefit seniors and others, he said.

“None were frivolously added,” he said.

Were the project relocated to a rural property west of Highway 11, as has been suggested by some, the downtown could “become a neglected ghetto,” Bowen warned.

“Is (west Orillia) the area you want to economically stimulate?” he asked.

Comparisons to recently completed recreation facilities in the Barrie area fail to take into account size, components and outdoor amenities, among other differences, he said.

“If you compare only the buildings, or better yet, the cost per square foot to construct each amenity, you will see that Orillia’s MURF is not out of line with other recreation facilities,” Bowen added.

Former councillor and fellow presenter Doug Downey agreed, telling members that an “apples to apples” comparison was needed.

Reading from a letter penned by MURF fundraising chair Jerry Wink, Terry Chatten spoke of the volunteer group’s continued support for the project.

Wink implored council to “listen to the silent majority” and forge ahead with the initiative as soon as possible.

Located within walking distance of the downtown, the recreation complex would revitalize the city’s core, help attract healthcare professionals and encourage an active youth population, Wink said.

“As a community, we can’t afford not to proceed,” he said.

The community fundraising effort has to date secured commitments of about $1.9 million for the project, with an estimated 3,900 individuals contributing.