As it turns out, the play space was to consist of children's climber costing no more than $5,000, some tables and chairs for parents in a large room with a padded floor adjacent to the library.

Ald. Peggy Near said the plan to use most of the money that had been earmarked for the play centre to renovate the library was brought to her attention only days before the meeting.

Parents have also said it makes no sense to establish a place for pre-schoolers to burn off steam near the library.

Near wanted the project to be sent back to committee for review, but some councillors balked at the idea when told that would mean the city would have to wait another month before seeking ratepayer approval to borrow the money required for the other components of the community centre.

The city is required to give 30 days notice of a debenture plebiscite and 14 days notice of what projects it wants the money for.

"The way this was presented misled committee, misled council and on that basis alone, I think it should be sent back to committee," said Near.

Near, Ramsay, Cheryl Best and Robert Slaven outvoted Kevin O'Reilly, Ben McDonald and Bob Brooks, to have the issue referred back to committee.

The money required for the play space may be included in the mid-April debenture plebiscite if the issue is resolved within two weeks of the vote.