Built in 1949, the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre building has been deemed to have outlived its usefulness. - Chris Puglia/NNSL photo

That has been the case for the past 12 years and despite numerous attempts to construct a new centre, they have been unable to do so.

The problem, said LeMouel, is funding.

"We've been trying for years. We've been trying to access funding from the government, but they don't have anything for capital expenditures," he said.

The preliminary plan for the building is to create a multipurpose hall and office complex.

LeMouel said funding for the building will likely rely on private partnerships and full-time renters.

A request for proposals was sent out with a Nov. 28 deadline. LeMouel said a number of proposals were submitted, but would not specify how many.

The role of the firm will be to develop a project time frame, identify partnerships, develop an acceptable building design, obtain financing and seek bids for contractors.

A cost for the project is not yet known, LeMouel said, and everything is very preliminary. If new construction does take place, it will likely be on the same site.

There is a lot more work to do, however.

"We have to have a number of meetings with the building committee," said LeMouel.