Plans to build a Northern Water Sports Centre on the south shore of Ramsey Lake in Sudbury, Canada have been given the green light.

The project has an estimated cost of CA$7m (£4.3m, 5m euro) and will be funded by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation's (NOHFC) and Ontario state.

The construction of the 16,000 sq ft (1,486 sq m) centre is expected to start in October and be completed by September 2012. Project partners include the Sudbury Canoe Club, Sudbury Rowing Club, Sudbury Dragon Boat Festival and the City of Greater Sudbury.

The two-story centre will include areas for boat and equipment storage, a workshop, changing rooms, and a 1,000m race course for paddling and rowing events. It will also host international level water sports events.

Sudbury MP, Rick Bartolucci, said: "Our government is helping community organizations enhance local tourism. The creation of this facility will help Sudbury to increase its ability to host paddle sport races on Ramsey Lake."