Project background
Community volunteers have dedicated over 10 years planning, supporting, and fundraising for the creation of an all-weather community artificial turf field at Esquimalt High. The group known as the Esquimalt Turf-Field Collective (ETC) includes representatives from Songhees Nation, School District #61 (SD 61), Ribfest, Esquimalt High Alumni, Gorge Soccer, James Bay Athletic Association Rugby (JBAA Rugby) and the Township of Esquimalt (TOE).
Staff received direction from Council on June 5, 2023 to further develop a project to deliver a community artificial turf field with lighting located at Esquimalt High School that will be owned by SD61 and operated by the Township of Esquimalt. Staff have continued to work with SD61 on this project by developing a business case, asset management plan and a draft joint use agreement.
2025 update
An opportunity to source capital funding for this project is available through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF). At the July 14, 2025 meeting, council endorsed the submission of an application for the fund. The application is currently in progress with results to be announced in late December
Timeline
Should the grant be awarded, the project start date is estimated to be approximately April 1, 2026. Construction would begin in fall 2026 and completion is expected in the fall 2027.
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