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
About the funding
The Esquimalt Turf Field Project is currently backed by community-generated funding; however, securing this grant will significantly reduce the financial risk to the Township by minimizing reliance on limited municipal resources or reserves. The total eligible amount of grant funds available per application in the SPF program is $7.3M. The cost estimate for the Esquimalt Turf Field project is approximately $5.3M.
The primary focus for grant funding would be field design and construction. There are other items that may be included in the grant that can be phased. Where a phase is submitted for funding consideration, each phase will subject to project risks and budget. It is important to note that successful grant awards do not ensure subsequent funding for future phases of the project.
The grand request is approximately $4.3million dollars to support field construction. Additional community fundraising - $575K from Ribfest and $500K from Gorge Soccer have been secured and will be included in project funding.
The project presents an opportunity to upgrade municipal sewers during construction. Approximately $1.9M from the township’s internal reserves would be used for this portion of the Sewer Asset Management Plan.
Proposed phases
| Core scope: field, lighting, fencing, storm and sewer upgrades | Paid with core funding |
| Secondary scope: washrooms/changeroom | Subject to available funding |
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.
Related information
- Staff report- June 2023: Esquimalt High Turf Field Community Project
- Staff report- July 2025: UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund Grant Application - Esquimalt High Turf Field