In 2008, the Sports Field Inventory recommended constructing two artificial turf fields to serve the Comox Valley's population of 63,000. One field was built at G.P. Vanier Secondary School in 2014, next to the 400m track.
The Inventory was updated by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) in 2022/2023 with the Sports Fields Strategy. The Strategy recommended a second artificial turf field for the growing population of 74,000, projected to increase to 88,000 by 2030 and 95,000 by 2040. This growth could lead to up to 125 new teams!
But why another artificial turf field? Although grass fields are important, they deteriorate quickly in wet months, increasing maintenance and remediation costs. A second artificial turf field with lighting provides capacity for growing sports to play year -round past sunset.
To address the growing needs, in 2023 the CVRD Recreation Commission adopted a Strategic Plan which identified a second artificial turf field at G.P. Vanier as an immediate short-term priority.
In May 2023, Comox Valley Schools supported the CVRD's request to develop plans for this new field to be constructed on the upper grass field at G.P. Vanier Secondary School. Without their support and donation of land, this project would not be possible.
Project Overview
Through consultation with various sport user groups, four conceptual designs for a new multi-sport artificial turf field were developed. Ultimately, an 8,790 m² design was chosen, accommodating baseball, soccer, men's and women's field lacrosse and field hockey as well as practice space for rugby and football.
Cost
The Artificial Turf Field is expected to cost $5.94 million, paid for through a combination of grant funding, reserves, and debt funding.
The expected cost of borrowing to homeowners, for an average house valued at $800,000, is approximately $10.98 per year until the debt is retired, however, a tax increase is not projected due to a corresponding reduction in reserve contributions.
In September 2024, the Comox Valley Recreation Commission passed a motion to proceed with the Artificial Turf Field project with $3,000,000 financed through long-term borrowing over 10 years so that a field may be constructed in 2025.
On October 8, 2024 the CVRD Board gave three readings to the following loan authorization bylaw:
Bylaw No. 848 being "Comox Valley Track and Fields Service Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 848, 2024"
Alternative Approval Process
In January 2025 an alternative approval process was held to seek assent of the electorate before proceeding with the adoption of Bylaw No. 848.
The Alternative Approval Process applied only to the municipalities of the City of Courtenay and Town of Comox and the electoral areas of Area B (Lazo North), Area C (Puntledge - Black Creek) and a portion of Electoral Area A (Baynes Sound – Denman/Hornby Islands). Only residents and property owners within the service area were eligible to participate in the AAP. It is noted that the Village of Cumberland and Denman and Hornby Islands are not within the service area and therefore not eligible to participate.
The Alternative Approval Process concluded on February 18, 2025 and on February 25, 2025, the Regional Board reviewed the results on the process and decided to proceed with adoption of Bylaw 848.
Board Decisions following AAP results News Release
Next Steps
Tendering of the project will take place starting at the end of May 2025. Provided that the tenders for the construction of the project come in within budget, the project is tentatively set to start construction in July 2025.
Preparation of the site and site amenities will undergo construction through the summer of 2025. The laying of the turf top will take place in the Spring of 2026.
Background Reports
