Artificial turf field gets go-ahead

By Dan Hilborn
Published June 3, 2006


Burnaby council will spend $1.68 million on the first phase of construction of a new artificial turf field at Burnaby North secondary school.

The contract with J.S. Ferguson Construction Inc. will cover the costs of building a base for one multi-use sports field, including anchors, drainage, high-mast lighting and fencing, an asphalt running track and parking lot.

The purchase and installation of the artificial turf will be included in a separate contract, to be approved by city council at a future date.

A report presented to city council last month estimated the total cost of the project at $2.675 million.

The project was approved despite concerns raised by Coun. Gary Begin that the entire Burnaby North school site might be redeveloped, placing the new field in jeopardy.

"I can't see it being done in my lifetime," Mayor Derek Corrigan said of the rumoured redevelopment of the school.

Corrigan, the husband of Burnaby school trustee Kathy Corrigan, said the redevelopment of Burnaby Central is a higher priority for the school board than the redevelopment of Burnaby North.

Kate Friars, the city's director of the parks, recreation and cultural services division, said the new artificial turf field will be built in the same spot as the school's existing running track.

Council accepted the lowest of five bids on the work, and agreed to ask the school board to provide a memo confirming their support of the project.