1 May 2023 Council meeting Environment

Harewood Artificial Turf Field Tender Results and Next Steps

Motion
That Council increase the budget for the Harewood Artificial Turf Field project in 2023 from $4,937,000 up to $9,957,070 with the additional $5,019,970 funded from: • $3,000,000 Growing Communities Fund (GCF) Reserve Fund • $1,489,970 Strategic Infrastructure Reserve Fund • $330,000 Casino Reserve • $200,000 Private Contribution - School District 68
Minutes, page 7
The City’s vote record words it differently
It was moved and seconded that Council increase the budget for the Harewood Artificial Turf Field project in 2023 from $4,937,100 up to $9,957,070 with the additional $5,019,970 funded from: $3,000,000 Growing Communities Fund (GCF) Reserve Fund $1,489,970 Strategic Infrastructure Reserve Fund $330,000 Casino Reserve $200,000 Private Contribution - School District 68
Sources
Agenda itemCity agenda
Staff reportPage 1
Purpose
To obtain Council approval for additional funding to proceed with the two artificial turf fields in the south end of the community at Harewood Centennial Park.
Staff report, page 1
Staff recommendation
That the Finance and Audit Committee recommend that Council increase the budget for the Harewood Artificial Turf Field project in 2023 from $4,937,100 up to $9,957,070 with the additional $5,019,970 funded from:  $3,000,000 Growing Communities Fund (GCF) Reserve Fund  $1,489,970 Strategic Infrastructure Reserve Fund  $330,000 Casino Reserve  $200,000 Private Contribution - School District 68
Staff report, page 1
DocumentsStaff report about Arts, Culture & Heritage, Economic Development, Parks & Recreation

Janice Perrino Yes

Thank you very much, councillor. Parrino. Thank you. You worship and I just wanted to say that These turf fields are so important to her would district I can't begin to imagine not voting this through. It is it's unbelievable How many emails that we've received since since it came forward at the last council meeting, and even today, you know that just the positive effect of what this does for a community. . The opportunities that it gives to our youth, and it's just it's so expensive that I agree so much with what councillor Brown talks about. The expense of it is is horrific. But what it does for a community will last for decades, and we can't measure that. We just can't. We can't even put into words what it will mean to our Children, our grandchildren and and we're talking decades long after we're gone. . So I will absolutely be voting in favor of this and hope that my great grandchildren get a chance to play there.

Leonard Krog Yes

I note the presence of Coach Stevenson here tonight from John Barr's B. . Who, As I said, in the bait last time, and I won't be changing my vote. I couldn't look him in the eye if this council turned down the turf fields. This is an incredibly important project for a substantial number of people in this community, both from a healthy perspective recognition frankly of coach Stevenson's and others work at John Barr's B, who have done an amazing job. . Keeping young people occupied and on track, I would. I don't think it would be an exaggeration. Perhaps the say saving lives not necessarily in the sense of Longevity but in terms of their career path and where they might have ended up if they weren't playing there. This provides an incredible opportunity. Six times the amount of playing hours for the citizens of this community. We have worked hard to attract sports, tourism and Nanaimo. Mr Harding and his department have done an amazing job. . In that regard, as has the city in previous council supporting that vision. This is not the time because of an increase in costs, which I acknowledge is substantial. But as frankly and forgive me for revealing the contents of the letter from individually received the long term benefit of this over time, it makes it financially the sensible decision to do So I'll certainly be supporting the increased budget notwithstanding, it may seem unpalatable today. Ah, I think as the years pass, and more and more people use it and as councilor pre, No says maybe great grandchildren. Even so, be it.