UPEI to replace artificial turf in time for fall sport season
Member of Parliament for Charlottetown Sean Casey, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today joined the Honourable Richard Brown, Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI, and Michael O’Grady, Vice-President, Innovation, Enterprise and Strategic Development at Holland College, to announce support that will enable the University to replace its popular turf field.
Student-athletes at UPEI will be able to enjoy their varsity season at the Panther home field now that the artificial turf will be replaced prior to the fall sport season. In addition to being home to the UPEI Panther field hockey and men’s and women’s soccer programs, the majority of the UPEI Artificial Turf Field usage is by Island community groups and residents.
ACOA, through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) will contribute $250,100, the provincial government is contributing $250,000 through the Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning, Holland College will add $100,000, and the University will contribute $250,000 to the replacement project that begins this week.
As part of the recently launched Atlantic Growth Strategy, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting infrastructure projects in communities across the region. This investment builds on this commitment. Communities prosper when people have accessible gathering spaces to enrich their quality of life.
Quotes
“I am pleased to announce funding through CIP150 for UPEI to carry out the much needed outdoor turf field upgrades. This popular facility is not only essential for many student-athletes at UPEI, it also promotes fitness and health to residents across the province. This upgrade will ensure that the UPEI turf field remains a key recreational asset in the community, for the University and to an array of athletes, for years to come.”
– Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
“The UPEI artificial turf is used frequently by members of the University community and the athletic community at large. The Province is thrilled to support UPEI so that the turf can be refurbished and meet safety standards in time for the fall sport season. The improvements will expand the turf’s lifespan and provide users with an improved playing experience. The upgrades will allow the Province to continue hosting future tournaments and sporting events at the facility.”
– Richard Brown, Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning
“We are very excited about having brand new turf installed for the fall sport season. UPEI appreciates the collaborative efforts of Holland College, the Government of Prince Edward Island, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Our partners recognize that the artificial turf field at UPEI is a premier community sports venue that is used by groups and individuals from across the province and throughout the region.”
– Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Prince Edward Island
“Holland College is very pleased to be among the funding partners in this important project. Our publicly-funded post-secondary institutions are committed to sharing infrastructure to the mutual benefit of each other and our broader community. Maintaining and enhancing those facilities is an essential part of that effort.”
– Michael O’Grady, Vice-President, Innovation, Enterprise and Strategic Development, Holland College
Background
With funding in place, Team Rochon Inc. / GTRturf of Montreal, Quebec was awarded the tender through a competitive process. The project includes the removal and disposal of the existing artificial turf and crumb rubber infill as well as the removal and disposal of the top 75mm of the underlying base material, and the design, supply and installation of new free draining crushed rock, base material and new artificial turf field. Construction is expected to complete by the end of September.
UPEI came to the difficult decision to close the field earlier this year when a consultant advised that the turf did not meet performance guidelines, did not have any useable life left, and immediate replacement was recommended.
