The City of Victoria is receiving a significant funding boost to replace the existing turf sport field at popular Topaz Park—the third-largest park in town.
Joint federal and provincial funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, totalling $2.4 million, will help upgrade the facility to include a full-size artificial turf soccer pitch, youth-sized multi-purpose field, softball diamond, and spectator seating.
Mayor Lisa Helps says she’s grateful for the funds, as Transportation Minister and Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Rob Fleming points to the benefits a new turf field will bestow upon local sports teams.
“This is a huge win for the local sports organizations who make full use of Topaz Park,” said Fleming in a press release.
“When we work in partnership, we can make a difference for communities, and I am grateful for the contributions of our federal and municipal government alongside the province’s investment.”
According to the city, turf field construction starts this spring and should wrap up by fall, with designs available for public viewing online here.
Skatepark, bike park construction already underway
Victoria officials have already invested nearly $8 million into Topaz Park to build new skateboard and bike facilities, set to open this summer, as part of the park’s long-term renewal plan.
Last year, the city released concept designs for a 3,000-square-metre skatepark and 6,000-metre bike park, noting the amenities were developed through “extensive community engagement, surveys and input from the skate and bike community.”
Meanwhile, the city adds that the next phase of improvements at the park, planned for 2023, will include new pickleball courts, ball diamond upgrades, and an improved dog off-leash area.
