Chilliwack councillors to vote on new synthetic turf replacement at Chilliwack Secondary

CHILLIWACK – Chilliwack councillors are set to vote on a motion today (Tuesday, June 2) that could see the synthetic turf surface at Chilliwack Secondary School replaced after it was first built 12 years ago.

According to a city staff report prepared by Richard Fortin, manager of parks planning, the synthetic turf surface at CSS has reached the end of its service life and is presently exhibiting “significant” signs of wear that impact player safety and field usability.

Fortin noted in his report to council that recent G-max testing has confirmed the need for replacement.

The artificial turf field was originally built in 2014 and is slated for replacement in 2027.

To secure a spot within Astroturf’s construction schedule for next year, Chilliwack City Council will need to approve a motion that authorizes the city to ink a $968,000 deal with Astroturf to proceed with planning and scheduling.

The proposed contract involves the removal and recycling of the existing synthetic turf and rubber infill, installation of new shock padding, upgrades to the perimeter fencing, and inspection of the field lateral drainage lines.

Fortin said security concerns will also be addressed through the connection of the existing north, east, and south 16-foot-tall fencing across the west side of the facility, which currently contains only a low 4-foot-high barrier fence.

The City of Chilliwack will fund 75 per cent of the cost, while SD33 will pay for the remaining 25 per cent.