Delta council this week approved a proposed land swap with the Delta School District that will allow for the addition of a second synthetic turf playing field at Mackie Park, but voters will have a say.
The land exchange would see the city receive 2,029-square-metres of land along the south edge of Mackie Park from the school district. The addition creates a parcel big enough to construct a second synthetic turf field at the park.
In exchange, the district would receive two parcels totalling 2,029-square-metres.
The first consists of 1,956-square metres of passive green space along the west edge of Hellings Park, which is to be incorporated into the grounds of Hellings Elementary School. The second parcel consists of 73-square-metres of land along the west edge of park, which would align the new property line with existing tennis court facilities.
The new field would be large enough to accommodate a full-size soccer pitch and high school-rules football field. The project scope would also include, LED field lighting, perimeter fencing and a walkway, a below-grade drainage system as well as a new goal storage area and bleachers.
The design of the new field is currently being finalized now, with a tender ready package expected this spring with plans to commence construction by early summer. The new field is scheduled to be ready for play by March 2025.
Meanwhile, tree removal and site preparations are starting this month.
The project received a funding boost last year from the province.
The city established a new reserve fund, called the Growing Communities Reserve Fund, where the one-time grant of just over $16 million to Delta was directed for the project, as well as a Delta Secondary track upgrade.
However, before the city can proceed with the land transfer, it must seek the approval of the electors through a referendum or by alternative approval process.
The city will go ahead with an alternative approval process, which allows council to proceed unless at least 10 per cent of the electors state their opposition within a prescribed period.
If more than 10 per cent state their opposition, council may not proceed unless the matter successfully passes a full referendum.
