Construction season at the City of Prince George is underway with help from annual funding provided through the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF).
The City’s annual ball diamond and sports field renewal program is just one of many projects that benefit from the grant. In 2024, the parks and solid waste division funded $760,000 through the CCBF to upgrade facilities and encourage continued outdoor recreation. The total project budget was $950,000 and included:
- Installing two new dugouts at Gyro Park.
- Installing two new dugouts and two bleacher pads at Harry Loder Park.
- Installing two new dugouts and two bleacher pads at Freeman Park.
- Installing two bleacher pads and a connection path at Ron Wiley Field.
Work in 2025 will focus on upgrading field lighting at Spruce City Stadium and Freeman Park. The CCBF will fund an additional $760,000 for this work with a total project budget of $950,000.
The program is based on the City’s 2018 ball diamond and sport field strategy and refurbishes a handful of sports facilities every year. Most of the outdoor recreation facilities in Prince George were developed in the 1970’s and 80’s by local sports groups and are nearing, or at, the end of their service lives
In total, the City spent $4.25 million of CCBF grant funding on infrastructure projects in 2024. Completed projects in 2024 include:
- Developing a concept plan and detailed designs for Carrie Jane Gray Park improvements.
- Upgrades to the sports courts at Clearwood Park, Harper Park, Harry Loder Park, Sinclair Park, and Starlane Park.
- Fixing trails and installing new gates at Freeman Park, Heritage River Trail, Tyner Boulevard, and Carrie Jane Gray Park.
- Replacing the chiller system at Kopar Memorial Arena to improve safety, reduce the volume of ammonia levels, and extend the life of the facility.
- Installing 844 metres of new concrete sidewalk and renewing the parking lots at Elksentre and Royal Lot.
- Upgrading aging stormwater system infrastructure.
CCBF provides long-term and stable funding to local governments in B.C. for investment in infrastructure and capacity-building projects.
“Investing in local infrastructure means investing in people. These upgrades to parks, sports fields and community facilities in Prince George are about creating safe space where people can connect, stay active and enjoy their neighborhoods,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “This is another way we’re supporting communities to grow stronger and healthier, now and for the future.”
“Recreation spaces like Freeman Park and Spruce City Stadium are where communities come together, where kids learn teamwork and memories are made,” said the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “Through the Canada Community-Building Fund, Prince George is investing in infrastructure that will have lasting positive impacts on the community.”
