DELTA Mayor George V. Harvie, Carla Qualtrough, federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, and Ravi Kahlon, B.C. Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, and other dignitaries celebrated the grand opening of the new North Delta Track and Field Facility on August 14.
Located at North Delta Secondary School, this $8 million facility features eight competitive lanes, a natural grass infield for community sports, a walking path on the perimeter of the track, spectator and community seating areas, tennis and pickleball courts, a public washroom and surrounding rain gardens.
The City of Delta received more than $5.8 million in cost-share funding from the federal and provincial governments through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Community, Culture and Recreation Program towards this project.
Qualtrough said: “I was excited to be a part of the official opening of the North Delta Track and Field Facility and thrilled to see our community come out to celebrate this event. This facility will provide our community with a top-notch venue for competitive training and community recreation programs. It is sure to become a gathering place where seniors, families, children and athletes come to be active, play and train. Infrastructure projects like the North Delta Track enrich our communities, making them more resilient and inclusive for the future. I am proud of the Government of Canada’s $3.2 million investment in a community hub that will benefit Delta families for generations.”
Kahlon said: “I heard from people in my community prior to my election in 2017 and over the past couple years, what a game-changer a track in North Delta would be. The opening of this track means people will have more access to fitness facilities and the opportunity to exercise, and also provides spaces for people to gather and connect. I’m proud to have worked with my community to deliver provincial funding for this project and to have worked alongside all levels of government to make it to this day.”
Harvie said: “We promised a new track and field for North Delta and thanks to the support and partnerships from the federal and provincial governments and Delta School District, we have successfully delivered on this promise with a new, multi-million dollar community facility. This new amenity is a real testament to what can be achieved when we work together. As your Mayor and Council, we look forward to making future investments in recreation projects that continue to promote active lifestyles in people of all ages and abilities throughout Delta.”
The North Delta Track and Field Facility is World Athletics compliant, the first of its kind in Delta, allowing athletes the ability to train locally, while supporting the broader community with the addition of new community recreation opportunities.