OFFICIALS from the City of Delta, along with the Delta Board of Education and the Province of British Columbia, came together to break ground on the new Seaquam Secondary School track and field, set to begin construction in the coming weeks.

Guests in attendance at the groundbreaking included Mayor George V. Harvie, Delta Councillors Jessie Dosanjh, Jennifer Johal, and Dylan Kruger, as well as Delta North MLA and Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Ravi Kahlon, and Delta Board of Education representatives Joe Muego, Val Windsor, Ammen Dhillon, Nick Kanakos, and Nimmi Daula. 

​The Seaquam Track Replacement Project involves the replacement of the existing running track with a new six-lane synthetic running surface track, which will include a new long jump runway and pit, as well as a throwing events circle. The existing grass infield area will also be reconstructed and sized to facilitate American football and soccer, with a new drainage and irrigation system, and permanent football goal posts and movable soccer nets.

Knowing the importance of the existing pedestrian connections between the school and neighbouring residential areas, a hard surface walkway has been included on the track’s perimeter, extending from the track to the school via an accessible sidewalk, the City said.

​Preparatory work is scheduled to begin shortly, with construction of the new track and field facilities slated to start in late June and continue into fall—during which time the track will be closed to the public. The preparatory work involves the removal of 82 trees from the Seaquam Secondary School grounds that conflict with the new track layout, based on an assessment by an independent arborist. The plan includes the planting of 100 new trees in the surrounding area. 

Construction of the new running track surface and grass infield are scheduled to be completed in late fall 2025, while the install of the synthetic running surface is planned for spring of 2026. From late fall 2025 to spring 2026, the paved running track will be open and available for use, while the grass infield will be fenced off to allow the new sod time to establish. The City has worked with the Delta School District on the project which has also been approved by the Delta Board of Education.

​This project received funding in the amount of $4 million through the Province of BC’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs – BC Growing Communities Fund.

Kahlon said: “The start of construction on the Seaquam Secondary School track replacement is an exciting milestone for a project that will strengthen the fabric of our amazing community. The second new track in North Delta in the last five years, this will provide another incredible space for our community to come together and enjoy spending time outside being active. The $16 million our government invested in Delta through the B.C. Growing Communities Fund has supported multiple projects locally, like the new track at Seaquam Secondary, and the track at North Delta Track and Field Facility. These projects are only possible because of strong partnerships we have with our school board and Delta Council. I can’t wait to see people walking, running, and having fun at Seaquam Secondary’s new track soon.”

Harvie said: ​“The replacement track at Seaquam Secondary School is one of the most highly-anticipated projects in our community. We thank the BC Government for support through the BC Growing Communities Fund to help make this dream fully realized. With their support, alongside our continued partnership with the Delta School District, we are thrilled to deliver high-quality athletic amenities to students and residents in this area and provide them the opportunity to fully embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Muego, Chair, Delta Board of Education, said: “We are excited to see the reconstruction of the Seaquam Secondary School track and field begin. This project will provide our students and the community with state-of-the-art facilities that help encourage physical activity and well-being. We know how important it is for students to incorporate physical activity into daily routines as it can lead to better overall health and enhanced learning capabilities. We appreciate the support from the Province of British Columbia and the City of Delta in making this vision a reality.”

​Learn more about Seaquam Secondary School Track Replacement Project at letstalk.delta.ca/SeaquamTrack.