Federal grant funding gives several PG sports facilities a face lift

Local fastball players who suit up at Freeman Park and Spruce City Stadium will benefit from upgraded field lighting.

It’s from annual funding via the Canada Community-Building Fund where an additional $760,000 is being made available for this work with a total project budget of $950,000.

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:

• Two new dugouts at Gyro Park.
• Two new dugouts and two bleacher pads at Harry Loder Park.
• Two new dugouts and two bleacher pads at Freeman Park.
• Installing two bleacher pads and a connection path at Ron Wiley Field.

The program is based on the City’s 2018 ball diamond and sport field strategy and refurbishes a handful of sports facilities every year.

In total, the City spent $4.25 million of federal grant funding on infrastructure projects last year including:

• 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.

“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.”