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COQUITLAM, B.C., Mar. 2, 2021 – Construction could begin as soon as April on a new lit artificial turf field at Centennial secondary to be shared by students and the community.

City Council approved the detailed design yesterday for a state-of-the-art artificial field that can accommodate football, soccer and field hockey. The eagerly-awaited project, which will bring Coquitlam its seventh artificial turf field, is the result of one of several joint-use agreements between the City and School District 43 (SD43) that pool resources to bring improved amenities to schools and the community.

Steps Remaining Before Construction­

While SD43 contractors complete the necessary site preparation work, Coquitlam has expedited the design process so that it is ready to issue the project tender as soon as the site is made available to the City.

If construction begins in April as anticipated, the field could be ready before the end of the year. Construction is expected to take eight months, although the City will be working with the selected contractor to reduce the construction window if possible.

Project a “Win-win" for Community

Based on the City-SD43 agreement, the District owns the land and will use the amenities during school hours. Coquitlam will build, operate and maintain the field, and the community will have use of the turf and Centennial's external washrooms during non-school hours. A similar successful agreement is in place for the Dr. Charles Best secondary field.

“The joint-use agreements we have with SD43 are a win-win – they bring our community much-needed amenities and services at a shared cost," Mayor Richard Stewart said. “I know many families and youth in Coquitlam will be excited to see the shovels in the ground for this field. It will be a wonderful addition to our artificial turf field network."   

“I am extremely proud of the cooperative relationship School District 43 enjoys with the City of Coquitlam," SD43 Board Chair Kerri Palmer Isaak said. “With the District providing the land and the City of Coquitlam providing the amenities, the new turf field at Centennial Secondary will be of great benefit to the school and the entire community."

A Multi-sport Field

Developed in consultation with SD43 and the Coquitlam Field Sport Association, the design includes:

• An artificial turf field with lighting for night games that is sized and lined to accommodate football, soccer and field hockey;
• Pedestrian connections to the high school and Poirier Street;
• Accessible connections for those with mobility challenges to the adjacent parking lot and Poirier Street; and
• Spectator bleachers.

Further details about the project will be publicized prior to the start of construction. Information about Coquitlam park projects is posted at www.coquitlam.ca/parkprojects.​

Read the joint City of Coquitlam and SD43 media release here​