Coquitlam considers steeper charges for artificial turf use as city mulls $15-million funding gap

This article has been amended to clarify rules around non-profits.

It was a field-and-funding-stream conversation.

Facing projected $15.9 million sports field funding gap over the next decade, Coquitlam should introduce fees on artificial turf fields, said Coun. Brent Asmundson.

“We are responsible to make sure we lessen the burden on our taxpayer,” Asmundson said.

While there’s no barrier for grass fields, artificial turf fields, “are booked over 90 percent of the time by sports user groups,” Asmundson added.

While it may not be agreeable, it’s likely necessary to levy fees on artificial turf field users, agreed Coun. Robert Mazzarolo.

“The numbers speak for themselves. It’s not sustainable in the long run,” he said.

The city usually allocates $815,000 per year for field replacement costs. However, Coquitlam will likely need to pay about $24.1 million in field replacement costs over the next decade.

Those costs include $6.7 million earmarked for maintaining artificial turf fields and another $17.4 million for grass fields, some of which need a complete rebuild including improved drainage, according to city staff.

Among neighbouring municipalities, field fees generally range from $22 for younger athletes to $47 for adult groups.

The new policy would apply to all groups who use artificial turf fields. However, sports groups can apply for subsidies through non-profit organizations such as KidSport and Canadian Tire Jumpstart.

The city’s 10-year field strategy, which is set to come before council for formal approval before summer break, includes adding a new artificial turf and grass field at the Burke Mountain Athletic Park.

Staff are also set to explore to look for ways to “increase utilization of under-used fields,” possibly converting all-weather fields, according to a staff report.

City staff are set to consult with sport groups before returning to council with a refined version of the field strategy.