The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is pleased to announce that the new artificial turf field at G.P. Vanier Secondary School is now open for community bookings. The Comox Valley Baseball Association was the first community group to use the new turf, taking the field at 5 pm on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
The new multi-sport field increases year-round capacity for field sports in the Comox Valley, providing more reliable space for local sport organizations — particularly during wetter months when natural grass fields have limited availability.
“Opening this field is an important milestone for sport and recreation in the Comox Valley,” said Comox Valley Recreation Commission Chair Melanie McCollum. “The new artificial turf will improve access for thousands of athletes and help meet the demand of local sport organizations serving our active community.”
The project was identified as a priority in the CVRD’s Sports Fields Strategy and Recreation Commission Strategic Plan. The approximately $6 million project was funded through a combination of grant funding, reserves, and long-term borrowing.
Some site amenities remain under construction, including landscaping, washrooms, player benches and shelters, and spectator bleachers. Construction areas are fenced for public and contractor safety, and the public is asked to stay out of these areas. The CVRD appreciates the community’s patience as the final site improvements are completed.
Partnership supports expanded field access
The new field is the second artificial turf field at G.P. Vanier Secondary School. The first field opened in 2014.
The project was delivered through a long-standing partnership between the CVRD and Comox Valley Schools. The school district provided the land for both artificial turf fields and has maintained the original field since it opened.
“This new artificial turf field will give students more opportunities to be active, connect, and enjoy sport before, during, and after school,” said Chairperson of the Comox Valley Schools Board of Education Michelle Waite. “It will support greater year-round use and provide valuable space for students, families, and the wider community. We're grateful for our partnership with the CVRD in bringing this project to life.”
The approximately 8,790-square-metre field accommodates baseball, soccer, men’s and women’s field lacrosse, field hockey, and rugby and football practice. During the school year, Comox Valley Schools uses the field during school hours on most weekdays. Community use is available after 5 pm on weekdays and on weekends.
“We’re grateful to Comox Valley Schools for its ongoing partnership and for providing the space for this new community asset,” said McCollum. “On behalf of the Recreation Commission, I also want to thank CVRD staff, Knappett Industries, Binnie, and XL Turf for their contributions to this important project.”
The CVRD also thanks residents, sport organizations, and facility users for their patience during construction.
To learn more about the new artificial turf field and recreation planning in the Comox Valley, visit: comoxvalleyrd.ca/recplan
The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
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Media contact:
Trish Morgan
Senior Manager of Recreation Services
250-898-3733