FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – The City of Prince George is one step closer to making the next phases of the Carrie Jane Gray Park (CJGP) modernization project a reality thanks to a $7 million grant from the Government of Canada’s Build Communities Strong – Strategic Priorities Fund to improve local community infrastructure. This funding was administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM)’s Strategic Priorities Fund.
As announced earlier today, the City’s grant application was successful to help pay for a new multi-sport artificial turf field located between the beach volleyball court and Citizen Field. A new field is one of the most vital components of the park’s multi-phase master plan, which will extend the outdoor sports season from April to October.
“Carrie Jane Gray Park is a premier athletic hub that plays a key role in our community’s sport and recreation network. Investment in the park continues to build the City’s capacity for local sports and to serve as northern B.C.’s showcase for hosting diverse competitive sporting events and tournaments at every level,” said recreation and events supervisor, Robyn McConkey.
“The existing synthetic turf field at Masich Place Stadium is heavily booked and the demand for more field space is high. We are thrilled to expand our sport hosting capacity, whether that’s for local groups, out of town teams, regional meets, or national games.”
The grant will help cover site preparation and construction of the synthetic turf field, while the remaining cost ($4 million as per the 2024 budget estimate, subject to change due to inflation and other cost impacts) for this phase is pending Council approval during the next budget cycle. This phase of the project includes the new multi-sport field, field lighting, and 5,200 m2 of flex/warm up space. Preparation will begin once the existing BMX track has been relocated, which is anticipated to be complete in summer 2027.
“The City is grateful to the Government of Canada for providing significant funding to improve outdoor sports and recreation infrastructure in Prince George,” said city manager, Walter Babicz.
“City staff have worked hard to maintain and operate Carrie Jane Gray Park over the years, and now we have the incredible opportunity to modernize it for future generations to enjoy. This project has far-reaching implications, from making outdoor recreation more accessible to families in Prince George, to boosting our local economy through event and tournament hosting.”
Mayor Simon Yu also welcomed the funding announcement news. “Projects like the work we’re doing at Carrie Jane Gray Park really highlight the importance of facilities that bring people together, support health and well-being, and add life to this athletic corridor. This next phase with this funding is a big step forward for our bold vision for this space.”
"For local governments across British Columbia, the right investment can support housing, foster connection and build strong communities. This project will make a lasting impact and reinforces our commitment to building bold, building strong, and building together,” said the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.
“People in Prince George will benefit from a new multi-sport turf field that expands recreation opportunities, supports local athletes and helps bring more sporting events to the community,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Thanks to the partnership between the Government of Canada, UBCM and the City of Prince George, this project will strengthen healthy, active living for years to come.”
Work to date
The multi-year phased project began with the creation of the master plan in May 2024. The City hosted focus groups with key users of CJGP including Prince George Youth Baseball, Spruce City Men and Minor Boys Softball, Prince George BMX, Senior Men’s Baseball, etc. This group helped the project team identify areas for improvement and ideas to inform the draft concept plans. The concept plans were then presented to residents through a public survey where participants chose their preferred plan.
During 2025 budget deliberations, Council approved $1.9 million for the first phase of construction which includes the design and construction of a new BMX track with security fencing and lighting. Various revisions of the BMX site design have been completed to minimize earthwork and keep the construction of the track within the pre-design budget estimate. It is anticipated construction will be completed in 2027.
In August, crews will begin installing new water and sanitary sewer services to service the BMX and synthetic turf sites. This will also include new conventional gravity sanitary sewer service to Ron Wiley field to replace existing septic holding tanks.
Stay up to date by visiting the CJGP project page on the City website.
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Media contact:
Kendall Robertson, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-5393
Email: media@princegeorge.ca