Iqaluit ball diamond to be partially turfed next year
Councillors excited to see infield resurfaced; Recreation department to launch youth program
Canadrill and NuBrew’s softball teams battle on the Iqaluit ball diamond in 2023. The city plans to add an artificial turf to the infield next year. (File photo by David Lochead)
Iqaluit is moving ahead with plans to add artificial turf to part of the city’s baseball and softball diamond.
City councillors unanimously approved a plan Tuesday night to add the turf to the diamond’s infield, the area extending from home plate to first, second and third bases.
“This project will support increased year-round accessibility and safety and program flexibility for the community,” said Bill Williams, the city’s director of municipal infrastructure, in his presentation to council.
The total cost of the turf is $104,757.46.
The city will pay $33,600 of that, which will cover the cost of shipping and installation. A federal government contribution from the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities fund is covering the rest.
The plan would have the turf installed by spring or summer 2026.
In addition to installing the turf, the recreation department is looking at launching a new youth baseball program next year, Williams said.
The infield is just “phase one” of the project.
“Following that, we would also look for additional funding to continue,” Williams said, without elaborating on what that might look like.
“But with the funding that’s available, that was kind of what we thought was achievable in the timeline to improve conditions for next season.”
In an email, city spokesperson Geoff Byrne said the design also includes “turf strips in the foul territory and clay around the base paths.”
Multiple councillors who play on softball teams expressed their enthusiasm for the upgrade.
“There is a tremendous amount of rocks that are on the field as well that could cause mishaps,” said Coun. Amber Aglukark.
“I’ve experienced that myself, and I think it’s going to be extremely beneficial not just to the league and the youth that are involved in ball, but I think it’s gonna be a huge improvement to the safety of the players.”
Deputy Mayor Kim Smith echoed Aglukark’s sentiment.
“I’m excited about the youth league as well, mostly because my team is getting really old and we’re going to need some fresh blood soon,” she said.
The new turf follows last year’s addition of lights to the ball diamond, which has since allowed for softball games to run in the darker, later summer months.
SAFE!!!!
Interesting, too bad the turf could have been dealt with 5 years ago.
Rachel Clow and I were parents who started The Minor Baseball for kids 7 – 15. No cost to the families,and all drop-in. I recall Rachel driving around town and inviting kids to join us for a game
In 2020, with the generous help of corporate donors, we took 15 of our kids to Toronto for a 5 day training program put on by members of the Toronto Blue Jays.
While in Toronto, I spoke to one of the managers who ,during our discussions, suggested the Blue Jays could work with us to install turf on our diamond.
Upon our return I took the offer and the cotact information to the Recretion Coordinator and she outright shot the offer down because “The City was going to move the diamond into the park”
No Turf, No new ball diamond. A lot of talk and no action
I might add the city needs to ban smoking and drinking by adult players and their fans. Not appropriate when in our limited time on the diamond we had to clean up butts and beer cans regularly
The city also needs to have the outhouses cleaned on a regular basis as well. We never allowed the kids in for fear of catching a disease.
I left later in 2020 and have not been able to follow-up but, parents if you want your children to stay off the street in the summer, baseball is there and i believe still free for you. Get out and help Rachel who still works for your children.
A big tthank you to RachelClow for all her work for the kids.
I’m glad you work so hard. The CITY of Iqaluit thanks you. For your dedication to the keyboard and dump on anything positive this city does, it will go unnoticed. We will let administration know to add you to the agenda under awards and recognition. Bravo sir.
Name the field Robert L Hanson Field already!