Expect a lively conversation about the future of Masich Place Stadium if the city receives external money for the upgrades to the venue.
During Monday night's meeting, city council approved a $3.45 million grant application that could boost already planned improvements to the stadium's running track, throwing cage facility, infield turf and irrigation system.
The federal gas tax money, doled out by the Union of B.C. Municipalities, would help remove the existing landscaped berm and replace it with a perimeter path, grass areas and chain-link fencing.
"I think this is a fantastic opportunity for the city, it's a fantastic opportunity for the region and when we take a look at what it means to the user groups... we're able to expand this, not just on a local basis, but on a regional basis," said Mayor Lyn Hall.
Masich Place Stadium - which opened to the public for the season last Monday - was developed to host the 1990 B.C. Summer Games. The running track was last resurfaced in 2000, putting it nearly five years beyond its 10-year life-expectancy.
A synthetic infield is expected to extend the typical May-to-October season by up to two months and is also supposed to have the life expectancy of four or five natural turf fields.
Developing a local synthetic field could also provide local teams a chance for a home-field advantage.
"For example, a synthetic turf field would provide UNBC Soccer with the ability to not only host the Canada West playoffs, but also a national championship," the staff report said, noting that many teams, such as community and high school football, rugby and soccer groups need to travel for tournaments and title matches.
But that has more to do with the climate and time of year of those tournaments, according to a letter to council written by Bill Masich, the son of the stadium's namesake Tom Masich.
"The CIS championships are held annually in early November, The average daily temperature for Prince George in November is -2.4C," Masich wrote.
Masich also disagreed with the proposal to remove the berm, as it acts as a barrier from wind.
"The stadium has been built by design and purpose, not in some random haphazard manner," Masich wrote. "Removing the berm will affect the facility negatively for track and field as well as other sport uses."
The design submitted to council and for the grant application is not the final plan, said planning director Ian Wells. If the grant application is approved, there will be further consultation with user groups for feedback, Wells said.
