The city is hoping to inject some new life into the local track and field stadium with the help of gas tax funds.
On Monday night, city council will decide whether to approve an application for a $3.45 million grant to boost Masich Place Stadium renovations.
After a round of consultation with user groups, the city has put together a plan that would see a new artificial turf, new throwing and jumping facilities and upgrades to the track.
There is already $500,000 to resurface the track and $25,000 for a throwing cage in the 2015 capital budget and $250,000 in the 2016 plan for replacing the infield turf and irrigation system. But the grant money would facilitate more extensive work, such as putting in a new synthetic infield featuring a FIFA-regulation sized soccer field and a CFL-sized football field.
The money could also help remove the existing landscaped berm and replace it with a perimeter path, grass areas and chain-link fencing.
Masich Place Stadium - which opened to the public for the season on 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.
According to a staff report to council, the infield's sod was last replaced in 2006 and is currently beyond repair due to a damaged underground irrigation system.
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.
