A genuine team effort has resulted in exciting news at Acadia University's campus –the artificial turf on Raymond Field will be recycled and replaced in the coming months.

Today, Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings—Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; along with the Honorable Keith Irving, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Kings South; and Dr. Peter Ricketts, President and Vice-Chancellor of Acadia University, announced funding for upgrades to Acadia University's Raymond Field, one of the two outdoor artificial turf playing fields in the Annapolis Valley.

"Throughout this pandemic, we've moved quickly to ensure that Canadians have the support they need now, while also looking ahead. The upgrades to the Raymond Field now mean a healthier, more productive environment in the future for Acadia students and members of the Annapolis Valley community. Canada's infrastructure plan is about building up our communities now for a better, greener, post-pandemic reality," said Blois.

The project consists of removing and disposing of the circa-2007 field's current artificial turf, replacing it with new artificial turf, and installing the accessories required for efficient field operation and maintenance. The upgrades will create a safer, more attractive environment for students, community members and event organizers who use the field as a venue for significant varsity and community sporting events.

"Acadia University's Raymond Field is an integral part of the recreational facilities of not only the University but also the Town of Wolfville and the surrounding area. This project to replace its existing turf field ensures community sports organizations and provincial competitions will benefit from this fine facility for years to come," said Irving.

The Government of Canada is investing $400,000 in this project through the COVID-19 Resilience Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Nova Scotia contributes $400,000, while Acadia University and its local funding partners are donating $400,000 in total.

"This investment in sport and recreation infrastructure recognizes the central role Acadia facilities play, not just for our students but for people in our surrounding communities," said Dr. Ricketts. "We are thankful to our government and community partners and donors for investing in the artificial turf replacement of Raymond Field. It is an example of what we can accomplish when working in partnership."

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