ND Track Officially Open

Saturday, August 14th saw the official opening of the new track at North Delta Secondary which, no different from South Delta, was long overdue, but the one in Tsawwassen is another story or budget.

While it was a dream a few years back Delta residents were invited to public hearings held at NDSS in January, 2019 to view the plans as well as question the overall proposal probably due to the cost of the project.

Those attending were given the opportunity to have their voices heard on this plan January 9th at the North Delta Secondary (11447 82 Ave.) from 4:30pm to 7pm.

Various individuals asked questions regarding the upgrade, most about cost, how the track lighting would affect the neighbours across the road as well as what the hours of operation would be regarding usage to the public.

Funding for the track was made possible by four levels of government to build, develop and fund the best new track in the lower mainland which should get the much needed usage from those in the area.

A couple of questions have come up in conversation with some of the public over the past couple of days with the first being will there be bleachers built at the track for the public? 

Secondly has the City of Delta or the School District been contacted by any particular track club to make this their home facility for usage?

One question that I asked to City Management was ‘If this was built to host major track events, has the City given any insight into having a media booth along with proper connections to do a “live feed” from the track?

I was left with the understanding that this would be looked at so as to host major local, provincial or national track competitions, such as Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium.

The track was officially opened Saturday August 14th with various dignitaries on hand such as Carla Qualtrough (Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion), Ravi Kahlon (Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation), George Harvie (City of Delta Mayor) as well as Val Windsor.

The facility, which includes a world class track, soccer pitch, tennis and pickleball courts, and (apparently) much more so we are hearing.

Both the school board and the city have an agreement that a portion of the school property, where the older track is built, will be leased to the city for 60 years.

The original proposal made by the school board involved a deal for the land with the City of Delta to receive funding that the federal government is giving out.

The school district agreed to give the land to The City of Delta for $1 in advance of a grant application.

The track is impressive to look at and has some wondering when the first official track meet could be held at the new track.

One such tack event that we cover on a regular basis is the Harry Jerome Track Classic at Swangard Stadium, but for this to be held at North Delta Secondary, it would be better fit for John Oliver park off Hwy 10.

Photo on the right were (apparently) in the original plans, which show no signs of a press box to be able to do any broadcast such as Swangard Stadium or McLeod Park.