The federal government has announced more than two million dollars for upgrades to a sports field in Dieppe.
These upgrades will include a new synthetic sports field with lights, fences and other related equipment.
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic Leblanc says, “Recreation infrastructure is vital to keep our communities active and vibrant. The new synthetic sports field in Dieppe will help develop local athletes and support active lifestyles for all residents. It is projects like this that make our communities stronger and more resilient.”
President for Soccer Dieppe Taha Maarous agrees this is great news, “It’s a dream becoming a reality. A work in the backstage for almost ten years or longer than that. The synthetic field will contribute to the development of sports in general or physical activity for years and years to come.”
Maarous says a synthetic field, it will make their game more competitive, “We are the only Club that plays on grass that is in the Triple A division. It is very tough on the self esteem of our players. They sometimes ask the question why didn’t we have a facility like this. We have seen other rural areas have synthetic turf.”
The hope is construction will begin in the fall and the field that is located behind Mathieu Martin school, will be open in the spring.
“It’s a community investment and I think everyone will have the privilege to be playing on this turf. It is also a multi sport facility. We will be collaborating with the whole community with Francophone District as well to have a better management of this facility and to ensure it will have an impact in the long run. This facility will be for mini soccer, official games and will also be a training facility for our Triple A teams.”
Maarous says synthetic turf will also help extend their season, and will allow them to play more games outdoors, “Better control on the facility. First of all, you don’t have to level it. Also, once it is raining, it won’t stop you from playing soccer. Having a facility like this will mean we can start our season sooner. Fall season most of the time is played on a grass field, but on a synthetic turf, we might even be able to go until December.”
He is also excited about the addition of lighting, “Now that the days are longer, we can stay until 9ish, but the closer we get to September it gets darker earlier and we have to leave the field. Now, when we have the lights, when it gets dark, we can turn on the lights.”
The City of Dieppe is also providing $520,000 towards the project.
Dieppe Mayor Yvon Lapierre says, “Dieppe has experienced phenomenal growth over the past few years and the demand for recreational infrastructure is increasing. We are very proud to be able to offer our residents a brand new synthetic field that will allow them to practice their favourite activities in a welcoming environment and for a longer season.”
Minister of Local Government Daniel Allain says, “This project has been a priority for the residents of Dieppe for some time, so it is very positive to see it become a reality with today’s funding announcement. Creating vibrant communities is one of government’s key priorities. As our province recovers socially and economically from the COVID-19 pandemic, strong communities will be the foundation of our future prosperity.”