Green light for artificial turf

Maya Johnson

The Quebec government has agreed to provide Kirkland with financial assistance for a proposed synthetic soccer-football field.

In response to a request from town council, the province committed to a making up to a $928,000 contribution for the installation of an artificial turf field, which is slated to replace the existing natural grass playing field at Smiley Park, on Elkas Boulevard.

The provincial funding represents about 50 percent of the total cost of the project, said Mayor John Meaney.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever been able to get a grant out of the government and we just thought that was utterly fantastic,” he told The Chronicleafter the council meeting Monday night.

There is already one playing field with an artificial surface in Kirkland, at Parc des Bénévoles – also on Elkas Boulevard.

Meaney said having the fields “in basically the same complex” will allow residents to benefit from key facilities – such as ample parking spaces and a large, recently-built chalet – centralized in one spot.

“It’s going to be the gem of the West Island,” he said.

The idea of artificial turf has been embraced by other West Island municipalities as well. Dollard des Ormeaux has a synthetic soccer pitch across the street from its City Hall on De Salaberry Boulevard and is preparing to construct a second one, while plans are underway for an artificial field in Dorval. Pointe Claire is also considering installing synthetic turf in one of its parks.

Meaney said artificial turf is more practical for cities, since it can be used during weather conditions that are harmful to natural grass.

“You’ll be able to start very early,” said Meaney, noting that natural soccer fields are rarely in good shape in early spring because they tend to remain wet and muddy for long periods after rainy weather. “During the whole year – even when it’s raining – the [synthetic] field has a natural draining capability, so it can drain well as you go along.”

Not everyone, however, is convinced that artificial turf is a good idea. Last year in Westmount, for example, a group of residents convinced their elected representatives not to install a synthetic soccer turf in Westmount Park, citing environmental and health concerns.

Some believe the rubber granules found in artificial turf could potentially release carcinogenic toxins when exposed to heat, but so far, studies on the issue have been inconclusive.

Kirkland resident Richard Piché said he’s not worried about the potential health risks linked with synthetic soccer fields, but he thinks the council should have taken a different approach to planning for a new pitch.

“I would like to see it covered, indoors,” said Piché. “Outdoors, it has no use. We have so many (outdoor soccer fields) in Kirkland right now.”

But Vince Roy, another Kirkland resident and a member of the Lakeshore Soccer Club, said he’s pleased with council's plan for a second artificial outdoor field.

“This is great news,” said Roy, adding that his teammates would likely agree with him. “Everyone loves the turf.”

The town plans to start construction on the new field in mid-September, with the aim of opening it to the public by next spring.