A field for the sharing

Port Edward officials are a tad puzzled over the lack of interest in using their recreation facilities, with a relatively new and well kept field available for the community the amount of requests for time is rather low.

The Daily News provided details on what is causing the lack of interest and how Port Edward hopes to have their field better utilized by the area's residents.

‘Sports field on the level for everyone’
By Patrick Witwicki
The Daily News
Friday, May 25, 2007

Years ago, the district of Port Edward opened a brand new sports field that arguably is the best facility on the North Coast. Yet years later, that potential field of dreams isn't being accepted as a reality by North Coast residents.

At this week's Port Edward council meeting, Coun. James Brown brought up the touchy subject that even today, residents in both Port Edward and Prince Rupert complain about all the fees involved with using the field.

"I'm getting approached by a lot of people about the field, and they're not happy," said Brown.
The overwhelming response from both Mayor Dave MacDonald and Chief Executive Officer Ron Bedard was "what fees?"

They say we're hindering them, and they're completely wrong," said MacDonald. "I want people to use that field."

Bedard said that the only time the district requires a fee is if it involves league play or a tournament.

But even then, for such events as a day tournament, all the district requires is a damage deposit, which is paid back if the field is cleaned up after.

"The deposit, you get back as long as you clean up, and don't wreck the field," said Coun. Ed Wampler.

In the past, council has heard that Rupertites have declined to use the field because it is too far to drive, said Bedard.

MacDonald added that recently, a Rupert slo-pitch team wanted to use the field for a practice, and he said that was fine.

"I just told them to call the office to book a time, so they got it, and that was all," he said.
Bedard said that it is obvious there is confusion on the North Coast about the availability and cost of the Port Edward field, and that for the next council meeting, he will bring a report for council to read that should clear up any confusion.

Brown, who currently is hosting soccer drop-in nights every Tuesday and Thursday at the field, agreed with the plan.

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Port Edward is considering redoing its Official Community Plan.

Bedard notified council that a new Community Assessment Grant of $5,000 is now available.
"Our report is 13 years old, but in reality, it should be done every five years," said Bedard. "But with our financial situation, it wasn't possible to do so."

The plan would cost approximately $40,000, and would bring in an outside engineer to come up with a new report. This would also give Port Edward residents a chance to speak up about what they would like to see happen in the district during the next few years as the North Coast continues to move forward with economic engines such as the new container port.

"I think it's well worth it," said MacDonald. "We know what we feel is good for Port Ed, but we'd like to hear from the residents what they want for Port Edward.

"What type of community do we want?"

Council then okayed Bedard's motion to apply for the grant, but Bedard added that if the grant was turned down, they would wait until a later date to review the Official Community Plan.