Officials from the City of Delta, Delta school board and provincial government came together Wednesday (May 21) to break ground on the new track and field at North Delta's Seaquam Secondary School.
The project involves replacing the existing running track with a new six-lane synthetic surface track (to include a new long jump runway and pit, as well as a throwing events circle), and reconstructing and enlarging the current grass infield area to accommodate American football and soccer, while installing a new drainage and irrigation system, permanent football goal posts and movable soccer nets.
As well, a hard surface walkway will trace around the track's perimeter, extending from the track to the school via an accessible sidewalk.
Preparatory work — which involves the removal of 82 trees from the school's grounds, based on an assessment by an independent arborist, due to conflict with the new track's layout — is scheduled to "begin shortly," according to a city press release. The plan includes planting of 100 new replacement trees in the surrounding area.
Construction of the new track and grass infield is slated to start in late June and continue into fall, during which time the track will be closed to the public. While the underlying paved track is scheduled to be completed late this fall, installation of the synthetic running surface is planned for spring of 2026.
From late fall 2025 to spring 2026, the paved running track will be open and available for use, while the grass infield will be fenced off to allow the new sod time to establish.
The project is a partnership between the City of Delta and Delta School District, with $4 million in funding received through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs' Growing Communities Fund.
"The start of construction on the Seaquam Secondary School track replacement is an exciting milestone for a project that will strengthen the fabric of our amazing community," Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and Delta North MLA, Ravi Kahlon said in a press release. "The second new track in North Delta in the last five years, this will provide another incredible space for our community to come together and enjoy spending time outside being active."
Kahlon said projects like the new track at Seaquam and the track and field facility at North Delta secondary, which opened in August of 2021, are only possible because of strong partnerships with Delta's school board and city council, noting the government has invested $16 million in Delta through B.C.'s Growing Communities Fund, supporting multiple local projects.
"I can't wait to see people walking, running, and having fun at Seaquam Secondary's new track soon."
Mayor George called the replacement track "one of the most highly-anticipated projects in our community."
"We thank the B.C. government for support through the BC Growing Communities Fund to help make this dream fully realized. With their support, alongside our continued partnership with the Delta School District, we are thrilled to deliver high-quality athletic amenities to students and residents in this area and provide them the opportunity to fully embrace a healthy and active lifestyle,” Harvie said in a press release.
School board chair Joe Muego said everyone is excited to see reconstruction of the track get underway.
"This project will provide our students and the community with state-of-the-art facilities that help encourage physical activity and well-being. We know how important it is for students to incorporate physical activity into daily routines as it can lead to better overall health and enhanced learning capabilities. We appreciate the support from the Province of British Columbia and the City of Delta in making this vision a reality," Muego said in a press release.
Preparatory work and construction timelines and impacts, as well as tree management and planting plans, can be found online at letstalk.delta.ca/seaquamtrack.
