Dear Mayor and Council Members,

We are writing as concerned community members regarding the Wickaninnish Community School field upgrade and it's 'Project Complete' status.

Two years ago, our community was informed that the school field would be unavailable for a season while the field expansion project was taking place.  Parents, students, coaches and community members were led to believe that  this project would result in a significantly improved facility, including proper field levelling, improved drainage and full grass coverage.

Specifically, project details stated: "The entire field will undergo levelling to create a safer and more even playing surface.  This will benefit all activities and participants, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing the overall playing experience."

Unfortunately, the finished product has not met these expectations.

Although the project was declared complete in August 2025, the field remained unusable.  Seeding did not occur until the Spring of 2026, resulting in the loss of two soccer seasons, a Slow Pitch season and a major hindrance to the school kids activity and play program.  It was a small sacrifice as we all anticipated seeing a beautiful, completed project dirt, fencing, dugouts and grass inclusive.

Two weeks ago, many parent volunteers attended the school's annual Track and Field Meet witnessed firsthand the terrible condition of the field.  Rather than a level, safe playing surface, the field is riddled with divots, gravel patches, exposed rock and grassy uneven ground.

As a result:

Soccer players are falling and sustaining injuries from exposed rock.  Baseball players in the outfield are at risk of ankle injuries.  The grass in particular is not simply disappointing-it is hazardous!

We are seeking  transparency regarding the decisions made throughout this project and a clear commitment to addressing the current safety concerns.

Transparency

We respectfully request answers to the following questions:

1. Why did the District state on their website that the project included levelling for the entire field: (See quote below from Talk Tofino) 
   "Field Levelling: The entire field will undergo levelling to create a safer and more even playing surface.  This will benefit all activities and participants, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing the overall playing experience." (Source: Talk Tofino)
2. Is there currently a plan for a second phase of improvements that would address drainage and field levelling? Given the field's present condition, many users believe it is now in worse shape than it was prior to the expansion project beginning.
3. Should there not be additional public input when the contracted company outlines the quote for requirements to bringing the field up to standard and the quote is over DOT/SD70 budget.  At that time, it should be opened up again for public consult as to whether extra funds need to be allotted into seeing the project done to a professional standard.

Proposed solutions

We recognize that correcting these issues will require additional funding and community collaboration.  We would therefore like Council to consider the following options:

 Allocate a portion of the FIFA grant funding awarded to the District towards completing the field levelling and safety deficiencies.  Community soccer events and celebrations go hand in hand with youth having access to a safe and functional field to play on. 

Consider directing a portion of paid parking revenues toward the rehabilitation of the field.

Work with community volunteers to complete the project.  Our community includes many skilled tradespeople, contractors, coaches, parents and committed community members who are willing to contribute their time and expertise.  With proper oversight and funding, we believe there is significant community capacity to help restore the field to a safe and playable condition.

Modify the soccer season to a Fall and Spring League so as to limit play on the field during the heaviest rain months which ruins the integrity of the field.

Potential challenges

We recognize that completing this work during the summer months may present challenges related to watering newly seeded grass and complying with seasonal water restrictions.  We encourage Council and staff to develop a practical watering and maintenance plan to ensure that any future rehabilitation work is successful and sustainable 

Closing

Our children, coaches and community members have waited patiently for the completion of this project.  After two years of disruption, the result is a field that is not only below expectations but raises legitimate safety concerns for all users.
We respectfully request a written response addressing the questions and proposed solutions outlined above.  Please direct correspondence to: bobbichisholm@gmail.com

Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to working collaboratively toward a solution that ensures our community has a safe and functional field for current and future generations.

Sincerely,

Parents, coaches, and concerned community members