Sports Turf Canada AGM Goers Experience First in Canada

Sports Turf Canada held their Annual General Meeting on April 15, 2019 at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, experiencing a first in Canada in the process, installation of a hybrid sports field.

Anne Baliva, Sports Turf Canada's Executive Director said, "We cannot say thank you enough to BMO Field Staff for sharing this unique opportunity with our membership.  Thank you also  to those who attended, our generous sponsors and our presenters who shared the hybrid installation process and those who contributed to the success of sports turf professionals’ expertise."

The day included presentations about how the hybrid field installation process works and some best practices for sports turf professionals.  Following was an outdoors tour of the field and understanding of the process of a hybrid sports field along with the benefits of such a field and the maintenance changes.  The day included plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues in the sports turf industry.

As Robert Heggie of BMO Field states “Athletes want perfection!”  Heads were shaking around the room. 

BMO’s hybrid renovation, a $1.9 million project includes:  additional lights, an irrigation upgrade, an equipment upgrade, sensor upgrades and the hybrid installation.  

Installing the synthetic turf within the natural turf at BMO Field.  Image courtesy STC.

 BMO Field’s Robert Heggie explaining the process.  Image courtesy STC.

A part of our day included voting in our Board of Directors.  We would like to welcome Joe Breedon from the City of Barrie (ON) and Kevin Branch from the Town of Richmond Hill (ON) to the Board.  Thank you to Gord Horsman of the City of Moncton (NB), Jason Inwood of the Town of Innisfil (ON) and Dwayne McAllister of the Town of Oakville (ON) who are stepping down from the Board and encouraging new involvement and ideas from others.  And as always, thank you to the wonderful Directors who endlessly support the actions and activities of Sports Turf Canada.  Your dedication is outstanding.

Introducing your 2019-2020 Sports Turf Canada Board of Directors: