Outdoor Activity Hub Update: Where Things Stand
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
If you’ve walked past the field and wondered what’s happening with the Outdoor Activity Hub; you’re not alone.
It’s been a while since our last update, and we know that silence can feel like nothing is moving. We also know those garden boxes have been sitting there for far too long. It’s fair to ask what’s going on.
The short answer: The project is still very much alive behind the scenes, and we’re now getting close to the finish line.
What caused the delay?
Over the past couple of years, we’ve been working through a combination of rising costs, funding challenges, and a few unexpected roadblocks.
Construction costs have increased year over year, which means we’ve had to revisit budgets, adjust scope, and secure additional funding to keep the project viable.
At the same time, some of our grant funding was tied to specific timelines. We’re grateful that many of our funding partners provided extensions, and this allowed us to strengthen our funding position and keep the project moving forward.
We also encountered some challenges during the planning process that required us to pause, reassess, and make sure everything was aligned before moving forward.
A look at the journey
To give a clearer picture of what’s been happening behind the scenes, here’s a high-level timeline of the past 18 months:
Fall 2024
The project was put out to tender, bids were reviewed, and a contractor was selected.
Winter 2024 - Early 2025
Initial refinements were made to the design and scope as we prepared to move forward.
2025
As planning progressed, additional requirements and rising costs meant we needed to pause, reassess, and ensure the project remained financially sustainable. This included completing necessary technical work, adjusting scope where possible, and securing additional funding.
Winter - Spring 2026
With new funding in place, we worked toward getting the project back on track. Increased construction costs have required further adjustments, and we have been collaborating closely with our construction partners to align the project with budget and grant requirements.
Where things stand today
As of April 2026, we’re in the final stages of planning and fundraising:
All project documentation has been submitted to the City for final technical review.
Once we finalize the agreement with the contractor, the project will be submitted to the City for final financial review.
Pending approval, we expect to be ready to break ground in August 2026.
What to expect
The first phase will focus on the core elements required to bring the space to life, including the multi-use pad, supporting infrastructure, and the community garden.
While we’ve had to make adjustments along the way, the vision remains the same: creating a welcoming, shared space for residents to gather, connect, and enjoy.
Thank you
We know this project has taken longer than anyone hoped.
But this has always been a community-led effort, driven by a small group of dedicated volunteers navigating a complex process. Your patience has allowed us to adapt, problem-solve, and keep moving forward.
We’re excited to finally bring this space to life—and we’ll continue to share updates as we move into the construction phase.
The next update will be provided in person at our AGM on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Have Questions?
We're always happy to connect! Please reach out to Marcie Miranda at traffic@chph.ca or Talena Klypak at president@chph.ca.
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