Town moving forward on Mayfield turf field and dome project

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Caledon residents are one small step closer to having a turf field and dome for year-round sports at Mayfield Secondary School.

At Caledon Council's March 5 General Committee meeting, Council gave Mayor Annette Groves and Town staff approval to execute a funding agreement and joint-use agreement between the Town of Caledon and Peel District School Board (PDSB) for a turf field and dome. 

Council also gave staff approval to explore third-party contracts with qualified private operators of such domes for the Town's portion of Mayfield turf and dome operations.

The Mayfield turf and dome project was first approved by Council in 2022 and has seen delays due to wet weather and a late start from a contractor.

A Town of Caledon staff report said staff saw the value in the project with Caledon's proposed growth and a number of local sports groups already in need of a local place to play in the winter months.

“The construction of this dome means sport groups may reduce their travel outside of the Caledon border to train and play year-round and will not be subjected to non-resident rates which can be significantly more than the average hourly rental rate,” reads the report.

Construction of the turf and dome has been paused this winter. The turf and dome is expected to be complete by late fall of this year, unless the manufacturing of the dome is delayed. 

The staff report said the grade beam structure that supports the dome is near completion; sport field lighting has been installed; and that the artificial turf and rubberized track will be installed in the fall. 

The dome itself has yet to be manufactured, and the staff report said there's a very real possibility it won't be complete and ready for installation until 2025. 

In the report, staff said they're looking into a third-party operator for the dome as it would have cost the town about $536,000 annually to operate it themselves, compared to the $60,000 it would bring in. Staff said companies that specialize in the domes can provide the service at a better rate.

Staff said they'd work with the PDSB on an agreement to support the third-party model.

“The benefits of this recommendation include significant reductions in operating and capital

costs, prioritized affiliated groups, reduced potential risk with having experienced operators of this specialized type of facility and delivering indoor turf service level while considering future permanent opportunities for related facilities,” reads the report. 

Staff said making sure Caledon sports groups have priority access to the facility is top of mind.