Cricket is getting a boost in the Northwest. The Northwest BC Cricket Association has its eyes on a new field in Port Edward. This could be a game-changer for local athletes and the community. Right now, cricket clubs from Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat, and Thornhill all play under the association. They use a pitch in Thornhill, which is convenient for some but not for all. Prince Rupert players have to travel every Sunday to join in the action. This can be tiring and time-consuming.

A new pitch in Port Edward could solve this problem. It would allow teams to switch between Thornhill and Port Edward for their matches. This would cut down on travel time for Prince Rupert players and bring more visitors to Port Edward. More visitors mean more business for local shops and restaurants. It could also put Port Edward on the map for sports tourism. This is a big deal because sports tourism brings in a lot of money. The association visited the proposed site in April and is now working on an official proposal. They plan to submit it to the District council by mid-May. The proposal will include details about how the field will be used, who will maintain it, and how it will be managed.

If the proposal is approved, work on the field could start this year. The plan is to thatch the lawn, add topsoil and grass seed, and compact a designated area for a jute mat. This will allow players to use a leather ball, which is important for official recognition. Eventually, they hope to build a concrete pitch with grant funding. This would be a big win for Prince Rupert players, who currently have to travel far to play with a leather ball. It would also open up the sport to more people in the community. The association has around 100 registered players, with 30 from Prince Rupert. Plus, there are about 60 recreational players in the city.

Right now, Prince Rupert players practice at Roosevelt School’s field, but it has big drainage issues. Fixing these problems would cost a lot of money. There are no other suitable land options in Prince Rupert for a proper cricket ground. This makes the Port Edward pitch even more important. The association's president has mentioned that the field would be open to everyone, not just players from Rupert and Port Edward. This could bring even more people to the area and showcase its beauty. It's a chance to unite the community through sport and attract new visitors. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved.

LOCAL SPORTS FACILITIES

Cricket's Big Move: Port Edward's New Pitch

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