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# The F.H. Collins track and field complex is now complete

The new track and field complex at F.H. Collins Secondary School is now complete and opened to the public today.

Minister of Community Services John Streicker, Minister of Education Tracy-Anne McPhee, Member of Parliament Larry Bagnell, Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis and MLA Nils Clarke joined representatives from Athletics Yukon, the Yukon Soccer Association and F.H. Collins School to celebrate the opening of the facility.

The track and field complex is a public asset that offers a world-class recreation facility to schools and the broader athletic community and will create opportunities for residents, visitors and athletes for years to come. It provides recreation opportunities for all ages and groups, including seniors, children, and people with disabilities.

Like all other school fields, the public can access the facility when it is not in use, or can make sport-specific bookings during the operational season by calling the Whitehorse Parks and Recreation Department at 867-633-8518.

In order to keep the compound open and accessible to all, we are asking all users to take care of the track and artificial turf field by taking the following measures:

- Wear clean footwear without metal or screw-in cleats on the track and artificial turf field.
- Keep dogs and other animals off the facility, except service animals.
- Do not bring any food or beverages other than water into the facility.
- Non-motorized wheelchairs and strollers permitted only.

> Our government is so proud to support this great new facility! I am incredibly honoured to be here for the grand opening and welcome the community. Whether it’s Under 6 soccer, hosting meets, extending our seasons or training for games, this new track and field will serve Yukoners for years to come.

> I’m very pleased to see the new track and field complex open. This new facility enhances F.H. Collins Secondary school, and will expand and enhance sport opportunities for school and athletic communities across Whitehorse and Yukon, while supporting the health and wellness of Yukoners.

> Strategic investments in recreational infrastructure play a key role in making sure communities stay active and healthy. Not only do these facilities benefit the students and athletes of Whitehorse, but the completion of this track and this field come at a very welcome time, during COVID isolation, and will go a great distance in contributing to our community’s overall physical and mental health.

> This new track and field complex is a much welcomed addition to our community and to F.H. Collins, which happens to be the school I graduated from many years ago. I am excited for this facility to be around for many generations to come and I commend the Government of Canada, as well as the Government of Yukon for making this happen.

> Yukon Soccer appreciates the community effort put forth to complete the track and turf at F.H. Collins Secondary School. We are honoured to have access to the facility for soccer games. Let’s all do our part to help each other follow the rules and keep the track and turf clean. Thanks.

> Athletics Yukon is thrilled to be a part of the first rubberized Track and Field facility North of 60, in Canada!

Quick facts

- The budget for this project is $8.2 million. The Government of Canada contributed over $6 million through the Small Communities Fund from its Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Yukon has contributed $2 million.

- Rubberizing the surface of the track provides a more comfortable surface and can enhance athletic performance. A rubberized track is less likely to generate stress fractures amongst athletes than concrete or asphalt pavement, and can also enhance speed. However, rubberized surfaces also require specific care and maintenance in order to last.

- The facility has lights for night use, which will extend the track and field season in Yukon.

- The track took two summers to build due to the weather conditions required to rubberize the surface. The rubberizing of the track was completed in August 2020.

- Sporting activities on the new facility during COVID-19 should follow the sport and recreation guidelines.

Media contact

Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca

Kara Johancsik
Communications, Community Services
867-332-1237
kara.johancsik@gov.yk.ca

News release #:
20-245