WHERE ARE WE ?

With significant experience in sports architecture, Doug Wournell has been added to our project. With Doug assisting the project there will be tremendous design & project advancement. 

With Global Philanthropic (GP) & our Spectrum Turf Committee an in-depth fundraising package (print & video) is being developed that will be sent out to campaign champions and potential donors to bridge the nearly 50% increase in turf cost associated with covid-related inflation. 

Our project has aligned with Global Philanthropic (GP) & Vice Chair Richard Walker.  Richard has helped raise more than $400 million in his professional fundraising career. Working directly with the Victoria Spartans and Spectrum, Richard has been tasked with raising $2 million to fund the building and turf. With GP & Richard aboard, we feel we are in the final stretches of the project while creating a strategic plan to bridge covid related-inflation increases. 

On 09/01/2022 we met with Chief Rob & Councilor Karen of the Esquimalt & Songhees Nations respectively. We shared the project with the nation officials.  We listened and answered questions about the community project and our work to date on the project and in the community.  We expressed a sincere desire to further our relationship towards a shared turf with our indigenous neighbours. This was an extremely positive meeting with all parties excited about the project and the shared path together.

As a Lower Island Soccer Association member club, Westcastle are the new kids on the block of the Victoria soccer scene. Looking for a permanent home, Westcastle see the Spectrum turf project as an ideal location in the middle of 5 municipalities to lay down their roots. 

On 07/15/2022 we had a 2.5 hour meeting with SD61's Secretary Treasurer and the VISL towards finalizing the JUA. The SD61 Board has directed the Secretary Treasurer to present a potential finalized JUA for the Sept 2022 Board Meeting.

This is a major step towards the turf project as it defines the terms of the partnership and agreement. 

Our Spectrum Turf Committee are working diligently over the summer months on four Action Item Areas.  They are: 

• Indigenous Engagement - We hope to meet with the Songhees & Esquimalt Nations
• Public Consultation - Is being planned for Sept 14th, 2022
• Design - We need an accurate measure of quantities for the project 
• Fundraising & In-Kind Donations - We are formulating a plan while consulting with professionals in this area

In early July, we presented a progress report at the VISL AGM.  It can be found here (Click Link)

In the face of inflation and uncertainty over supplies and pricing, our group looked to develop a new financial plan through our awesome professional James Postans. The new estimate comes in at $2.2million which is significantly more than the previous estimate of $1.6million. 

Currently we have around half of the $2.2million.  Stakeholders are currently writing grants which are due by early August.  With these provincial gaming grants and in-kind donation support from local businesses, we believe we are very close to a field at Spectrum by September 2023. 

Our group has a final design for the field which was recently approved by SD61 Facilities. This is the field design here (CLICK LINK)

In an amazing development, our project has added Ian Sander (SPEC Grad 1991!) & Greg Semenchuk of McElhanney Engineering.  McElhanney are excited to offer in-kind support for our project. Amazing!