Destination Greater Victoria/Tourism Victoria Membership - Councillor Rogers
Business arising from previous minutes regarding the Town joining Destination Greater Victoria.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Positions including a mechanical lead hand, facility maintenance worker II and a cleaner have been posted. The new cleaner role has been established to help during peak daytime hours to manage changeroom/bathroom cleanliness.
Parks
April has been a busy and productive month for the parks department as staff prepare facilities for the transition into the spring and summer user seasons. With increased activity from community groups and several major site preparations underway, the team has made great strides in completing seasonal projects and addressing a range of operational priorities.
In the ball diamond areas, the acquisition of a new infield groomer allowed staff to level the field more efficiently. Staff also responded to user group requests by installing backboards on the backstop and completing fence repairs. Rather than replacing full fence panels, staff used a chain link splicing method, providing a faster and more cost-effective solution. On Diamond 1, the outfield was rolled to smooth out uneven areas and improve playability.
At the velodrome, staff made progress on several requests from the Greater Victoria Velodrome Association (GVVA). Bottom pole shields that had been missing were manufactured and installed, the entire track was sprayed with cleaner to address mildew and moss buildup, and additional fence work is currently underway to improve safety and aesthetics.
Work also continues at the lacrosse box, where staff pressure washed the players' benches and the perimeter of the box. The scorers' box area is scheduled to be pressure washed in the coming days.
Annual field maintenance is scheduled to begin May 1st with field usage gradually winding down. This year's maintenance is especially critical due to significant damage on Field 1 due to use during heavy rains. To better protect field conditions moving forward, staff are developing a field closure policy for the 2025–26 season, which will help manage user expectations and safeguard assets.
In horticulture staff are working through several enhancement projects. The shrub beds in the transit lot have been fully removed and will be converted to a clover grass area, offering both visual appeal and reduced maintenance. Additionally, the overgrown and tired-looking garden bed adjacent to the lawn bowling facility is being replanted with perennials, which will provide more colour and easier upkeep over time.
On the golf course, staff successfully aerated and top-dressed the greens this month, with work on the tees and fairways scheduled for the coming weeks. New flag poles and flags were installed on all greens, providing a fresh and polished appearance for golfers. Similarly, the lawn bowling greens have undergone aeration and topdressing to improve turf health and playability.
Weather conditions have been cooperative, with average temperatures and below-average rainfall for the month. As of mid-April, 12mm of rainfall has been recorded, which has helped keep projects on schedule and allowed staff to stay productive outdoors.