səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) celebrated the public opening of our first Sports Field in community on May 22, 2026. The opening of our Sports Field represents an incredible milestone for our community and is especially meaningful for our Elders, who poured 30 years of heart into making this new field a reality. Our new full-sized turf field is a space for connection, recreation (such as soccer, lacrosse, field hockey), and for future generations to gather, play, and grow together.
This milestone is made possible through FIFA World Cup 26™ Vancouver contribution funding from the Province of British Columbia. Our public opening celebration included remarks from səlilwətaɬ Chief and Council, the Honourable Anne Kang, Minister Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport (TACS), and Tsleil-Waututh Members who are coaches, players, and leaders in the community.
The TWN Sports Field is first and foremost for our Tsleil-Waututh community. It is a place for our families and youth to connect, play sports such as soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, and grow together. The field will become the home to our many TWN sports teams and programs, and will also be used to host many future community tournaments and gatherings.
Tsleil-Waututh Nation will welcome outside local clubs and teams to book the Sports Field on a fee basis starting soon for fall 2026 programming.
səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) Sports Field FAQ
Q: Why was artificial turf selected?
A: Artificial turf allows for year-round use, especially during peak soccer season (September–March) when the North Shore experiences higher rainfall. It also offers durability, all-weather play, and lower maintenance costs.
Q: Is the turf environmentally safe?
A: Yes—while concerns exist about crumb rubber infill, our field uses a German-made sustainable turf system with 100% virgin EPDM infill (no recycled tires), free of harmful substances like PVC, BPA, and phthalates. The material meets stormwater safety standards for drinking water and fish habitats.
Q: How is stormwater runoff and environmental protection being addressed?
A: The field design includes trench drains, bioswales, interceptor ditches, and rain gardens to capture and filter surface water before it enters the storm system and fish bearing habitat.
Q: Will there be bleachers or seating?
A: Yes—the design includes a combination of open grassy areas, raised amphitheatre seating, picnic tables, and accessible viewing areas. In addition, bleachers are planned to seat approximately 100 spectators.
Q: Where is parking located for the field?
A: The existing parking lot at the former Takaya Golf Centre is being used, as it is currently underutilized and land availability is limited. Use of bicycles and walking is also encouraged.
Q: Is the field being rented to users outside of the TWN community?
A: Yes, the field is available for rent by outside soccer club organizations and users with approved bookings, valid insurance, and fees paid. Generating bookings and revenue for the Nation to help cover the ongoing operating costs of the field remains a high priority. This helps ensure the facility can be properly maintained for safe and healthy use by our future generations.
Q: What is the bookings process for the field?
A: There are several areas available for use including the field, a gathering plaza including bleachers, a practice pitch and skills training area, a community gathering amphitheatre and circle, a rubberized running track, a walking path, and picnic area.
Bookings are made via the TWN Sports Field Bookings Form with completed forms returned to the TWN Recreation team: Marc Shimwell, Acting Recreation Manager, at mshimwell@twnation.ca.
