The ‘grass’ is definitely greener: city gives Old Market Square an artificial-turf facelift

The city has swapped the grassy area at Old Market Square for artificial turf.

The artificial green was officially unveiled Tuesday morning at a special ceremony in front of the Cube stage at 275 Bannatyne Ave.

Installation of the new turf and a drainage system began on Sept. 2 and wrapped up on Sept. 26, one day before city-wide art festival Nuit Blanche flooded the streets of the Exchange District Sept. 27.

“I think people were very satisfied with the upgrades (during Nuit Blanche),” Coun. Vivian Santos said. “It’ll take a few more festivals to see how it keeps up but we’re confident this is a positive move for the area.”

Requests for artificial turf to replace the grass came a few years ago from the Winnipeg Fringe Fest to keep the area cleaner and more appealing, according to Santos.

The project cost $100,000 through the 2023 parks and recreation enhancement program. Along with 315 square metres of turf, the project also included improved drainage at the site and upgrades to seating areas around the square.

Kenny Boyce, the city’s manager of film and special events, said the turf will be lower maintenance.

“(It) is a small change that will make a really big difference for people attending festivals,” he said.

The grassy area at Old Market Square was considered a high-traffic area and would need more attention than the typical park in Winnipeg, city spokesperson Kalen Qually said in an email.

Qually didn’t have exact costs for annual maintenance, but said it did require “constant” upkeep.

The artificial turf has an estimated lifespan of 10-20 years, but could be longer depending on use. Central Park has had a turfed area for more than 15 years and maintenance is very limited there, Qually said.

The area is host to Winnipeg’s fringe and jazz festivals, as well as various smaller gatherings and gets daily use from residents and people who work in the area.

The turf is something of a pilot project; Santos says there is capital funding set aside in the city’s 2029 capital budget for about $1.5 million to do more upgrades to Old Market Square and the city will reassess whether the turf is a success when they consider more upgrades to the area.

nicole.buffie@freepress.mb.ca