On September 18, 2026, Riverview Elementary School in Verdun, Montreal, opened a new artificial‑turf soccer field. The $160,000 project was funded by donations from the Patrice Bernier Foundation, GOAL Initiatives Foundation, GTR Turf and the Lester B. Pearson School Board. The inauguration marks the first permanent, all‑weather playing surface the school has had for its students.
The field was installed on a previously under‑used portion of the school grounds, creating a dedicated area for physical‑education lessons, recess activities and community use after school hours. By providing a durable surface that can be used in all weather conditions, the field is expected to increase the amount of time students spend playing organized sports and informal games.
Riverview Elementary is part of the Lester B. Pearson School Board, which oversees schools in Montreal’s Verdun borough. The board’s involvement in the project reflects its broader commitment to improving recreational facilities across its schools. The Patrice Bernier Foundation and GOAL Initiatives Foundation each contributed financial support, while GTR Turf supplied the synthetic surface and installation expertise.
School officials said the new field will serve as a hub for both curricular and extracurricular activities. Physical‑education teachers now have a reliable venue for teaching soccer, rugby and other field sports without the disruptions caused by rain or snow on natural grass. The addition also aligns with the board’s goal of promoting active lifestyles among students.
Community members were invited to the opening ceremony, which included a brief presentation on the partnership that made the project possible. The collaborative effort demonstrates how private foundations, industry partners and the school board can combine resources to enhance the educational environment.
The turf field is expected to remain a central feature of Riverview Elementary’s campus for years to come, offering students a safe and modern space to play and develop athletic skills.