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Ruth Bonneville / Free Press LOCAL STDUP - Old Market Square Photo of Councillor Vivian Santos, Point Douglas, showing off the new turf at Old Market Square after ribbon-cutting Tuesday. The city has swapped the grassy area at Old Market Square for artificial turf. Coun. Vivian Santos said the grass in front of the Cube stage couldn’t withstand the repeated, heavy use from the he several events the area hosts annually and that it was too costly to maintain. “By investing in artificial turf, we’ve created a more durable, economical and welcoming space that can handle the thousands of people who enjoy this spot every season,” Santos said in a news release Tuesday. Oct 07, 2025