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MAPLE RIDGE – The District of Maple Ridge will be developing its very own B.C. Spirit Square by enhancing the existing Memorial Peace Park thanks to $500,000 from the provincial government, Randy Hawes, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission, announced.
“As we look towards next year to celebrate B.C.’s 150th anniversary, this funding will help create a legacy which allows residents to share and celebrate the rich heritage and diversity of this area,” said Hawes. “Enhancements in the heart of Maple Ridge will make what is already an active and popular public meeting area even more vibrant.”
The $20 million B.C. Spirit Square
program helps to create or improve outdoor public meeting/celebration spaces
based on 50/50 cost-sharing with local governments, to a maximum provincial
contribution of $500,000. The
District of Maple Ridge plans to include residents of the Maple Ridge area in
design workshops to build on an existing conceptual plan, before committing to
proposed improvements.
“Building on the success of the Memorial
Peace Park as a primary gathering place, upgrading 224th St. as our
own Spirit Square will expand the heart of our community to accommodate even
more activity and larger events,” said Mayor Gordon Robson. “I’m really looking
forward to hearing from businesses and citizens to see what ideas they have to
make this a special place.”
“BC2008 is about celebrating our heritage and
achievements – past, present and future,” said Tourism, Sport and the Arts
Minister Stan Hagen. “The Maple Ridge Spirit Square will not only pay tribute
to the rich history of this community, it will pave the way for festivals,
events and celebrations for current and future generations to enjoy.”
“Through the B.C. Spirit Square program we are helping to enhance the heart of B.C.’s communities,” said Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services. By revitalizing public spaces, we are supporting walkable, liveable, healthier places to live that encourage people to become more connected with their communities and their neighbours.”
B.C. Spirit Squares is one of four programs announced by Premier Gordon Campbell at the 2006 Union of B.C. Municipalities convention, aimed at making B.C. communities greener and healthier places to live, with reduced greenhouse gases, improved air quality and increased energy conservation. The other programs are LocalMotion, Towns for Tomorrow, and the Green City Awards. For more information about B.C. Spirit Squares, and for links to these other programs, visit www.spiritsquares.gov.bc.ca online.
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Ministry of Community Services 250 356-6334 |
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