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Ministry of Community Services |
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LYTTON SET TO CELEBRATE WITH SPIRIT SQUARE FUNDS |
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LYTTON – Lytton will be developing its very own B.C. Spirit Square at Pocket Park thanks to over $69,000 from the provincial government, Blair Lekstrom, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development and MLA for Peace River South, announced today.
“Lytton will be poised to ring in British Columbia’s 150th anniversary with its own Spirit Square,” said Lekstrom. “The Province is pleased to support local governments’ efforts to enhance public gathering places. Whether it is the whole community celebrating an achievement or one person just sitting down to reflect on daily life, gathering places help make a community come alive.”
Spirit Square funds will pay to build several terraces on the bank of Pocket Park to create seating areas as well as to create easy access to the park and the centre of town from homes east of Main Street. Residents, including First Nations of the area, will be encouraged to become involved in the design of the project.
“The financial contribution of the provincial
government to assist us in further developing Pocket Park will assist us to
create a wonderful public space in Lytton for arts and cultural events to be
held in 2008 and beyond,” said Mayor Chris O’Connor.
The $20-million B.C. Spirit Square program is helping 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.
“BC150 Years is about celebrating our heritage and achievements – past, present and future,” said Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen. “The Lytton Spirit Square pays tribute to this community’s history and paves 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, livable, 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 BC 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 250 953-3677 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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