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COQUITLAM – Coquitlam will develop its very own B.C. Spirit Square in the centre of town, thanks to $500,000 from the provincial government, Community Services Minister Ida Chong and Port Moody-Westwood MLA Iain Black announced today.
“This square will be a welcome place for residents and visitors alike to gather to celebrate events and milestones, including B.C.’s 150th anniversary in 2008,” said Chong. “By revitalizing public spaces like this, we are supporting walkable, livable, healthier places to live that encourage people to become more connected with their communities and their neighbours.”
“We will mark next year with the new tag line BC150 Years, which is about celebrating our heritage and achievements – past, present and future,” said Black. “Our Coquitlam Spirit Square will be a key location for us to celebrate this important milestone, paying tribute to our history and the rich diversity of our community today.”
The $20-million B.C. Spirit Square
program is helping to create or improve outdoor public meeting/celebration
spaces around the province, based on 50/50 cost-sharing with local governments,
to a maximum provincial contribution of $500,000. Coquitlam’s Spirit
Square will be set up as an urban lobby concept, linking civic buildings,
residential areas and commercial sites by connecting pedestrian corridors with
recreation facilities, schools, the Coquitlam Centre Mall and a large transit
exchange.
“The creation of Coquitlam’s Spirit Square in the city centre will
provide a beautiful, secluded green space away from traffic and commercial
areas,” said Mayor Maxine Wilson. “Residents will have an opportunity to enjoy
their lunch away from the office or take some time to enjoy public art or
performances. With trees, benches, a water feature, a grand
staircase and ramp, as well as an outdoor stage, this Spirit Square will be the
symbolic ‘centre’ of the city.”
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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Communications Manager 250 356-6334 |
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