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PRINCE GEORGE – The Veteran’s Plaza Spirit Square will transform the lawn area in front of Prince George’s City Hall into a urban plaza designed to attract people and activity year round with the addition of a First Nations Spirit Gate and upgrades to the Cenotaph, Premier Gordon Campbell said today, announcing a $500,000 contribution from the Province’s B.C. Spirit Squares program.
“The upgraded plaza will give Prince George residents an excellent venue to celebrate this city’s First Nations past, present and future, while at the same time honouring our veterans,” said Premier Campbell. “It is also the perfect location for the community to commemorate BC150, the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia.”
Veteran’s Plaza will encompass the
front (north) side of Prince George’s City Hall. The upgrades will improve the
existing front lawn area, now currently used by the Legion Branch No. 43 for
their annual Remembrance Day ceremonies and a variety of special events such as
Summerfest. The project will retain the park’s signature elm trees and feature
a ‘Spirit Gate’ to highlight the cultural and historic contributions of First
Nations to the community, as well as amenities such as benches, rest areas and
landscaping. When completed it will support public art, and provide accommodations for cultural and art
programs.
“This Spirit Square will celebrate the City of Prince George through various themes and elements and reflect the unique character of this community and the important role our veterans have played,” said Prince George mayor Colin Kinsley. “The upgrades will make this square ‘the place to be’ for special occasions such as community celebrations and commemorations making the plaza more inviting for residents and tourists alike.”
The $20-million B.C. Spirit Squares 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.
For more information about B.C. Spirit Squares, and for links to these other programs, please visit www.spiritsquares.gov.bc.ca. To learn more about BC150, please visit www.bc150.ca.
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contact: |
Press Secretary Office of the Premier 604 307-7177 |
Communications Manager Ministry of Community Services 250 387-4089 |
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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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