FORT LANGLEY – The Birthplace of B.C. has officially
opened its Spirit Square,
a new community gathering site for residents and visitors alike, as the Township of Langley
commemorates the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of British Columbia as a
Crown Colony.
“As a centrepiece of the community,
Fort Langley’s BC Spirit Square will be a showcase for
cultural and community celebrations,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “It is
significant that we can celebrate the first public event in this square today,
in recognition of Fort
Langley’s historical
position as the Birthplace of B.C., on the 150th anniversary of the creation of
our province.”
The Spirit Square’s location directly
adjacent to the historic community hall building emphasizes the community’s
rich cultural heritage. The Spirit
Square site includes a restored entrance to the
library and a plaza which will also better accommodate outdoor gatherings. A
Spirit Walk with historical markers and a local First Nations art piece created
by Kwantlen carver Drew Atkins connects the Square to the National Historic
Site and museum, in keeping with the BC150 theme of reflecting on the past
while looking towards the future.
“Exactly 150 years ago today, in this very
place, Governor James Douglas founded the crown colony of British Columbia, and
we are delighted to honour this historic moment with the grand opening of our
Spirit Square. What a fitting way to introduce this new outdoor space to our
community,” said Langley Township Mayor Kurt Alberts.
“Fort
Langley is rich in
history and heritage with many great stories on display,” said Fort
Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman. “In showcasing our Spirit Square, we need to recognize all
those in the community that worked so hard towards making this celebration a
reality.”
The Province contributed $377,500 to the
project from the $20-million B.C. Spirit Squares program, which is helping to
create or improve outdoor public meeting and celebration spaces across B.C.
“Fort Langley
marks the beginning of the colonial history of our province,” said Langley MLA
Mary Polak. “It is fitting that we have gathered in this special place to
celebrate not only our spirit square, but also the 150th anniversary
of the creation of British Columbia.”
For more information about B.C.
Spirit Squares please visit www.spiritsquares.gov.bc.ca.
To learn more about BC150, the 150th anniversary of the founding of
the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858, and events celebrating this event
across the province, please visit www.bc150.ca.
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