Spirit Square groundbreaking June 20 with Sister City Committee Member Ria Ferguson, Coun. John Smith, MLA Mike de Jong and Coun. Lynne Harris.
Premier Gordon Campbell joins MLAs John van Dongen (Abbotsford-Clayburn), left, and Mike de Jong (Abbotsford-Mount Lehman), right, and Mayor George Ferguson to announce $500,000 in provincial funding to create a BC Spirit Square to showcase the community's historical roots and ethnic diversity.
Abbotsford’s historical roots and ethnic diversity will be highlighted in a new cultural gateway in the community’s civic plaza, Premier Gordon Campbell said March 14 in announcing $500,000 in B.C. Spirit Square funding for the project.
"The people of Abbotsford have identified a Cultural Gateway and International Friendship Garden as a way of celebrating the community’s multiculturalism, while encouraging residents and tourists alike to further enjoy the downtown area," said the Premier. "Located in the hub of the city, linked to the library, municipal buildings, transit and recreation areas, the garden and gateway will help make for a greener, healthier, more accessible and inclusive community."
The B.C. Spirit Squares funding will help create the Cultural Gateway and International Friendship Garden in the Civic Plaza, to celebrate BC150 and other community events.
The Cultural Gateway and its design elements will reflect South Asian and other cultural influences and include water features, a
perimeter path, enlarged patio and open spaces
with seating.