Background
In 2008, the City of Prince George was awarded a grant through the provincial Spirit Squares Program to create an urban plaza for downtown Prince George at Veteran’s Plaza. The goal of the Spirit Square Program is to provide ‘a place to go’ for day to day use and special occasions, while recognizing the regional culture and heritage through various themes and elements.
The Veteran’s Plaza project site is located in front of City Hall and encompasses the lawn area and majestic elm and ash trees flanking 7th Avenue and George Street. The site is also home to the Cenotaph structure that honors our local Veteran’s and is used for various ceremonies and special events.
Design
An intensive design process was undertaken in late 2008, and involved stakeholder consultation with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #43, the Lheidli T'enneh Band, Downtown Prince George, Initiatives PG .
Various concept plans were developed and explored with consideration of the project goals to create an urban plaza that connects to its surroundings, promotes accessibility, honors the historical and cultural significance of the site, retains significant trees, provides a comfortable space and attracts people and activities. The result of this process is a design for Veteran’s Plaza that incorporates a new Cenotaph, accessible ramp, stairs, hard surface treatments, flag poles, lighting, seating and Spirit Gate artwork.
To view the design work for Veteran’s Plaza, click here.
Construction
The first phase of the construction for Veteran’s Plaza began in early July 2009 and will continue well into October 2009. This phase will include demolition, construction of the concrete and hard surface treatment areas, as well construction of the new Cenotaph. The second phase of construction occurred in early 2010 and included soft landscaping treatments.