Plaza takes place as Games symbol

After almost $945,000 worth of work and with 100 days to go, the the ribbon was cut on the newly renamed Canada Games Plaza Tuesday afternoon.

The Civic Centre-adjacent space was celebrated as a legacy project for the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

"In just a few short hours the purpose for this facility is going to come to life when we see the torch arrive," said Mayor Shari Green. "It's great to see finally the culmination of so much hard from so many people."

Total project funding adds up to $944,633 with the majority coming from the city ($500,000) and the rest from Northern Development Initiatives Trust ($30,000), the province's Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat Francophone Affairs program ($79,633) and the federal government's Building Community through Arts and Heritage program ($335,000). NDIT has pledged more than $800,000 in funding for improvements to various venues for the Games.

Designed by van der Zalm and Associates, the renovated space is intended to serve as a festival and gathering place linked with a river theme both during the Games and after. There are also new historical wraps on the concrete pillars, including Lheidli T'enneh-specific ones beneath the clocktower, designed by band councillor Jennifer Pighin.

"That was special to us - it shows who we are in terms of our identity as Lheidli T'enneh," said Chief Dominic Frederick, who noted said that when he attended the 2013 Canada Winter Games in Halifax, there was very little Aboriginal content. "We thank the Canada Winter Games and the society for giving us that opportunity to pave the way for other aboriginal communities to participate as host First Nations."

Prince George is one of the most engaged communities the Canada Games has seen, said Patrick Kenny, the marketing and communications director for the Canada Games Council.

"Your efforts obviously have been rewarded and the Canada Games brand thanks you. This legacy project will stand the test of time," Kenny said. "As the festival site for Games time, this plaza will welcome and become a symbol for the Canada Games. The laughter, joy, tears and celebration that the 2015 Canada Games - thousands will experience - will forever be remembered here."