The federal government has chipped in $335,000 to help pay for planned renovations to the Civic Centre Plaza in advance of the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
The grant, which comes through the government's building communities through arts and heritage program, will help to fund the stage, public art, landscaping and heritage elements at the new plaza, which will be renamed Canada Games Plaza when the games are completed.
"This project is a great way to mark one hundred years for Prince George and will be an asset in the growing cultural landscape of northern British Columbia," Prince George-Peace River MP Bob Zimmer said has he announced the funding on behalf of Canadian Heritage minister Shelly Glover.
The redevelopment of the site will be one of the legacy aspects of the games. The theme for the renovations is the river and will be used as a featured location for medal presentations and other celebrations during next year's winter games.
Once the games are over, Mayor Shari Green said she hopes the redeveloped space will be used for artisan fairs, outdoor concerts and performances or simply as a family picnic location downtown.
The total price tag for the work is $945,000 and the city has budgeted $500,000 for its contribution. Smaller contributions have come from the provincial government and Northern Development Initiatives Trust.
