BC150 and Spirit Squares

I can’t believe this has been kept off my radar this long but in preparation for BC’s 150th birthday, the government is initiating projects and activities all over the province in celebration of this milestone.

BC150 Years celebrates the adventures, struggles, people, events and achievements that have shaped our provincial identity. It’s a celebration with a focus on five strong pillars: Heritage, Communities, Multiculturalism, Aboriginals, Arts & Culture. [About – BC150]

Spirit Squares have become a large part of the legacy of this festive milestone, and no they have nothing to do with cheerleading (as far as I know).

B.C. Spirit Squares are gathering places for our communities, created to help celebrate BC150 Years – next year’s 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia – as well as many other festivities and milestones in the future…

…Spirit Squares will reflect the unique character, diversity, cultural and First Nations heritage and history of our communities, sharing that richness with residents and visitors alike. [Spirit Squares]

Photo property of: BC Spirit Squares website

Since these announcement were made at the beginning of 2007, all communities who have been granted funds to build Spirit Squares have already been named. This includes: Revelstoke, Maple Ridge, Merritt, Williams Lake, West Vancouver, Langley (Township), Lytton, Quesnel, Castlegar, Coquitlam, Village of Cumberland, Sechelt, Campbell River, and Victoria… just to name a few.

Spirit Squares, which aim to create a community gathering place, green space, a beautification of downtowns in preparation for 2010, and dedicated areas highlighting the regions heritage are just one of many programs and grants. As Canadians aren’t too famous for their square building success it should be interesting to see how these all pan out.

Community non-profit groups can still apply for fundraising grants, for the next couple of months:

From September 2007 to August 2008, non-profit community organizations can apply for up to $10,000 of funding to go towards their projects that celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of B.C.

Project themes must fall under one of BC150 Years’ five pillars: Heritage, Communities, Multiculturalism, Aboriginal Peoples and Arts and Culture. [BC150]

An extensive list of BC150 programs can be found on the website, including fairs and school programs. Some communities have already started their projects, such as Langley with their own BC150 website. Also, Hope, and other cities along the Fraser River are organizing Rivermania for ’08.

I also see a spot on the BC150 website for “My BC Blog” although there are no links or additional information.

Be on the lookout for BC150 events in your neighbourhood in 2008 and browse the site for more chances to get a program going in your neck of the woods, as most deadlines have not yet passed.