BC150 and Spirit Squares

Comments 4 by Rebecca Bollwitt

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.

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4 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. WTS – What the Surrey #24: Holland Park and Surrey’s Spirit Square for BC150 » Miss604’s Vancouver BlogWednesday, March 5th, 2008 — 12:37pm PST

    […] Province in honor of its 150th birthday. A big part of the festivities includes the dedication of Spirit Squares. These squares will celebrate our heritage and achievements – past, present and future – and […]

  2. WTS – What the Surrey #26: Link Fest Hodge Podge » Miss604’s Vancouver Blog by Vancouver Blogger Rebecca BollwittWednesday, April 9th, 2008 — 6:36pm PDT

    […] Rock (South Surrey Junior) will build their $500,000 Spirit Square right along the main strip, between the museum and the pier [Surrey Now] Photo credit: John […]

  3. Metro Vancouver Park Series: Lynn Valley Headwaters » Vancouver Blog Miss 604Monday, August 4th, 2008 — 1:19pm PDT

    […] I have pretty much been having a staycation this long weekend. We have friends over on the Island celebrating BC150, we took a day trip to Seattle, and yesterday we spent all of $2.50 in bus fare to experience the […]

  4. The Best of BC 150: Greatest Sport Moment » Vancouver Blog Miss 604Tuesday, August 26th, 2008 — 8:14am PDT

    […] ask readers/listeners to leave a comment with their answer. (This is to continue the celebration of BC’s 150th birthday). The questions range from what was “BC’s Greatest Moments in Sports”, […]

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