BC Spirit Square - Castlegar, BC - Community Commemoration on Waymarking.com

Castlegar's Spirit Square surrounds its city hall, opened at the same time as was Spirit Square. it is a large open plaza with a fountain, sculptures, flower, shrub and grass plantings, several historical informational signs, benches and picnic tables.

Spirit Square was opened on August 16, 2008 to commemorate British Columbia's 150th anniversary of becoming a British Crown Colony in 1858. 1858 was a time when the vicinity of British Columbia and Washington State were first being settled by miners in search of gold and silver. When it appeared that, because of the preponderance of US citizens already in the area north of the 49th parallel, the area might become part of the US, the British Government declared the area that is now British Columbia a British Crown Colony in order to enforce sovereignty in the area.

Nine years later, when the country of Canada came into being, it was readily obvious that assimilation of the colony of British Columbia into Confederation was in Canada's best interest. Thus, in 1871, British Columbia was made a province of Canada.

This square is just one of many built by communities throughout BC to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia.

Castlegar Spirit Square

A community surrounded by water and sitting at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers, Castlegar wanted its Spirit Square to showcase its environment and distinct location. The square includes a unique water feature and path representing the two rivers and incorporates elements of the Asia-Pacific such as a Japanese pergola influenced by Castlegar’s sister-city, Embetsu, Japan. In addition, the square highlights the community’s unique history through plaques that describe Castlegar’s industrial and multicultural heritage.

B.C. SPIRIT SQUARES are gathering places for communities, created to help celebrate BC150 – the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia – as well as many other festivities and milestones in the future.

These squares celebrate B.C.'s heritage and achievements – past, present and future – and leave a legacy for current and future generations to enjoy.

Spirit Squares reflect the unique character, diversity, cultural and First Nations heritage and history of communities, sharing that richness with residents and visitors alike.
From BC Spirit Squares

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