Port Coquitlam's refurbished Veterans Park got a thumbs up from the president of the local Royal Canadian Legion branch during a ribbon cutting today (June 27) for the $2.1-million upgrade.
"We're proud of it," said Drew Lydiard, president of Branch #133.
Lydiard said the expanded plaza with seating and a grand pathway from the corner of Shaughnessy Street and McAllister Avenue to city hall will make for a spectacular Remembrance Day event this fall.
"It will be good for the cadets, the RCMP and all the people who come to remember," Lydiard told the Tri-City News.
The new plaza, which was built with the help of a $750,000 federal Canada Community Revitalization grant, will bring "new energy" to the area, said Mayor Brad West.
He added Veterans Park will provide a focal point for the downtown that will become even more lively with the completion of an upgrade to Leigh Square and an extension of the Donald Pathway.
When it's complete, West believes the city will have the "very best" downtown in all of B.C.
Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam MP Ron McKinnon was on hand to acknowledge the city for the project, as well as the federal contribution, and he congratulated the city on the "auspicious" day and progress on revitalizing the city.
Also in attendance was Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth, who is also B.C.'s deputy premier, minister of public safety and solicitor general.
He said it was important to acknowledge the "men and women who serve our country," adding that the new Veterans Park is a fitting tribute.
