A Community Initiative that needs your input and support!

Over the past year, Kaslo has had an application for funding submitted to the B.C. Spirit Square Program and although the Kaslo Spirit Square (ad-hoc) Committee application has no response from this B.C. Government Initiative, other new Kaslo Initiatives may provide some renewed interest and prospects.

The following excerpt from the B.C. Spirit Squares website explains the concept:

“At the heart of every great community lies a site – a park, plaza, town square or open space - where citizens can gather for special occasions. These spaces help give towns and cities their identity and are recognized as “places to go” for community celebrations and commemorations. The B.C. Spirit Square Program has been launched to support the creation or improvement of such places in communities throughout B.C.

B.C. Spirit Squares is part of BC150; an initiative that is planning activities and events as part of British Columbia’s 150th anniversary as a Crown Colony. BC150 celebrates the adventures, struggles, people, events and achievements that have shaped our provincial identity.

The B.C. Spirit Squares program provides $20 million for capital projects to create or improve outdoor public meeting and celebration spaces such as traditional town squares or community commons; public gathering places that reflect each community’s unique character, heritage and cultural diversity.

B.C. Spirit Squares funding is based on a 50/50 (provincial/local government) cost-sharing basis with a maximum provincial contribution of $500,000.”

The Kaslo Spirit Square Project would like to improve the existing Saturday Market Square location (adjacent to the new Kaslo Hotel). Improvements such as an open stage/pavilion, public washrooms, fountain, gardens and pathways have been suggested. We have given some considerations to different themes and inspirations but we continue to wait for acceptance to Phase I for planning dollars.

Recently, several members of the Spirit Square Committee attended a meeting at the Village Hall, hosted by Major Holland and Village Councilors. Also attending was Val Koenig of the Kaslo Trailblazers with their new initiative for the completion of the Kaslo Waterfront Trail, which will extend from Kaslo Bay to the Kaslo River Bridge. Village Council called this meeting to see if the combined initiatives for the Spirit Square concept, the Trailblazer’s Beach Trail and the Village’s plans to make upgrades to Water Street (underground power lines, paving and making the street pedestrian friendly with sidewalks, benches & planters) could be amalgamated together under one funding initiative. 

After much discussion, due to the different kinds of programs that funding has been applied for, it is presumed that these worthwhile projects may still need to pursue funding from their own separate sources. Everyone could see the combined benefits, and members of the Spirit Square Committee are planning to tie in to these initiatives in the hopes that it may renew interest in their Spirit Square Application at the Provincial level. 

Like all community projects, community support, from all walks of life, goes a long way to their success.  If you can lend your support to any of these worthwhile initiatives, please let us know.

Village of Kaslo email:    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kaslo.org email:          This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it