The new Wood Innovation Square is now open in downtown Prince George. It’s the first new park space downtown since the creation of Canada Games Plaza, which accompanied the opening of the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre in 1994.
“The new Wood Innovation Square will bring families, tourists and local residents together, support local arts and culture, and spur local economic development for years to come,” said Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services, in a news release. “Through partnerships like the one we have with the City of Prince George, we’re making life better for British Columbians and building strong, secure and resilient communities.”
The Wood Innovation Square is located on Fifth Avenue, adjacent to both the Wood Innovation and Design Centre (WIDC) and the Wood Innovation Research Laboratory. The park is equivalent to four city lots and features picnic tables, seating, and paths, along with trees, flowers, and shrubs. The area has been designed for social interaction and events. There is a small stage, lighting, and hook-ups to water and electricity for food trucks, entertainment, or other vendors. People can book the Wood Innovation Square for activities and events, at www.princegeorge.ca/bookings.
“Council is excited to see the continued development of downtown Prince George and this new park provides a dynamic, safe, and inviting urban space,” said Mayor Lyn Hall. “This square has been totally transformed and I would like to express thanks, on behalf of council, to the Government of B.C., which provided much of the funding for this park when they established the Wood Innovation and Design Centre. This space is now a terrific complement to the WIDC, as well as the award-winning Wood Innovation Research Lab, and will help to tell the story of those buildings and the continued leadership of Prince George in wood innovation.”
The province is contributing $750,000 towards the project and the city is providing approximately $650,000. Construction began last summer and was led by Viking Construction of Prince George.