It’s been almost one month since residents were able to tie up their skates and use the Officers’ Square Skating Rink.
To highlight this milestone and the work that has gone into this rehabilitation project, the City of Fredericton hosted an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the rink. The City has been working hard to revitalize this cherished gathering space and national historic site and is excited to be entering the final phases of this project.
“The new skating rink at Officers’ Square will be used by the public for years to come,” said Mayor Kate Rogers. “A special thanks to key contributors who partnered with the City of Fredericton to invest in this wonderful community space.”
The City received a total of $450,000 from the province’s Regional Development Corporation for the Square’s new ice surface. The skating rink sits over on top of an artificially chilled surface that helps build and maintain the ice in varying weather conditions. This allows skaters to enjoy the rink in temperatures above zero.
“We are pleased to partner in a great addition to Officers’ Square, which makes this historic Square both a winter and summer attraction for residents and visitors to the capital city,” said Jill Green, Minister of Social Development and minister responsible for Housing. “Projects like this are made possible through continued collaboration and a shared vision for development between the provincial and municipal governments.”
Green spoke on behalf of Réjean Savoie, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.
The City will continue to collaborate with the Wolastoqey Nation (WNNB) on the redevelopment of the Square, where a section of land will be jointly developed to promote Wolastoqey culture, history, language and traditions.
“Congratulations, Mayor Kate, on the opening of the skating track. Sitansisk looks forward to celebrating the grand opening of Officers’ Square in the beautiful Wolastoqey homeland, later this year,” said Chief Allan Polchies of St. Mary’s First Nation.
Work will continue in the national historic site over the coming months. For instance, the City will plant sod and add more trees to the Square come spring. Work will also be completed on the new performing stage, as well as new lighting throughout the area. In the summer, the ice surface will be converted into a walking track. A grand opening of Officers’ Square is expected to take place in July.