Officers’ Square, in the Historic Garrison District of downtown Fredericton, has officially reopened to the public, marking the completion of a generational investment by the City of Fredericton in the city’s downtown.
For several years now, the City has been working to revitalize this cherished gathering space and National Historic Site. It continues to be an urban park space with capacity to host special events and activities that will foster a strong sense of community and bring business into the downtown.
The reopening event featured remarks by Wolastoq Grand Chief Ron Tremblay, St. Mary’s First Nation Chief Allan Polchies, Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers, and Ryan Cullins, MLA, Province of New Brunswick. The event was also attended by City Councillors, City staff and members of the public. It was followed by an evening of musical entertainment.
“The revitalization of Officers’ Square being complete for the summer is wonderful news, as the community can once again enjoy this much-loved gathering space,” said Mayor Kate Rogers. “The return of free weekly programming will give residents the opportunity to attend concerts, movies and more and will contribute to an energetic and vibrant city for all.”
Performances for the evening included The Muskrat Singers, Jeremy Dutcher, along with the Sisters of the Drum and Elder Maggie Paul, as well as Broadway’s Tony LePage, with Don Bosse and Mike Doherty. A weekend of free entertainment, ending with Canada Day celebrations in the Square on July 1, will cap off the official reopening.
Free programming returning to the Square this summer will include the popular Summer Concert Series at 7 pm each Tuesday and Thursday in July and August, as well as the Under the Stars outdoor movie series at dusk each Friday. A new dance party called Groove in the Garrison will be held each Wednesday in the Square starting at 7 pm.
The total cost of the Officers’ Square revitalization was $11.5M. The City of Fredericton received a total $900,000 from the Province of New Brunswick Regional Development Corporation to support the new stage and ice surface.