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Parksville’s Memorial Plaza, part of a downtown revitalization plan, opens to public

Total upgrade project cost is $4 million
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The new Memorial Plaza public area in Parksville was opened July 5. Left to right: Coun. Marilyn Wilson, Coun. Mark Chandler, Coun. Al Greir, Tami Frankford, Parksville Downtown Business Association, Mayor Ed Mayne, Coun. Teresa Patterson, Coun. Doug O’Brien. (City of Parksville photo)

The City of Parksville has completed capital upgrades to Hirst Avenue and Memorial Avenue.

Memorial Plaza’s official opening was held on July 5 and showcased the new public space, a key component of the city’s downtown revitalization strategy, according to a news release by the city. Memorial Avenue was transformed from a primarily vehicle corridor, to a pedestrian area with the addition of the plaza.

“The city is extremely proud of this project and to see the vision for Memorial and Hirst Avenues reflect the community’s wishes while honouring the history of Memorial Avenue,” read the release.

Memorial Plaza is a new 13,800 square foot public space for residents, visitors, businesses and community organizations to celebrate and experience downtown Parksville, according to the city.

Memorial Avenue now features a new streetscape with one-way vehicle traffic eastbound and improved irrigation and growing conditions for the trees, as well as new street trees on Hirst Avenue West.

READ MORE: Two-building, 116-unit Parksville residential development gets first reading

A portion of the $4-million upgrade project was funded through the Federal Gas Tax Fund and ICBC.

Memorial Avenue, one of the oldest streets in Parksville, is a living monument to Parksville’s fallen First World War soldiers. The original elm trees were planted in 1922 and 100 years later, along with nine newly-planted trees, continue to honour the memory of the men who lost their lives.

The city thanked businesses on Hirst and Memorial for their patience during construction. Details about the Memorial and Hirst avenues upgrades project may be viewed on Let’s Talk Parksville.

— NEWS Staff, submitted

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