New Westminster – The newly renovated Hyack Square will officially open with a public celebration on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 5:00 pm.

In partnership with the Provincial Government, BC Spirit Square Program, the renovated Hyack Square will provide a year-round venue for community events and feature design elements that celebrate the city’s rich history along with amphitheatre seating, a permanent raised platform stage, new landscaping and lighting.

“Throughout our city’s history, Hyack Square has been a significant meeting space,” said Councillor Bill Harper, Acting Mayor. “The renovation not only provides a new community amenity but will serve as a lasting legacy for New Westminster ’s 150th anniversary.”

The Hyack Square celebration will include an unveiling of the new of the public art selected for the site, Ab Ovo – The Fertile Nest. This public art piece is the first gem on a regional necklace of public art installations throughout the region that celebrate each community’s creative spirit. The event will include a formal ceremony followed by a ceremonial dance from the Squamish First Nation, a Zimbabwean marimba performed by Kutapira, fiddler Ewan Clark, and modern rock group Seven Second Chase.

This is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, please contact the 150th Celebrations Office by phone at 604-515-3848 or by email at .

Hyack Square is located at the bottom of Eighth Street at Columbia Street .

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Contact:

Alana McIntyre, Chair, Hyack Square Opening Celebration Task Force
Tel: 604-521-8523
Email: alanamcintyre@shaw.ca