A collaborative project is about to integrate cultural hubs in Sechelt’s downtown, thanks to an infusion of $50,000 from a regional economic development organization.
The Island Coastal Economic Trust, a creation of the provincial government that funnels money to regional economic development initiatives, is joining the District of Sechelt in contributing funds to the establishment of a pedestrian zone connecting four storied spaces.
The project is a joint effort by the Sunshine Coast Arts Council and the Sechelt Downtown Business Association.
“Our town is in dire need of creating this unique and innovative creative space,” said Sadira Rodrigues, director and curator of the Sunshine Coast Arts Council. “This project is a tremendous gift for Sechelt that will be cared for well into the future.”
An existing outdoor pergola in the Arts Centre garden (at Trail Avenue and Medusa Street) will be converted into a covered seating area and plaza for gatherings. Plywood seating will mimic the shape of barnacles. From the pergola, wayfinding signage will link the Arts Centre, Red Cedar Woman Weaving Studio, the Sechelt Public Library, and the Rockwood Lodge complex.
“Situating the space in our garden is also important to us, as this has been a cherished public space since 1979,” added Rodrigues. “It is also one of the only public spaces that provides benches that have been lovingly tended to by volunteers for more than 40 years.”
The development will include a purpose-built recreation space that encourages social seating and use of site-specific playboxes. Adjacent organizations or businesses will adopt individual boxes. Each container will hold a different game or activity for public use.
“Play-based placemaking has the power to cultivate a sense of belonging and connect people to the community,” said Theressa Logan, executive director of the Sechelt Downtown Business Association. “It also has the potential to bridge gaps and break down barriers to creating safe, accessible, and people-welcoming environments with the intentional effort to thrive.”
The partners anticipate that the enhancements will help residents and visitors bridge intersections between art and sport while creating opportunities for enriching encounters.
“We often speak of art being woven into the fabric of Sechelt,” said Mayor John Henderson. “This will be a wonderful addition to physically show just how deep the arts roots run in Sechelt. Connecting the history of Rockwood to the library and the performance areas of the Arts Centre is a wonderful collaboration benefiting residents and visitors.”
The Island Coastal Economic Trust contribution to the so-called Play Sechelt project includes $25,000 from Vancouver, Coast and Mountains tourism region of Destination BC, which partnered with the Trust to fund projects through its Community Placemaking program.
The upgraded pergola structure is already nearing completion, and Rodrigues plans public consultations about the appearance of wayfinding systems to take place in late January 2024. The entire suite of Play Sechelt installations is due to be completed by Canada Day.
