Local Member of Parliament Patrick Weiler made a stop in Gibsons on the morning of July 20, to announce $138,000 in federal funding for Town-lead improvements to Pioneer Park.
Following the MP’s remarks, Mayor Bill Beamish, who was on-site for the announcement told Coast Reporter that the work at the site will create a temporary, and potentially permanent home for the Persephone, a boat once used in the CBC television series The Beachcombers, which was filmed in and around Gibsons. That piece of Coast history, owned by the Town was removed from the display location it occupied for 14 years, across from Pioneer Park last October. It is currently in storage and undergoing restoration.
Beamish said that timing for relocation of the boat to the park was yet to be determined. He stated that the Town would not be waiting for decisions related to the Stonehurst property and potential contributions to Pioneer Park development from the proponent of that project to start work at the site.
Weiler said that the money to refresh the site will come from the Canada Community Revitalization Funds. This will also include adding accessible public washrooms, new bike racks, seating and picnic tables as well as updates to the site's landscaping.
“Investments in public parks, outdoor spaces and other outdoor community spaces are essential to the health and wellness of communities… When we invest in these spaces, we invest in stronger neighbourhoods and better quality of life for our communities… I can’t wait to enjoy the newly refreshed Pioneer Park,” Weiler said.
While not officially designated as a park by the local government, Pioneer Park is a public space at the community’s Five Corners (the intersection of School Road, Gibsons Way, Gower Point Road, Marine Drive) intersection, in Lower Gibsons.
It is home to the iconic statue of area pioneer George Gibson.Gibsons Coun. Aleria Ladwig and a number of Town staff were also in attendance for the announcement.
