The Capital Regional District’s (CRD) Salt Spring Island (SSI) Parks, Arts, Recreation & Culture (PARC) department has received $561,748 in grant funding from Pacific Economic Development Canada (PEDC) to complete additional upgrades to Centennial Park.

“My thanks to the Province of BC for this innovative funding program that will help us to continue to revitalize Centennial Park and support increased park use, special events and our community markets. Centennial Park is centrally located in Ganges Village and is a key economic driver and a crucial pillar of island life to promote community wellbeing, active living, as well as park amenities and activities for people of all ages” said Gary Holman, Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Director.

The Centennial Park Plaza has been identified as the next phase of park upgrades as part of the approved 20-year Master Plan. Work on this phase began in 2022 and included detailed designs to replace the park plaza and install lighting. This upgrade includes the removal and replacement of the existing park concrete and brick paver plaza, additional drainage, lighting, landscaping, and furnishings. Existing trees inside and along the plaza are to be retained.

Previously completed work to upgrade the park includes site assessments, central drainage, the washroom facility replacement, and the playground replacement.

Combined with $298,000 of Community Works Funding (CWF), and $100,000 from the SSI Parks and Recreation Capital Reserve Fund (CRF), upgrades to the Centennial Park Plaza are scheduled to begin this fall. Construction will take place during the market off-season between November 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024.

Salt Spring Island Parks, Arts, Recreation & Culture (SSIPARC) services and facilities are overseen by the Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission (LCC).