North Perth hosted an official unveiling of the new downtown parkette in Listowel on July 3.
Kim Kowch, the municipality's economic development officer, says the project first got shovels in the ground early last spring.
"The project has been in discussions for a number of years, but we were excited to be able to initiate the construction in 2023 and the physical completion in October of 2023," Kowch shared.
Kowch says the municipality is hoping the new parkette will inspire more people to come enjoy the downtown.
"A gathering space, spaces for events and just for gathering. By doing that it will help to support businesses. Also, it's a great draw for new residents and visitors to be able to draw them into the downtown. So that was really the objective," added Kowch.
The parkette had an initial budget of over $179,000, but came in well under that at just over $120,000. North Perth did receive some funding grants, as well as contributions from the local BIA and Libro Credit Union for the furniture.
"The Listowel BIA and Libro helped fund the furniture for the space. So they were able to contribute funds for the tables, benches, bike racks and trash receptacles. So they contributed that," noted Kowch.
The name of the parkette, Character Square, has plenty of meaning behind it according to Kowch.
"At today's ribbon cutting, the parkette's new name, Character Square, was announced. The new name will acknowledge and foster the role of this gathering space and character qualities in building, belonging and welcoming to visitors and residents. Upcoming initiatives, including public art and signage, will utilize this name, to guide the vision and use of this space," stated the official press release from North Perth.
The Character Square Parkette is located at 169 Main Street East in Listowel.