2012-The Village of Queen Charlotte’s economy has been resource driven and like many other resource dependent communities, it has been in decline in recent years. In order to attract new residents, retain families and allow for economic diversification, the community has undertaken infrastructure development that showcases their attractive waterfront setting and promotes economic diversity within the community.
Under this project, the Spirit Square project transformed an abandoned building into a community gathering place, tourist attraction locale, and a center for special events throughout the year. Located on waterfront land between the Visitor Information Centre and the recently redeveloped Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ small craft harbour, Queen Charlotte’s Spirit Square includes a 450 square foot multi-purpose stage built for occasions varying from weddings to music festivals and landscaping that includes bandstand seating, a grassy knoll for casual seating and picnics, benches, picnic tables and areas for vendors’ tents.
In 2011, the Village of Queen Charlotte undertook the Phase Two development of their Spirit Square with funding from Northern Development, Gwaii Trust Society, and the Coast Sustainability Trust. Phase Two includes implementing pathways, ground lighting, a drinking fountain, a memorial wall, and a paved Tai Chi Circle. The Memorial Wall commemorates the history and importance of Haida Gwaii as an island community that is reliant on boat and air transportation and documents the more than 287 ships and aircraft that have been lost in the area.
