Dawson Creek, B.C., is enhancing its historic and cultural hub with the Lighting of City Signs project, thanks to a $65,891 Main Street Revitalization Capital grant from Northern Development. This initiative is set to transform the N.A.R. Park, home to the city’s most iconic landmarks, into an even more vibrant and welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.
The N.A.R. Park, located at Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway, is a cultural and historical treasure in the heart of Dawson Creek. The park features the refurbished railway station—now a museum and tourist centre—as well as a clock tower, statues, a railway car, and the art gallery housed in a renovated grain elevator. Recognized as a central gathering point, the park is the city’s largest tourist attraction and a venue for festivals, markets, and community events.
The project focuses on installing solar lighting along the pathways in front of the museum and illuminating key monuments, including the Alaska Highway sign, the surveyor statue, and the memorial monument. These enhancements aim to draw attention to the cultural and historical significance of these landmarks while improving nighttime visibility and safety in the park.
City Council views the project as an opportunity to preserve and respect the meanings behind these monuments while creating a safer, more inviting space for evening activities.
“These monuments tell the story of Dawson Creek and its pivotal role in the history of the Alaska Highway,” said Dawson Creek Mayor Darcy Dober. “By lighting them, we’re ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve while enhancing the park’s appeal and accessibility for everyone.”
In addition to increasing safety along the pathways, the new lighting will beautify the park and create ambiance for evening events. Whether for festivals, casual strolls, or the perfect photo opportunity, the project positions N.A.R. Park as a must-visit destination in Dawson Creek.
The Lighting of City Signs project celebrates the past while looking to the future, combining functionality with cultural preservation. The enhancements promise to make N.A.R. Park an even brighter beacon of community pride and connection.
