Red Deer dignitaries gathered this afternoon to unveil their plans on a new landmark.

Canada 150 Square/Place Canada 150 will be the official name of a new pedestrian block at the corner of 45 and 47 Street in Capstone at Riverlands neighborhood.

The space will be used for everything from festivals, to sporting activities and special events.

An extension of the Waskasoo Park system, Canada 150 Square / Place Canada 150 will serve as part of a continuous pedestrian link to downtown Red Deer.

“We are revealing some conceptual images today, which highlights our commitment to a versatile, innovative and, accessible space where citizens can gather, relax and connect. It will be an experience-focused space built with sustainability, vitality and innovation in mind,” said City Manager Craig Curtis.

Also on hand was Mayor of Red Deer Tara Veer, who said she couldn’t be happier with the name.

“It is a key component along this leg of the Trans Canada Trail so the fact that we are commemorating 150 years of Canadian confederation and because of the future connection that this will have to Trans Canada Trail, it was a fitting name.”

It’s expected to open in the fall of 2018 with construction starting next spring; something Veer said is extremely exciting.

“It’s important we extend our linear park system, but also enhance park nodes along the linear park system. This public square will be a future gathering space for Red Deerians and guests to our community.”  

The name was chosen to honour and represent the connectedness to the country. The project is part of the overall development budget for Capstone at Riverlands, which will ultimately be recovered through land sales and taxes.