It appeared all of a sudden on Monday, March 8.
The non-profit OurSquamish installed a new "parklet" at the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Winnipeg Street as its fourth and largest public seating project. The angled bench "acts as an extension of the sidewalk," according to a news release, while providing greenery and seating for residents with enough space to physically distance.
In total, the project cost approximately $6,500. The former Arts Select Committee provided the bulk of the funding — $5,000 — in late 2019, while United Way of the Lower Mainland also contributed.
Most of the parklet is in an unused asphalt triangle, and one parking stall was closed.
"One of council's strategic goals is to increase year-round utilization of our public spaces and this parklet is a true community collaboration, and a fantastic example of how outdoor spaces can be re-imagined and used," Mayor Karen Elliott said in a release. "This past year has taught us about the importance of public spaces that help us to safely socialize and maintain community connection. Council has allocated funds this year for covered spaces and additional improvements to help us re-engage with community life as restrictions lift."
OurSquamish, whose volunteers constructed the installation, stressed that their goal is to make people "feel more comfortable with stopping to take a pause, take in their surroundings, and enjoy the 'theatre of the street,'" according to the release.
