Rupert Port Invests in Community’s Sunken Gardens

June 7, 2016

PRINCE RUPERT – One of Prince Rupert’s most picturesque places is the site of a major improvement project.

With a $50,000 contribution from the Port of Prince Rupert’s Community Investment Fund, the Prince Rupert Garden Club was able to install electrical and irrigation services at the city’s Sunken Gardens. The enhancement project not only improves the vitality of the plant life, but enhances awareness of the site through new signage and extends the hours of enjoyment with new landscape and pathway lighting.

“The Sunken Gardens have been a community asset and tourist attraction for over 75 years, and we’re thrilled to announce the rejuvenation of the site with the completion of this project,” said Andree Fawcett, President of the Prince Rupert Garden Club. “Our club has maintained the site for the last 13 years, and it’s our goal to continue its legacy as a place of community celebration and education in partnership with local businesses like the Port of Prince Rupert.”

Included in the project was the excavating and re-paving of the rear lane access, laying of electrical cables and irrigation channels, construction of aluminum electrical housing panels and the installation of numerous lighting fixtures throughout the gardens. Remaining funds were used to create and install signage at the two tunnel entrances. The Club was also able to purchase sandwich board signs and wayfinding signs to direct tourists to the gardens.

“The community of Prince Rupert is home to many unique attractions that add to the quality of life for residents and create a sense of wonder for visitors,” said Don Krusel, President and CEO of the Port of Prince Rupert. “The Sunken Gardens represent a piece of our rich history, but also a place of beauty that we can all contribute to and take pride in. The commitment to the betterment of our community shown by groups like the Prince Rupert Garden Club is what inspires us at the Port of Prince Rupert to continue growing the reach of our Community Investment Fund.”

The Prince Rupert Garden Club was formed in 1920. In 2003 the club created the Sunken Gardens Restoration Project after the provincial government ceased maintenance of the site. Today the club has over 50 volunteer members who participate in events like the planting of thousands of annual flowers in late May and the Garden Tour and Tea at the end of July. Funding from the Province of BC and club fundraising activities pay for the plants and maintain the Sunken Gardens.

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