After years of delays, Fredericton’s revamped Officers’ Square officially reopens – New Brunswick

Hundreds of people gathered at Officers’ Square in Fredericton on Friday evening to attend the official reopening of the square.

The vision for the revival survived public outcry over the historic site, the discovery of Acadian and indigenous artifacts, and the transfer of ownership from the province to the city.

“I hope they see it as a public gathering space. I hope when they drive by, they see it as a place where everyone is welcome,” Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers said in an interview.

The project ultimately cost $11.5 million, partly because of delays that stretched the project timeline to six years. But Rogers said they were necessary.

“It’s worth it. We had to pause a few times to get things right, to hear what the audience wanted in their space,” she said.

A major focus of the event was the Wolastoqey communities. The ceremony was opened by Wolastoqey Grand Chief Ron Tremblay, followed by Wolastoqiyik Dancers and a speech by Sitansisk Chief Allan Polchies Jr.

Tremblay said indigenous voices should be front and center at festivals and ceremonies. For him, the city’s collaboration with the Wolastoqey is part of a renewed partnership.

“It’s like hitting the reset button back to when the first settlers came here. We should have had a more collaborative relationship, instead of imposing their ways on us,” he said in an interview.

Rogers said in a speech that this is part of the treaty people.

“We went into this together. We entered into covenants of friendship, peace and mutual respect between equal nations, and that is what we see here tonight,” she said Friday.

The changes to the square include a new ice rink and walkway, a stage and a seating area.

“It’s beautiful, like it was really too late. It’s beautiful, the stage is perfect, the lawn is great, and of course in the winter you have the ice rink,” says resident Isabelle Beaulieu, who has lived in Fredericton for 20 years.

Another resident, Joe Turgeon, said he taught his sons to skate at the new rink.

“It’s nice to see how downtown is evolving and becoming more of a community place where people can come together and see these kinds of things happening, and just enjoy downtown Fredericton,” he said.

Musician Jeremy Dutcher kicked off GarrisonFest, a series of free concerts over the long weekend.

“I think it brings entertainment to the city, as you can see, a place where people come together. I think it’s perfect,” said Carrie Waller, another attendee.

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