Whether a peaceful park lined with benches, or a bustling paved square surrounded by outdoor cafes, community gathering spots have one thing in common. They operate as the heart of a community.

They encourage people to congregate and provide a spot for everything from celebrations and presentations, to farmer’s markets and festivals. When done well, they’re locations that provide a sense of identity and civic pride to a city or town.

But, with tight municipal dollars, civic squares can often be seen as frills, competing for funding with other more pressing needs like roads, bridges, arenas, and libraries.

Across British Columbia this year, however, the importance of the civic gathering spot is being recognized.

Thanks to $20 million in provincial funding through the B.C. Spirit Squares program, communities are building and improving their public spaces to celebrate the province’s 150th anniversary in 2008.

So far, projects in about 60 communities have been approved for funding of up to $500,000 to create and enhance outdoor meeting spaces. The funding is provided on a 50/50 cost-sharing model with local governments.

“Through the B.C. Spirit Squares program, we are helping to enhance the heart of B.C.’s communities,” says Blair Lekstrom, the province’s Minister of Community Development. “By revitalizing public spaces, we are supporting walkable, livable, healthier places to live that encourage people to become more connected with their communities and their neighbours.”

The project is part of BC150, an initiative planning activities and events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia.

Pedestrian walkways, outdoor stages or amphitheatres, seating areas, green space, water features and outdoor statues or memorials are common features in many of the planned projects. But communities are also using the opportunity to build areas that reflect their unique histories, locations and populations.

In Abbotsford, the city is using $500,000 in provincial funding to build a Cultural Gateway and International Friendship Garden in its Civic Plaza. The garden will reflect South Asian and other cultural influences and include water features, a perimeter path, enlarged patio and open spaces with seating.

Dawson Creek is creating a Mile Zero Spirit Square in its downtown core, to mark the start of the world-famous Alaska Highway in its community, while Keremeos is highlighting the importance of the Great Northern Railway in its history.

Houston’s Spirit Square project, built in an existing park, will be an energy demonstration centre featuring solar panel lighting, and energy-saving electrical systems and landscaping.