Town of Coaldale celebrates grand opening of Civic Square

Sunny South News PHOTO by Kristine Jean. RIBBON CUTTING: Town of Coaldale staff and councillors joined Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn and Lethbridge Member of Parliament, Rachael Thomas (centre), for the ribbon cutting ceremony and official grand opening of the Civic Plaza on Feb. 21 in Coaldale.

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

Coaldale residents joined Town of Coaldale staff and council members, and other guests for a ribbon cutting ceremony, to celebrate the grand opening of Civic Plaza on Feb. 21.   

The event marked the completion of Phase 3 of the Civic Square Project.

“It’s truly an honour to stand before you today as we gather to celebrate the grand opening of Civic Plaza—a project that has been years in the making and one that holds deep significance for our community,” said Town of Coaldale mayor Jack Van Rijn. “Civic Plaza is more than just a beautifully designed public space — it is Coaldale’s community living room. A place where people of all ages can come together to enjoy each other’s company, celebrate milestones, and create newtraditions,” he added. “Whether it’s a summer market, a lively concert, or a quiet evening by the fire pits, this space was designed with the people of Coaldale in mind, ensuring it serves as a welcoming gathering place throughout all seasons.” 

Located in the heart of downtown, Civic Plaza will “remain active throughout the year” noted Van Rijn, where it will be used for the Town of Coaldale’s programming as well as schools, church communities, and non-profit groups to use, where they can host community events.  

In the spring and summer months the space will host farmers markets, festivals, concerts, movie nights, food truck Fridays, outdoor performances, and the town’s Summer Fest and during the fall and winter months, the space will be used for ice skating, holiday celebrations and the town’s Winter Fest. 

The Plaza also features fire pits, seating areas, picnic tables, public restrooms, and a concession stand. 

The plaza received financial and/or in-kind support from the Government of Canada’s Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), Shift Real Estate Investments, and ATCO Gas. Another important contributor to the project was the Yip Family, whose generous land donation played a key role in making the Plaza possible. 

Lethbridge Member of Parliament Rachael Thomas was on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony and noted the project’s impact on the community.

“The reason why Coaldale is so admired is because the spirit of community is alive and well here in a way that isn’t in other places,” said Thomas. “And a big reason for that is because of these types of projects and initiatives.”

Head librarian at the Coaldale Library, Kindra Birss shared a few words, as the event also marked the official launch of the skate library.

“This is such an exciting moment for our community and it’s truly a joy to see so many of you here to help us celebrate,” said Birss. “Since the launch of our skate library in November 2024, we’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response.”  

Mayor Van Rijn noted that the Civic Plaza is more than “just a development, it is an investment in the town’s future,” and thanked everyone who contributed to making the Civic Plaza a reality.   

“Your hard work and dedication have helped shape a space that will serve as the heart of our community for generations to come,” said Van Rijn. 

To learn more about Civic Plaza, including about upcoming events and programming, visit http://www.coaldale.ca/civic-plaza