FREDERICTON (GNB) – New lighting at Parliament Square, in front of the legislative assembly, will be unveiled on the evening of Wednesday, June 13, in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.
Dale Graham, speaker of the legislative assembly, will host Lt.-Gov. Graydon Nicholas, Premier David Alward, MLAs and other dignitaries. The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will begin at 9:15 p.m.
"This is a wonderful way to bring a renewed focus to these beautiful, historic buildings," said Graham. "Enhancing this historic symbol of our government is certainly a fitting way to commemorate Her Majesty's 60th anniversary as our Queen."
Seven lighted areas will be unveiled. The primary themes of the event will be the historical link to The Monarchy and the design and architecture of the parliamentary precincts.
"As we head into tourism season, this is a fitting way to profile and highlight the historic significance of our architecture, our links to Her Majesty on her Diamond Jubilee and beautiful downtown Fredericton," said Alward.
The enhanced illumination of Parliament Square is part of the Legislative Assembly Building Long Term Restoration Plan. The lighting emphasizes the many architectural features of the buildings; significantly reduces energy consumption overall; and improves public safety by using environmental-design principles to light previously unlit spaces.
The lighting was conceived and designed by Guy Simard of Quebec City and installed during the winter and spring of 2012. Simard is renowned for having created numerous unique lighting installations in North America, including lighting at the Assemblée Nationale in Quebec City and at Montmorency Falls, just outside Quebec City. The project has been overseen by Dan Bussières, the sergeant-at-arms at the legislative assembly.
The project was the idea of Walter Brown, who was instrumental in this bipartisan effort involving the legislative administration committee.
LINKS:
● Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick
● The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
12-06-12
