By Troy Gillard (Twitter: @Troy_Gillard)

WATCH: Celebration Plaza named in honour of Gary W. Harris

Jun 6, 2018 | 12:58 PM

Gary W. Harris has done it again.

He already left his mark on his hometown through his donation to the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at RDC.

Now, the long-time businessman, volunteer and community builder is making a significant contribution to the Canada Games Celebration Plaza in downtown Red Deer.

In recognition of that contribution the legacy project will now be known as the Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza.

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“The 2019 Games is extremely grateful to Gary W. Harris for this meaningful donation, which helps us create an accessible celebration space in the heart of downtown Red Deer,” said Lyn Radford, Board Chair with the 2019 Games. “The Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza is going to be an incredible legacy for our community and is a true tribute to volunteerism in central Alberta, with volunteer recognition as an important component of the plaza design.”

Construction on the plaza, located at the former Central School building on 48 Avenue, is currently underway. The plaza is scheduled to open in November.

“I believe in volunteerism and Central Junior High School was an integral part of my youth, so supporting this initiative that marries two of my passions was an opportunity for me to make a meaningful contribution to my community and leave a legacy,” said Gary W. Harris. “I am incredibly proud to have this future community gathering space called the Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza in recognition of the valuable contributions of volunteers and to celebrate the 2019 Games.”

The Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza will be an inclusive and accessible gathering place for all in downtown Red Deer. The plaza will host the major arts and cultural festival of the 2019 Games and will be the new home of The City of Red Deer Culture Services department once the Games are over.

$420,000 was raised for the project earlier this year through the 2018 Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off.