The 25-cent Millennium coin chosen for issue in August 1999 was designed by Alzira Botelho. Her winning design in the Mint's "Create a Centsation!" contest, entitled "The Pioneer Spirit", depicts early settlers piling straw onto a bundle wagon. This design reflects the spirit of the people who came from other countries to build new lives in Canada.

Born and educated in Edmonton, Alberta, Alzira's inspiration for the design was drawn from her Portuguese ancestors, who were amongst the first to settle in Canada. She studied graphic art at Grant MacEwan Community College and has worked as a graphic designer for a number of different companies since graduation. Currently, Alzira is living and working at home in Edmonton.

The City of Saskatoon took an active role in the August 3rd coin launch event. Several businesses throughout the community filled their cash registers with the new 25-cent coins, offering residents an opportunity to exchange the old coins for the new ones depicting the "The Pioneer Spirit" image.