New Westminster is taking advantage of the closure of Front Street to highlight its waterfront parks.
The city is holding a Pier to Landing event on Sunday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include a grand opening for the Fourth Street elevator and overpass and will take advantage of the closure of Front Street (due to deconstruction of part of the parkade and construction of the Front Street Mews) to highlight connections between Sapperton Landing Park and Westminster Pier Park.
“We saw that there is a really unique opportunity, with Front Street being closed to traffic, to actually allow the community to start to envision what a connection between Sapperton Landing and Westminster Pier Park would be like,” said Mayor Jonathan Cote. “We had planned to do a small opening of the overpass and the elevator connecting to the park. We thought why not combine that and take advantage of Front Street being closed. … We really see this as being an opportunity for the community to start to better understand what the city’s long-term waterfront vision is.”
Pier to Landing, which is taking place on Father’s Day, will include activities in three locations – Front Street, Sapperton Landing Park and Westminster Pier Park.
“We really want to encourage everyone to bring their families down. It’s Father’s Day, so I’ll be down there with my children,” Cote said. “It will allow the community to enjoy the day down there, but also to envision that longer term future for our waterfront.”
So, what's happening?
* Ribbon cutting for the Fourth Street Elevator – 11 a.m.
* Community art projects at Sapperton Landing and a couple of stops along Front Street between the parks.
* A bike rodeo at Westminster Pier Park.
* Cycling tours.
* Historical and environmental walking tours.
* Live entertainment will feature about five busking stops along the route, offered in conjunction with local artist installations.
* Sandcastle-building activities at Westminster Pier Park.
* Paper Girl art program. Art is collected from the local creative community, exhibited and then distributed by cyclists to passersby.
* Fishing at Sapperton Landing. Getting Hooked on Fishing is happening in conjunction with the Family Fishing Society of B.C.
* A city-run barbecue at Sapperton Landing and Eats at the Pier.
* City engagement about the City of New Westminster’s waterfront vision.
* Pop-up museum.
* Bike decorating and parade for kids and families.
