The Hyack Anvil Battery will once again be making noise in Queen’s Park on Victoria Day.
The Ancient and Honourable Hyack Anvil Battery will offer a “21 gun” salute to the current sovereign and to the memory of Queen Victoria (who named New Westminster) on May 19. The tradition has been taking place since the late 1800s.
While the anvil battery is prepared to sound its salute on Victoria Day, it needs the city’s help to make it happen. In past years, the Hyack Festival Association has taken care of some of the planning and setup needs associated with the salute.
In a letter to council, the Hyack Anvil Battery requested funds to help with a number of things it hasn’t had to pay for in the past.
Council has approved a grant of up to $1,700 to fund the requested items, with the city providing the money when receipts are provided.
Dean Gibson, the city’s director of parks, culture and recreation, said the total cost for the Victoria Day salute is about $1,700, which includes money for tents, a sound system, an honorarium for the Royal Westminster Regimental Band and attendance by St. John Ambulance. In addition, he said the city provides an in-kind contribution that goes towards the podium, chairs and plants.
In past years, Gibson said the Hyack Festival Association has undertaken planning for this event on behalf of the Hyack Anvil Battery and has arranged for supplies to be delivered and set up in Queen’s Park.
