Dear Editor:
Tragedy paid a visit to New Westminster in the early hours of Thursday, Oct. 10 in the form of a ferocious fire.
Even as those directly affected struggle against the depth of loss this represents and its terrible weight takes hold of their hearts, we are all strangely uplifted at the same time. It is the immediate response of our city officials and its citizens that will remain with us long after the ashes have blown over the Fraser.
Not since 1898 have we seen flames in the Royal City so bent upon destroying everything in its path, yet our firefighters, reinforced with others from Burnaby and Delta, set their skills and will against the blackening threat. Their heroic resolve prevented greater advance of the devastating damage and heartbreak.
Our city’s police, electrical and operations teams sprang into action, together with Fortis Gas, to head off the unique challenges that only a 100-year heritage site can deliver.
Environmental health officials had the unhappy task of asking surrounding businesses to surrender and close their doors for the sake of public safety.
As businesses burned, our mayor held out his hands, spoke with owners and endeavoured to determine locations of recoverable property, once fire conditions made retrieval possible. Surrounding businesses, the Downtown New West BIA and New Westminster Chamber of Commerce quickly responded with offers of satellite space for fire victims. The story continues to unfold with neighbour tenants extending help to those directly impacted, as the investigation moves forward and the ashes settle.
Such is the spirit of the oldest city in Western Canada. As much as things change, the best remains. A terrible destructive force was unleashed, yet the mysteries of nature have been subdued by the certainty of good people.
With Thanksgiving so close in mind, we are fortunate indeed to count all these folks among our blessings.
Louisa Lundy and Vic Leach, New Westminster
