Opened to the public on June 16th, 2012, Westminster Pier Park connects people to their community, their environment, and their history. The Park is the result of a goal set by the City to revitalize the industrial waterfront by creating an urban park that connects to the City’s historic downtown core; it is also a key component in “Experience the Fraser” initiative, which connects the Salish Sea to Hope along a series of riverfront trails. An award-winning “brownfield” remediation and development site, Westminster Pier Park offers space for the public, businesses, and tourists to connect and engage.
Success Story Snapshot
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Energy Savings / GHG Reductions: The City estimates that with parkland rezoning, about 1,800 tonnes of GHG’s will be avoided annually= 135,000 tonnes over the park’s estimated 75-year lifespan. |
Business case: Local economic benefits are estimated at $70 million; this includes the attraction of new business to the area. |
Co-benefits: Park land promotes a healthy, family-friendly social environment while replacing contaminated or potentially hazardous land. In addition, less concrete means decreased run-off and more water absorption. |
Total project cost: The total budget for the project was estimated at 33M Budget; $25.1M for projected construction costs and $8M for land purchase. Two-thirds of the park construction was funded by grants.
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Project Summary
The New Westminster Pier Park area of 3.6 hectares had once been the hub for shipping, commercial and heavy industrial uses. As part of the City’s plan to revitalize the downtown core, the park was purchased, remediated and rezoned as parkland. Opened to the public on June 16th, 2012, it will contribute to increasing the vibrancy of New Westminster’s downtown district by providing new spaces for festivals and outdoor events, and walkable connections along the city’s waterfront and downtown neighbourhoods. The City anticipates that these amenities will improve investment, tourism, residential and commercial development, and employment.