New Westminster Council Considers Revitalization Plan for Pier Park
New Westminster City Council is preparing to vote on a pilot project aimed at revitalizing the city’s most prominent waterfront park, following extensive damage caused by vandals. The initiative comes in response to nearly half a million dollars in damages to the area, which has led to significant concerns about safety and accessibility.
A portion of Westminster Pier Park has been inaccessible for over three years due to an ongoing development site, disrupting the continuous riverfront esplanade. This closure has not only reduced the number of visitors but also created an environment where unsavoury activities have taken place. According to New Westminster Coun. Daniel Fontaine, the isolated section of the park has become a gathering spot for individuals engaging in drinking and partying, raising serious concerns about public safety.
Fontaine highlighted several issues affecting the park, including the closure of public bathrooms, discarded needles in the toilets, and substantial damage to the facilities. Additionally, the children’s playground was off-limits for extended periods due to damage sustained to the area. He emphasized the importance of keeping the park accessible for families, especially given the limited green space available in the downtown area.
A recent staff report indicates that the total cost of damage to the bathrooms, playground, and elevators reached $458,000 during the 2024-2025 period. However, there is hope for improvement as the riverfront esplanade connecting the River Market to the west end of the park recently reopened. The entire park is expected to be fully accessible to the public by the end of the summer.
To address these challenges, the city is proposing a $419,000 pilot project designed to revitalize the area. The plan focuses on attracting more visitors, enhancing maintenance efforts, and increasing the presence of city staff to deter problematic behavior. A significant portion of the funding will be allocated to hiring new park liaison officers, who will work alongside private security to ensure the park remains safe and welcoming.
Fontaine explained that the initiative includes increased foot patrols and additional police presence, particularly during nighttime hours when much of the damage occurs. “There’s going to be more 24-7 coverage,” he said, highlighting the need for consistent monitoring to prevent future incidents.
In addition to enhanced security, the plan allocates $30,000 to boost maintenance services, including more frequent cleaning of the bathrooms. An additional $71,000 is earmarked for organizing events and festivals to draw more people to the park. These efforts aim to transform the space into a vibrant community hub.
New Westminster Coun. Paul Minhas praised the initiative, calling the park a “jewel” of the city. He noted that the park attracts visitors from across the Lower Mainland and expressed optimism about its future. “Making sure that people feel safe is one of our key priorities right now,” he added.
Funding for the revitalization plan will come from reallocating resources within existing city budgets. The proposed measures reflect a commitment to restoring the park’s value and ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming space for all residents.
