Today we would like to remind you of two anniversaries - one marking 10 years and the other 25 years, and both come up next week. These are recent history, but both are important. One was of greater importance to the entire region and province as a whole, while the other had a much greater local influence while having broader implications.
The 10-year anniversary first: On Oct. 14, 2001, a very large group gathered near the Fraser River to officially open a new park that has now matured to a point where people are frequently amazed to learn that it is only 10 years old. For many residents it feels like this riverfront park has always been here - we refer, of course, to Sapperton Landing Park.
Leading the speakers on that opening day was then-mayor Helen Sparkes who pointed out several historical connections to the area and noted that much of the park land was new, saying "One hundred and forty-two years of the history of New Westminster have brought us to this time and place, where we stand on new soil where no soil has been before; where we look at the river that has been here forever; and we gaze in wonder at trees and plants that look like they too have been here forever, but in fact, are as new as the soil in which they grow."
Thanked for their cooperation with the city in creating the park area that was part of the BrunetteFraser Regional Greenway were Rapid Transit 2000 Ltd., TransLink and the GVRD. Ten years later, Sapperton Landing Park is a well-used green space with incredible views and closeness to the river.
This was the second large waterfront area in New Westminster to be "reclaimed" for public use, as it followed by a decade and a half the first major waterfront changes in the 1980s at Westminster Quay and downriver. In early 2012 another portion of the waterfront, in the form of Westminster Pier Park, will join this growing list of public amenities that now includes riverfront areas in Queensborough and soon, an area opposite Poplar Island.
The 25-year anniversary marks the closing on Oct. 13, 1986 of Expo 86 after a marvellous run from May of that year. The fair surpassed all expectations, was tremendously successful and influenced the province in many positive ways over the ensuing decades. For many people who had enjoyed the exposition, this closing day was very sad as it brought to a close an event that had been a big part of their lives for many months. A recent presentation on Expo 86 was well attended, with most in the audience reminiscing about favourite exhibits, rides, special events, places to eat and so on.
Two "not too old" anniversaries - both with interesting impact on our community.
