Federal officials dropped by the Royal City this week to check on the progress of local projects that have received federal funding.
Lynne Yelich, minister of state for Western economic diversification, visited the Westminster Pier Park construction site on New Westminster's waterfront on Wednesday and then viewed the new Youth Centre at Moody Park.
"I am very pleased to see these two successful projects that were supported by our government," she said in a press release. "Investments such as these are putting Canadians to work and promoting greater use of recreational facilities by New Westminster residents of all ages."
Accompanied by Senator Yonah Martin, Yelich got a bird's eye view of the progress being made on Westminster Pier Park from the Front Street parkade. The park, which will be about 10 acres in size, is scheduled to open this fall
The City of New Westminster purchased the brownfield site in 2009 for $8 million. Construction of the new $25.1 million park was made possible because of the $16.6 million in infrastructure funding through the Canada-British Columbia Building Canada Fund.
"We were very pleased to have Minister Yelich with us in New Westminster today to tour these great projects," said Mayor Wayne Wright. "Working with our partners at both the federal and provincial government level, we're making investments that will improve our city - and the lives of residents - for years to come."
The Canada-British Columbia Building Canada Fund is a federal-provincial program. Program funding is contingent on the successful completion of a federal environmental assessment under the
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
The City of New Westminster website now includes a webcam that looks out over the Westminster Pier Park construction site so residents can watch the park take shape.
The park, which will be located on the waterfront between Sixth and Elliott streets, will include a 600-metre boardwalk that connects to the existing Quayside esplanade, pathways, a large gathering space, a building that includes a concession and washrooms, grassy areas, lookout points and bridges that provide views of the water, an elevated viewing area where people can see the mighty Fraser, and two children's playgrounds.
In addition to Westminster Pier Park, the City of New Westminster also received federal funding for the new $3 million youth centre.
The federal Recreational Infrastructure Canada program has invested $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period.
The 4,000-square-foot youth centre opened in Moody Park in September 2010 adjacent to Century House.
In addition to providing a place where youth can gather and connect, the federal government also liked the fact that its proximity to the seniors centre would provide opportunities for inter-generational recreation programming.
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