A month after fire gutted two of the most prominent heritage buildings on Columbia Street, the community continues to rally around downtown businesses.
The E.L. Lewis Block and the Hamley Block were destroyed in an Oct. 10 fire in downtown New Westminster. In addition to 23 businesses located in the two buildings destroyed by the fire, an additional 25 were impacted by issues such as smoke and soot damage.
“A month later, everyone who was impacted but still standing has now reopened. That is great news,” said Kendra Johnston, executive director of the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Area. “Several others whose businesses were lost have relocated within New West.”
Johnston said business owners have been moving at their own pace, and most are now in a position to start making decisions again.
“It can be very overwhelming,” she said. “Even if you are prepared in terms of insurance and backing up your files off site and those things, you are not prepared emotionally for something like this, and having to make some of the decision you need to make. Some of those businesses haven’t made decisions yet about whether they will be reopening. All in their own time. We are just trying to support them in whatever stage they are at.”
Royal City residents and businesses continue to show their support for businesses devastated by the fire.
“Both the chamber and the BIA still have lists – huge lists – of people who have offered help and resources in all kinds of ways, that we are still putting out there for people” Johnston said. “There’s a ton of fundraisers coming up. I believe the Columbia Theatre is planning on putting on a big fundraiser.”
Johnston said it’s anticipated that a number of fundraisers will be taking place in the next few months.
“I know the chamber has formed a committee to receive those funds and figure out criteria for dispersing funds,” she said. “There’s still lots in the works.”
The New Westminster Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Westminster Savings to set up a downtown New Westminster fire relief fund to help businesses affected by the fire. Donations can be deposited into account #452538201 at any branch of Westminster Savings, and a committee will determine how the funds will be dispersed.
Fit on 6th held a We’ve Got Your Back exercise marathon on Nov. 3 to raise money for the fire relief fund. The event raised $3,350, exceeding owner Tamer Young’s goal of $3,000.
“The silent auction made $915, and $2,435 were donations from participants and citizens of New West,” she said in an email to The Record. “I couldn't be more pleased. It was a lot of work, and I couldn't have done it without Kim Nicholls of New West Cycle. She was a godsend.”
Young challenges anyone with the facility or means to also do a fundraiser. “It is so gratifying, and the people of New West really want to help,” she said.
Diane Haynes is holding a workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 12 about the healing power of storytelling. Guests will hear presentations by three writer-artists and then attend a mini writing workshop with the presenter of their choice.
The event is free, but donations are being accepted to help New Westminster businesses impacted by the fire. For more information, visit www.royalcitywriters.ca.
B2B Now - New West, a networking group of small business entrepreneurs in New Westminster, is also working on a fundraising initiative.
“The B2B group is looking at putting together some shopping bags that will be a support shopping local theme in homage to the businesses that were lost,” Johnston said. “They are going to be dispersing those to be sold, with all funds going into that fire relief fund.”
In October, Greens and Beans Deli in Sapperton raised $1,100 at a soup fundraiser.
Johnston thanks everyone for their support and encourages them to continue supporting downtown New Westminster and shopping at businesses in the area, including those that have reopened after spending so much time and effort rebuilding and repairing damages.
