Sapperton is a neighbourhood rich in history and strong with community connections, with all the hallmarks of a village and a distinct identity to match.
From the block parties with neighbours, to the walkable tree-lined streets and the downtown feel along East Columbia, the developing Brewery District and the busy hospital hub, there’s a sense that Sapperton is a town within the city.
Sapperton is nestled in the northeast corner of New Westminster, flush with Coquitlam and Burnaby, and bordered by McBride Boulevard on the west, East Eighth Avenue to the north, and Brunette Avenue and East Columbia Street in the southeast. Sapperton descends from Massey Victory Heights down to the Fraser, and offers views of the river, Mount Baker and the Coast Mountains.
East Columbia is the main retail strip, where you can get a tattoo, learn martial arts, brew your own beer or have Thai for lunch. Cap’s Bicycle Shop is a landmark in the neighbourhood; the family-owned business has been in Sapperton since 1932. Gino’s Restaurant, another family-run business, has been in the neighbourhood for decades and is popular among locals, as is Greens and Beans Deli, where the money in the tip jar is donated to various local causes.
The City of New Westminster has spent millions over the years to improve Sapperton’s business area, mainly developing the roadways and sidewalks and installing new streetlights. The Wesgroup development company is building up the Brewery District, site of the old Labatt brewery, right next door to Sapperton SkyTrain station. Wesgroup’s vision for the site is a mix of office space, condos and retail shops, and the project should be done in approximately seven years. The newest building has already drawn some big tenants, like TransLink, Coast Mountain Bus Company and the Transit Police. Browns Socialhouse, a hip restaurant chain, recently opened in the complex.
Just north of the Brewery District is Royal Columbian Hospital, which has been in Sapperton since the late 1880s. The hospital now sees an average of 66,000 emergency visits per year and offers high-level trauma care. Royal Columbian is a major employer for the neighbourhood (and beyond), but with high numbers of staff and visitors come parking problems for local residents.
On the neighbourhood’s north side is Hume Park, a family-friendly area with playgrounds, a picnic area and a water park.
And of course, there’s the Sapperton Day Street Festival, an annual celebration run by local volunteers that draws thousands and raises money for the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation.
Like many New West neighbourhoods, Sapperton has its traffic problems, with trucks rumbling along Braid Street and East Eighth Avenue.
But the recurring theme Sapperton residents talk about when describing their neighbourhood is the sense of connection.
It’s a place where you know your neighbours, share goodies from the garden and help out when they need it. People take care of each other and stay in touch.Sapperton is a place you can call home.
