As Royal City residents gather on Nov. 11 to remember the men and women who have fought for our freedom they are likely to notice an added police presence at the ceremonies.
In light of recent events in Ottawa and Montreal, the New Westminster Police Department is preparing extra precautions for the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies at the armouries, Queens Avenue United Church and the cenotaph.
“While no specific threat has been identified towards New Westminster, we are working with the B.C. RCMP and our other municipal law enforcement partners to develop a coordinated plan to ensure operational preparedness and the safety of our citizens,” Chief Const. Dave Jones said in media release.
Earlier this week, the City of New Westminster had informed local media the live broadcast of the ceremony, which happens each year at Queens Avenue United Church, had been cancelled. However, on Thursday, staff announced the event was back on and would continue as it had in past years.
“We’ve reviewed the site plans and we are back on again,” Ruby Campbell, community projects coordinator, told The Record. “Queens Avenue United Church will be open for the overflow.”
Campbell said after further discussion with the top brass at the New Westminster Police Department, it was determined the overflow event could proceed as usual.
“We’ve been advised by the New Westminster Police Department that it’s capable, it’s totally feasible,” she added.
While both the amouries and overflow events are proceeding as normal, there will be an added police presence at the events, as well as extra precautions taken to ensure the public’s safety, according to the New Westminster police.
As to exactly what extra precautions will be put into place, the police wouldn’t go into detail.
“Respectfully, for officer and public safety reasons it would be irresponsible to discuss security measures. We, along with our law enforcement partners, are continually assessing potential threats and adjusting our security needs accordingly,” Jones said in the release.
The Remembrance Day ceremony begins at 10 a.m. in the Royal Westminster Regiment Armouries. People are asked to be seated in the Armouries by 9:30 a.m. as the doors will be closed at 9:45 a.m.
Following the ceremony, at about 10:40 a.m., there will be a procession to the cenotaph in front of city hall where two-minutes of silence will be observed at 11 a.m., followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
For more information on Remembrance Day events, visit www.newwestcity.ca.
