SEPTEMBER
The New Westminster Chamber of Commerce, the Queen’s Park Residents’ Association and Royal City Youth Soccer come out in support of the pro soccer plan being proposed in New West. Council ultimately decides to take a pass on the Whitecaps plan, saying it would be too costly for the city.
Thousands of people head to downtown New Westminster to check out the city’s new $40-million civic centre. The city’s official grand opening of Anvil Centre on Sept. 14 features entertainment and tours.
Students in New Westminster – and around the province – get an extended summer vacation after a strike by B.C. teachers. Mediator Vince Ready eventually helps the two sides reach a deal that results in classes resuming provincewide.
New Westminster approves plans to demolish a portion of the Front Street parkade early in 2015. The plan approved by council will see Front Street closed to traffic for eight weeks while the western side of the parkade is demolished.
B.C.’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team takes over a murder investigation after a man is found dead at a home in the 1100 block of Nanaimo Street on Sept. 16. The victim, Jason Collet, was working as an addictions support worker at the Last Door Recovery Society’s adult program facility on Eighth Street. The home where he was killed is a second-stage home where clients who have completed the recovery program stay until they can get back on their feet.
New Westminster’s newest school – Ecole Qayqayt Elementary – opens on the former Saint Mary’s Hospital site. The opening marks the beginning of the first of three new schools planned for New Westminster.
