New Westminster, Canada

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New Westminster, Canada

Region: British Columbia

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Geographic Coordinates: 49.206900, -122.911000

Climate: Climate and weather patterns in New Westminster, Canada vary throughout the year.

Population: 70996

Language: English

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New Westminster, Canada, Is a vibrant and historic city located in the province of British Columbia. Situated on the banks of the Fraser River, It is just a short drive from downtown Vancouver. Known as The Royal City, New Westminster has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1858 as the first capital of British Columbia. One of the most notable features of New Westminster is its stunning waterfront. The riverfront offers breathtaking views and a picturesque setting for leisurely walks or bike rides along the boardwalk.

The Quay, An iconic landmark in town, Is home to an array of shops, Restaurants, And a bustling farmers market where locals gather to enjoy fresh produce and artisanal goods. History buffs will find plenty to explore in New Westminster. The city’s downtown area boasts well-preserved heritage buildings that showcase its Victorian charm. Among these architectural gems is Irving House – an elegant mansion turned museum that provides visitors with insight into life during the late 1800s. Another must-visit attraction is Queen’s Park – a sprawling urban park that offers something for everyone.

Here you can find beautifully manicured gardens, Sports fields, Playgrounds for children, And even an outdoor pool for those hot summer days. This park also hosts various events throughout the year such as live music concerts and cultural festivals. For art enthusiasts, New Westminster has several galleries showcasing local talent as well as touring exhibitions. The Anvil Centre stands out among them with its contemporary art displays and interactive exhibits focused on science and technology. Food lovers will be delighted by New Westminster’s diverse culinary scene.

With numerous restaurants offering international cuisines alongside farm-to-table dining experiences using locally sourced ingredients; there are options to satisfy any palate or dietary preference. transportation options make it easy to navigate around this charming city. The SkyTrain connects New Westminster with other parts of Metro Vancouver while local buses provide convenient access within town itself. New Westminster is a city that seamlessly blends history with modern amenities. Its stunning waterfront, Preserved heritage buildings, Beautiful parks, Vibrant arts scene, And diverse culinary offerings make it an attractive destination for visitors from near and far.

Whether you are interested in exploring the past, Enjoying outdoor activities, Or immersing yourself in arts and culture – New Westminster has something to offer everyone.

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1. Westminster Quay: A vibrant waterfront area with a boardwalk, market stalls, restaurants, and stunning views of the Fraser River.
2. Queen’s Park: A beautiful park with gardens, walking trails, sports fields, a petting zoo, and a playground.
3. Irving House: A heritage house museum that provides insight into life in the 1860s through guided tours and exhibits.
4. New Westminster Museum & Archives: Located inside Anvil Centre, this museum showcases the history and culture of New Westminster through interactive exhibits.
5. Samson V Maritime Museum: Housed in an old ferryboat called Samson V, this museum offers visitors a chance to explore maritime artifacts and learn about local history.
6. Massey Theatre: A historic performing arts venue that hosts various concerts, plays, dance performances throughout the year.
7. Fraser River Discovery Centre: This interpretive center educates visitors about the ecological significance of the Fraser River through interactive exhibits and displays.
8. Columbia Street Historic District: The city’s main street is lined with heritage buildings housing shops, restaurants, cafes while retaining its historical charm.
9. Douglas College – Performing Arts Theatre & Laura C Muir Performing Arts Theatre at NWSS (New Westminster Secondary School): These venues host various cultural events including theater performances and musical concerts.
10. Moody Park Arena & Canada Games Pool Complex: These recreational facilities offer ice skating rinks as well as swimming pools for public use.

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1. Manufacturing: New Westminster has a significant manufacturing sector with companies involved in various industries such as aerospace, food processing, metal fabrication, and electronics.
2. Healthcare: The city is home to several healthcare facilities including Royal Columbian Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals in British Columbia.
3. Education: New Westminster has a strong education sector with multiple schools and institutions offering primary, secondary, and post-secondary education.
4. Retail: The city has a vibrant retail sector with numerous shops, boutiques, malls, and supermarkets catering to the needs of residents.
5. Technology: There is an emerging technology industry in New Westminster with companies specializing in software development, IT services, and digital marketing.
6. Tourism and Hospitality: New Westminster attracts tourists due to its rich history and heritage sites such as the historic downtown area known as The Royal City. This has led to the growth of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and other hospitality-related businesses.
7. Film Industry: The city has become increasingly popular for film production due to its scenic locations and proximity to Vancouver’s thriving film industry. Several television shows and movies have been filmed in New Westminster.
8. Transportation/Logistics: Being strategically located on the Fraser River with access to major highways like Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) makes it an important transportation hub for goods movement between Vancouver and other parts of British Columbia.
9. Real Estate Development/Construction: With its proximity to Vancouver’s metropolitan area along with ongoing urban revitalization efforts by the city government; there are several real estate development projects happening in New Westminster leading to construction activities across residential/commercial sectors.
10. Professional Services: Various professional service providers such as law firms, accounting firms, consulting agencies, and financial institutions operate within the city.

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive but provides an overview of the major industries and businesses in New Westminster.

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1. Founding of New Westminster: In 1859, Queen Victoria chose the site for the capital of the Colony of British Columbia, and New Westminster was established as its capital city.
2. Cariboo Gold Rush: The discovery of gold in the Cariboo region in 1861 led to a significant influx of prospectors through New Westminster. The city became an important supply center for those heading to the goldfields.
3. Royal City Archers: Established in 1876, Royal City Archers is one of North America’s oldest continuously operating archery clubs and has played a crucial role in promoting archery as a sport.
4. First Public Library: In 1890, New Westminster opened its first public library, making it one of the earliest libraries established in Western Canada.
5. Irving House: Built-in 1865 by Captain William Irving, this historic house now serves as a museum showcasing Victorian-era artifacts and offering insights into early settlement life.
6. Samson V Steam-powered Sternwheeler: The Samson V is an iconic steam-powered sternwheeler that operated on Fraser River from 1937 to 1980s. It now serves as a floating museum at New Westminster Quay.
7. Douglas College: Founded in 1970, Douglas College is an acclaimed post-secondary institution located in New Westminster that offers various academic programs.
8. Notable People:
   • Judge Matthew Baillie Begbie (1819-1894): Known as The Hanging Judge, Begbie was British Columbia’s first Chief Justice.
   • Raymond Burr (1917-1993): A renowned actor known for his roles in TV shows like Perry Mason and Ironside, Burr was born in New Westminster.
   • Diana Krall: A Grammy-winning jazz pianist and singer, Krall was born and raised in New Westminster.
   • Bob Lenarduzzi: A former professional soccer player and coach, Lenarduzzi was born in New Westminster and played for the Canadian national team.

These are just a few examples of the historical events and notable individuals associated with New Westminster, Canada. The city has a vibrant history that continues to shape its identity.

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1. New Westminster Museum and Archives: This museum showcases the history and heritage of New Westminster through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
2. Irving House Historic Centre: A beautifully restored Victorian-era home that offers a glimpse into the city’s past. Visitors can explore the house’s original furnishings, gardens, and learn about its significance in local history.
3. Fraser River Discovery Centre: Located along the banks of the Fraser River, this center provides an immersive experience about the river’s ecosystem, wildlife, and cultural importance to the region.
4. Anvil Centre: This contemporary arts center features rotating exhibitions of visual arts, performances, workshops, and events that celebrate local talent as well as international artists.
5. Queens Park: A picturesque park with beautiful gardens, sports fields, playgrounds for children, picnic areas, and walking trails. The park is also home to many historic monuments such as Queen Victoria Fountain and a WWI Cenotaph.
6. Samson V Maritime Museum: Housed inside an old steam-powered sternwheeler boat called Samson V (a National Historic Site), this museum offers insights into British Columbia’s maritime history with exhibits on navigation tools used in early river transportation.
7. Westminster Pier Park: Located along the waterfront of Fraser River with stunning views of downtown Vancouver skyline; it offers walking paths along with recreational activities like basketball courts or beach volleyball courts.
8. Massey Theatre: A historic performing arts venue that hosts various concerts including music shows or theatrical performances throughout the year.
9. Royal City Farmers Market (Seasonal): Held every summer at Tipperary Park; it showcases locally grown produce from nearby farms alongside artisanal products from local vendors creating a vibrant community atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
10. Queen’s Park Arena & Stadium Complex – Home to several sports facilities including an ice rink for skating enthusiasts or hockey games; it also has tennis courts available for public use.

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1. New Westminster Salmonbellies (Lacrosse):

   • The New Westminster Salmonbellies are one of the oldest lacrosse teams in Canada, founded in 1889.
   • They have won 24 Mann Cup championships, which is awarded to the top senior men’s lacrosse team in Canada.
   • The team has a strong fan base and continues to be a prominent force in Canadian lacrosse.

2. New Westminster Bruins (Ice Hockey):

   • The New Westminster Bruins were part of the Western Hockey League (WHL) from 1971 to 1981.
   • They won two Memorial Cup championships during their existence: in 1977 and 1978.
   • Many notable NHL players such as Mark Howe, Stan Smyl, and Cliff Ronning played for the Bruins.

3. Royal City Hyacks (Football):

   • The Royal City Hyacks represent New Westminster High School and participate in high school football competitions.
   • The team has a long-standing tradition and success on both provincial and national levels.
   • They have won multiple provincial championships throughout their history.

4. Douglas College Royals (Basketball & Soccer):

   • Douglas College is located in New Westminster and fields competitive basketball and soccer teams known as the Royals.
   • Both men’s and women’s basketball teams have had successful seasons over the years competing at regional college levels.

5. Fraser Valley Bandits (Basketball):

   • While not directly based solely out of New Westminster but rather representing Fraser Valley region which includes cities like Abbotsford, Chilliwack etc., they do play home games at Abbotsford Centre which is close by to New Westminster.
   • The Fraser Valley Bandits compete as part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), a professional basketball league in Canada.
   • The team was established in 2019 and has quickly gained popularity in the region.

These are just a few examples of sports teams and their histories in New Westminster, Canada. The city has a diverse sporting culture with many other teams representing various sports at different levels.

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1. Hyack Festival: This is an annual festival held in May, featuring parades, live music performances, carnival rides, and various community activities.
2. Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest: Held in July on Columbia Street, this festival brings together a wide variety of food trucks serving delicious cuisine from around the world.
3. Royal City Show & Shine: This event takes place in July and showcases classic cars and motorcycles from different eras. Attendees can enjoy live music, food vendors, and explore the beautiful vehicles on display.
4. Sapperton Day Street Festival: Celebrated in June along East Columbia Street, this festival offers live entertainment, local vendors selling crafts and goods, children’s activities like face painting and bouncy castles.
5. New West Pride Week: Held annually in August to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride with a week-long series of events including parades, parties, film screenings, and workshops promoting inclusivity.
6. Cultural Crawl: Organized by the Arts Council of New Westminster each August or September; it provides an opportunity for residents to tour local artists’ studios showcasing their work across various mediums such as painting or sculpture.
7. Moon Festival: Celebrated during the autumn season (September/October) at Pier Park; it features lantern displays along with traditional Chinese performances like dragon dances to mark the harvest moon.
8. Winter Celebrations at Anvil Centre Plaza: During December-January period; visitors can enjoy ice skating on a temporary rink while being surrounded by festive lights and decorations.

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1. Wild Rice: This restaurant specializes in modern Chinese cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They offer dishes like dim sum, noodles, and creative fusion dishes.
2. The Terminal Pub: Located in the historic train station building, The Terminal Pub is known for its pub-style food and craft beer selection. It’s a great spot to enjoy classic pub fare like burgers, fish and chips, or wings.
3. Piva Modern Italian: Piva is an upscale Italian restaurant offering a contemporary twist on traditional Italian dishes. Their menu includes wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, seafood specialties, and an extensive wine list.
4. Angelina’s Restaurant: A family-run establishment since 1988, Angelina’s serves hearty comfort food with Greek influences. Their menu features souvlaki platters, moussaka (eggplant casserole), spanakopita (spinach pie), and other Mediterranean classics.
5. El Santo: This Mexican restaurant combines traditional Mexican flavors with modern techniques to create innovative dishes inspired by regional Mexican cuisine. El Santo offers tacos filled with various meats or vegetables as well as unique cocktails.
6. Re-Up BBQ: For barbecue enthusiasts, Re-Up BBQ is the place to go in New Westminster! They specialize in slow-cooked meats like pulled pork sandwiches or beef brisket served with delicious sides such as macaroni and cheese or coleslaw.
7. Longtail Kitchen: Longtail Kitchen serves authentic Thai street food prepared by renowned chef Angus An who focuses on bold flavors using high-quality ingredients from local suppliers.

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1. Queen’s Park: This large park offers various amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, a spray park, and walking trails.
2. Moody Park: Located in the heart of the city, Moody Park features sports fields, a pool and fitness center (Moody Park Arena), playgrounds, tennis courts, and an outdoor basketball court.
3. Pier Park: Situated along the Fraser River waterfront, Pier Park offers beautiful views of the river and downtown Vancouver. It includes a boardwalk for walking or cycling along the riverfront as well as picnic areas.
4. Glenbrook Ravine Park: This natural park features walking trails through a forested ravine with a creek running through it. It is perfect for nature walks or jogging.
5. Hume Park: Hume Park provides open green spaces for picnicking or playing sports like soccer or baseball. It also has an outdoor swimming pool during summer months.
6. Sapperton Landing Park: With its riverside location near Sapperton SkyTrain Station, this park offers scenic views of the Fraser River along with picnic areas and benches to relax.
7. Queensborough Community Centre & Port Royal Community Garden: The community center hosts various recreational programs while the adjacent community garden allows residents to grow their own produce.
8. Canada Games Pool & Centennial Community Centre: These facilities offer swimming pools (including slides), fitness classes/gyms/sports courts for all ages to enjoy year-round activities.

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