New Westminster – The City of New Westminster has always bustled with activity during Hyack Festival in May and 2009 is no exception. As the Royal City celebrates our 150th anniversary throughout the year, May 23rd is shaping up to be a very exciting day.

Traditionally, events during Hyack Parade Day have been held at City Hall. This year, however, following the parade, residents are invited to travel to Queen’s Park to participate in a once in a lifetime event, as the New Westminster Police Service holds its consecration of the colours ceremony.

Ceremonial flags, also known as Colours, are a military and police unit’s most prized possession and are treated with reverence and respect. Prior to being presented, the Colours must be consecrated – a distinction that happens only once in a unit’s history. This year, in honour of the City’s 150th anniversary, the New Westminster Police Service will have their newly developed ceremonial flag consecrated by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia on May 23rd at 3pm in Queen’s Park Arena.

“This is a historic event in our city’s history and one that we all can take pride in,” said Wayne Wright, Mayor of New Westminster and Chair of the New Westminster Police Board. “I invite everyone to witness the pomp and ceremony and be a part of this very special occasion – perhaps the only opportunity to attend a police colour consecration in the province.”

The colour consecration at Queen’s Park and other Hyack events at City Hall have necessitated a change to another New Westminster tradition – the City Hall Open House. This popular event will be re-scheduled to coincide with the 150th Celebration Heritage Picnic on the front lawn of City Hall on Saturday, July 25, 2009 .

“The City Hall Open House is a day that our staff and hundreds of Royal City residents look forward to each year,” said Wright. “While the date has changed for 2009, the event will still be full of fun for the whole family. Mark July 25th in your calendars because the Heritage Picnic and City Hall Open House is another event not to be missed.”

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Contact:

Blair Fryer, Communications Manager
Tel: 604-527-4688
Email: bfryer@newwestcity.ca