Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification tours New Westminster projects

New Westminster, BC – The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, was in New Westminster today to tour two of several local projects that have received federal funding. The Minister visited the Westminster Pier Park construction site along the City’s waterfront and then travelled to the new Youth Centre at Moody Park to view that facility.

“I am very pleased to see these two successful projects that were supported by our government,” said Minister Yelich. “Investments such as these are putting Canadians to work and promoting greater use of recreational facilities by New Westminster residents of all ages.”

Constructed at a cost of $2.75 million and opened in September 2010, the Youth Centre at Moody Park is located adjacent to Century House, New Westminster’s recreation facility geared towards the city’s older adult population. The new 4000 square foot youth centre provides a safe, secure environment for youth to gather and connect with each other while the location allows for inter-generational recreation programming opportunities that foster mutual, trust and understanding between local youth and seniors.

Currently under construction and scheduled to open this Fall, Westminster Pier Park is destined to become the latest jewel in the Royal City’s crown. The approximately 10 acre park will take advantage of its waterfront location along the Fraser River, providing recreation and relaxation opportunities for residents and visitors to New Westminster alike. Construction of the new $25.1 million park was made possible thanks to $16.6 million in infrastructure funding through the Canada-British Columbia Building Canada Fund – Communities Component.

“We were very pleased to have Minister Yelich with us in New Westminster today to tour these great projects,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “Working with our partners at both the federal and provincial government level, we’re making investments that will improve our city – and the lives of residents – for years to come.”

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program invested $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period.

The Canada-British Columbia Building Canada Fund – Communities Component is a federal-provincial program that addresses the unique infrastructure needs of both rural and urban communities with populations of less than 100,000. Program funding is contingent on the successful completion of a federal Environmental Assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

Through this unprecedented Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Federal Government is providing long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada supports a stronger, safer and better country.

Since October 2008, over $5.6 billion has been committed by the province to over 900 infrastructure projects in British Columbia, which are estimated to create more than 36,000 jobs over the life of the projects.

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Contact: Jerra Byrne, Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State - Western Economic Diversification
613-954-8097

Blair Fryer, Communications Manager
City of New Westminster
604-527-4688 or