Westminster Pier Park named recipient of 2013 Downtown Pinnacle Award by the International Downtown Association
New Westminster, BC – The City of New Westminster has received a 2013 Downtown Pinnacle Award for the development of Westminster Pier Park. The Pinnacle Award was presented at the International Downtown Association (IDA) annual conference in New York City earlier today.
“Once again, Westminster Pier Park has been recognized as an award-winning project and valuable community asset,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “Providing a unique space where residents and visitors alike can walk, play, connect with one another or simply enjoy the river is part of an overall vision for our downtown that is re-energizing this historic part of our city.”
Westminster Pier Park was among 24 qualified entries for a Pinnacle Award in the category of Public Space. This category recognizes capital improvements that enhance the urban design, physical function, or economic viability of the downtown and the community.
“Each year the IDA Awards Jury honours the very best programs and projects in each category to recognize great work and, most importantly, to set the standard for best practice in our industry,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “Westminster Pier Park is a wonderful example for downtowns to emulate.”
Representatives of the New Westminster Downtown Business Improvement Association attending the IDA conference were on hand to accept the Pinnacle Award on the City’s behalf.
“When we learned that the City of New Westminster was being recognized with another award for Westminster Pier Park at the conference we were attending we didn’t hesitate to accept the offer to participate,” said Kendra Johnston, New Westminster BIA Executive Director. “A lot of work is underway to revitalize our downtown and make it a place for businesses and residents to thrive. Westminster Pier Park is a big part of that.”
The Washington, DC based International Downtown Association is a champion for vital and livable urban centres and strives to inform, influence and inspire downtown leaders and advocates. With 550 members and thousands of friends, IDA is a guiding force in creating healthy and dynamic centres that anchor the well-being of towns, cities and regions.
Westminster Pier Park was opened in June 2012 and has garnered several awards since then including a 2012 Environmental Award from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators, a Sustainable Communities Award from the Canadian Federation of Municipalities and a Brownie Award from the Canadian Urban Institute for Sustainable Remediation Technologies. More than $16.6 million in funding was provided by the Government of Canada and BC Government through the Building Canada Fund to build Westminster Pier Park. The City of New Westminster contributed $8.3 million towards project construction.
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Contact:
Blair Fryer
Communications and Economic Development Manager, City of New Westminster