City of New Westminster to install commemorative bricks in Hyack Square

New Westminster – The City of New Westminster will be installing commemorative bricks in Hyack Square. The bricks will be installed in two diagonal lines to reference the historic BC Electric Railway building and the former Canadian Pacific Railway station that were located beside Hyack Square. 

“Hyack Square belongs to New Westminster,” said New Westminster Councillor Lorrie Williams. “This site has been significant to our military, commercial, and transportation history and is an ideal place for an installation of commemorative bricks. The public is invited to celebrate a life event or honor a special person, occasion, or memory with a commemorative brick placed in Hyack Square.”

Leona Green is purchasing a brick dedicated to her brother, a former member of the Royal Canadian Air Force who grew up in Queensborough. Green’s commemorative brick will be the first purchased and brick installation will begin early in 2016 with completion scheduled to be on Family Day, February 8, 2016.

“These commemorative bricks are a wonderful idea. When I heard about it I knew it was a perfect way to commemorate my brother,” said Leona Green, “I was excited to get the first brick.”

Commemorative bricks are available for public purchase for $200, and can be inscribed with two lines of text. Commemorative bricks are on sale until January 6, 2016. Those interested in ordering a brick can obtain order forms from the City of New Westminster website or by emailing pcr@newwestcity.ca. Alternatively, order forms are available at City Hall and any recreational facilities. For any questions, please call 604-515-3827.

During both world wars, Hyack Square was where soldiers assembled before boarding trains or ships that would transport them overseas. The famous photo entitled “Wait for Me Daddy” taken in 1940, shows a soldier marching down Eighth Street to Hyack Square while his son tries to catch up with him. The Wait for Me Daddy war memorial sculpture was unveiled October 2014.

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Contact:

Ruby Campbell
Community Projects Coordinator
City of New Westminster
  604-515-3821 (office) or 778-773-2956 (mobile)