Celebrate the grand opening and enjoy an action packed day of free activities at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre. Explore the facility and learn about the many programs and services available. Highlights of the day include giveaways, interactive community booths, family-friendly entertainment, food trucks, a variety of free recreation activities and more. There will also be a formal program which will include an Indigenous welcoming.
We are also excited to celebrate alongside the YMCA as they officially open Sea Otter YMCA Child Care Centre. Stop by their space and learn more about their program.
Registration is required for the free public swims.
Event Schedule
Saturday, June 1, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.
- Aquatic Centre
- YMCA Child Care Opening
- Indoor Activities
- Outdoor Activities
- Food
- Arrival Guide
- Community Partners
- Contact
Aquatic Centre
Free Public Swims - Registration Required.
Jump in for a swim! Please arrive early as your time will be limited. Registration opens at 10:00 am May 15 for New Westminster residents and on May 16 for everyone. Call 604.777.5100 or register online:
11:00 am - 12:30 pm #212024 FULL
1:00 - 2:30 pm #212027
3:00 - 4:30 pm #212029 FULL
SEA OTTER YMCA Child care Opening
12:00 pm
Join us for the grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration of the Sea Otter YMCA Childcare, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our community’s commitment to quality childcare and early childhood development. Construction was funded with a significant $3,045,000 grant from the Province of B.C.’s ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. Operated by the YMCA, Sea Otter YMCA Child Care Centre will be able to accommodate 37 infant/toddler and preschool-aged children.
- Chief Rhonda Larrabee, Qayqayt First Nation
- Honourable Mitzi Dean, Minister of State for Child Care
- Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions & MLA for New Westminster
- Mayor Patrick Johnstone, City of New Westminster
- Heidi Worthington, CEO & President, YMCA BC
Following the speeches and the ribbon-cutting ceremony, we invite you to explore the new facility. Informal tours will provide an opportunity to see firsthand the thoughtful design that makes Sea Otter YMCA Childcare a nurturing and stimulating environment for children.
Indoor Activities
Explore the facility, while meeting our program staff and trying out some of our programs.
LOWER LEVEL
Community Living Room
Sea Otter Scavenger Hunt and Information Booths - Complete a Sea Otter Scavenger Hunt and enter to win a prize! Pickup your hunt sheet from the information table in the lobby. Learn more about the facility and our aquatics services at the information booths.
Multi-Purpose 1A
Seniors Lounge - Get a feel for the seniors lounge! Board games, crosswords, puzzles, and refreshments. Let us know what types of 50+ programming you would like to see and learn about Seniors Week.
Multi-Purpose 1B & Kitchen
Treats and Photos - Pick-up a freshly baked cookie treat and take home a memento photo from the photo booth.
Multi-Purpose 1C
Art Project - Contribute to a community art project.
YMCA - Sea Otter Child Care
Let’s Play - Join us in play stimulated activities for children 0 to 5 years and be part of a children’s community art project.
New West Physio
Meet our new Rehabilitation Operators - How much do you know about the musculoskeletal system and physiotherapy? Try the trivia game to win prizes!
Small Gymnasium
Youth Zone - Join Youth Services for a fun-filled day testing your skills in our 3-point shoot-out and challenging staff to games of bump. Enjoy the vibrant beats from Bridge City Sound as you compete. Judo Demos will take place throughout the day.
1:00 pm and 3:00 pm - Basketball 3 Point Shoot Outs
Large Gymnasium
11:00 am - 12:45 pm - Indoor Playland, Interact with toys, games, a bouncy castle, and meet other families in the area.
1:00 - 1:45 pm - Try-it Ringette and Ball Hockey. Check out what Burnaby New West Ringette and New Westminster Minor Ball Hockey Association have to offer.
2:00 - 2:45 pm - Try-it Soccer and Lacrosse. Check out what New Westminster Soccer Club and New Westminster Minor Lacrosse Association have to offer.
3:00-4:00 pm - Try-it Pickle Ball. Experience pickleball, a hybrid of badminton, tennis, and table-tennis. This low impact sport is easy to pick up and is an excellent aerobic exercise.
Fitness Centre
Explore the fitness centre! Enter from level 1 and discover two levels of equipment. Fitness attendants will be available if you have questions.
Please note: The fitness centre will be open for self-guided tours only, not for workouts.
UPPER LEVEL
Multi-Purpose 2
Preschool Fun - Enjoy family-friendly activities including a sea otter craft.
Cycle Studio
Take a Spin - Get fitted on an indoor cycle bike! Learn how to adjust the bike to fit your body and try a super-quick indoor cycling class.
Fitness Studio 2C
Try-it Fitness - Try a 5 minute fitness class sampler.
Fitness Studio 2B - Dance
Let’s Dance - Join our dance instructors and try a new dance!
Outdoor Activities
The outside of the facility also needs to be explored!
Main Stage
|
11:00 am |
Welcome and Our Name - Sesmelot |
| 11:20 am | Drumming |
|
11:30 am |
The Wild Moccasin Dancers |
|
12:00 pm |
Beau Wheeler |
|
1:00 pm |
Remarks |
|
2:00 pm |
Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster |
|
2:30 pm |
China Syndrome |
|
3:15 pm |
Cakewalk |
|
4:00 pm |
Closing Remarks |
Learn more about the main stage artists.
Family Stage
|
11:00 am |
Welcoming |
|
11:10 am |
Metis Jiggers |
|
11:30 am |
Knowhere |
|
12:30 pm |
Canadian Yo-Yo Champion |
|
2:00 pm |
Shadows and Dreams Theatre Company |
|
2:30 pm |
Will’s Jams |
|
3:30 pm |
Closing Remarks |
Learn more about the family stage artists.
Super Hero Zone
Step into the thrilling world of the Superhero Zone, where real-life superheroes from New Westminster Fire Rescue Services, New Westminster Police, Justice Institute of British Columbia, British Columbia Emergency Health Services and City of New Westminster Engineering Operations await to deliver an unforgettable experience. Witness first hand their day-to-day heroics and learn from their expertise. Plus, Chase from Paw Patrol will come to make an appearance!
Circus Zone
Join Vancouver Circus School for a circus experience where participants can try different circus activities at their own pace. While learning a new skill, you can also say hello to the roving stilt walker.
Community Zone
Join us in the Community Zone as we showcase some of the amazing organizations that call New Westminster home! Learn more about a variety of clubs, services, social groups, and more through a series of interactive activities! Spirit of the Children Society, HUB Cycling and New West Physio will be amongst the booths that are joining.
Dr. Recycle
Join us for a fun and educational junkology workshop with Oliver Samonte, aka Dr. Recycle! For over 20 years, Oliver has been turning recycling into art, inspiring kids and families to get creative with sustainability.
Bubble Show
Step into a world where wonder takes shape and magic dances in the air with Matt Henry's Big Bubble Show!
Artists - Main Stage
The Wild Moccasin Dancers - 11:15 am
The Wild Moccasin Dancers are a intertribal dance collective that live, work, and dance on the unceded Coast Salish Territories. The artists involved have been sharing their gifts for most of their lives, and express these gifts through songs, dances, and story telling. "We believe that by sharing what has been gifted to each of us, we strengthen the gifts within all of us." The Wild Moccasin Dancers engage the audience and encourage participation by creating a safe space of inclusion. "Our mission is to bring all peoples together by utilizing medicine wheel teachings through intertribal dance steps and styles. Regardless of race, gender, religion, age or ability, there is enough space for all of us."
Beau Wheeler - 12:00 pm
Beau Wheeler is a queer non-binary composer and singer based in Vancouver, Canada. Blessed with a set of pipes that would be the envy of Torch and Twang era kd lang or a young Robert Plant, theirs is a music that encompasses a wide spectrum of human experience. With songs that touch on love, loss, and redemption, and an unflagging ability to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again, Beau, is one of Canada’s brightest lights and an artist to watch out for. Learn more at: www.beauwheeler.com
Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster - 2:00 pm
The Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster is a non-auditioned community choir and is a program of Sanctuary on 6th United Church. Formed in 2022, the Chorus brings together members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and their allies, to join voices and share the joy of singing. The Chorus welcomes anyone, no matter who you are, no matter where you're at on your journey, and works to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive space for all.
China Syndrome - 2:30 pm
Named for the 1979 thriller, China Syndrome is a melodic power pop quartet hailing from Vancouver. The band is comprised of Tim Chan on vocals and guitar, Mike Chang on bass, Kevin Dubois on drums, and Greg Kelly on keys, with all contributing to the infectious backing vocals. Having recorded four records under the guidance of David Carswell (The New Pornographers, Destroyer, Tegan & Sara, the Evaporators), their sound is a combination of the driving pop hooks of Teenage Fanclub and XTC with liberal dollops of 60s and 70s classic rock influence. You don’t know it yet, but China Syndrome is your new favourite band. Find out more at: www.chinasyndromeband.com
Cakewalk - 3:15 pm
Cakewalk is a 6-piece band with bass, drums, guitars, keyboards, and singers. They are known for playing great music that keeps everybody dancing and having fun. From pop to rock to R&B to country and any era up to and including the very latest popular songs, Cakewalk plays a great mix of songs. Find out more: cakewalkband.com.
Artist Bios - Family Stage
Metis Jiggers - 11:10 am
The Waceya ( wa-chee-ya ) Metis Dance Troupe empowers children and youth as cultural knowledge keepers and sharers of the Métis history and ways of life. The interactive presentations of Metis history through music and dance explains the unique music, lively dance steps, cultural dress, symbols, values, and Michif language.
Knowhere - 11:45 am
Rock out with KNOWHERE, the ultimate youth band from New West Secondary School blending classic rock covers with their own electrifying tunes!
Canadian Yo-Yo Champion - 12:30 pm
Experience the mesmerizing skill and precision of Terrance, the Canadian Yo-Yo Champion, as he delivers a high energy performance that will leave you in awe. Don't miss this incredible display of yo-yo mastery.
Shadows and Dreams Theatre Company - 2:00 pm
Since 2007 Shadows & Dreams Theatre Company has produced free, family friendly Shakespeare at the Bandshell in Queens Park. This year they will be bringing a 1970’s spin to Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night. Shadows & Dreams Theatre Company is happy to bring you a snippet of one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays, B155. When the fairies get mischievous and there is a magical plant that makes people fall in love with whomever they see first - what could possibly go wrong?
Will’s Jams - 2:30 pm
Will Stroet, the dynamic musician behind Will's Jams, is a JUNO-nominated artist, acclaimed educator, and former CBC Kids TV star who delivers high-energy rock-pop music in both English and French. Packed with clever wordplay and catchy sing-along choruses, Will's songs inspire kids to embrace activity, creativity, kindness, and community spirit.
FOOD TRUCKS
Enjoy one of the food and beverage options available for purchase including Reel Mac and Cheese, Tradish, Little Miss Coffee Company, and Hugs Mini Donuts.
Arrival Guide
There are multiple ways to access the facility. Refer to the map below for walkable routes to join the event.
Parking
Parking will be very limited due to ongoing construction. Consider carpooling or using alternative transportation such as cycling, walking, or transit.
Walk or Bike
Pedestrians and cyclists can access both south and north entrances. Travel via the Rotary Crosstown Greenway, McBride Boulevard, East Seventh Avenue, and East Sixth Avenue.
Bike Valet
A free bicycle valet services will be available onsite for the day. Just like a coat-check, we will tag your bike and provide you with a claim stub. Enjoy the event and then bring back your claim stub to retrieve your bike. The space will be attended at all times. New Westminster Police Department will also be at the event registering bikes with 529 Garage Bike Registry for free. The bike valet and bike registry will be located behind the Fire Hall 1 (1 East Sixth Avenue).
Transit
Plan your trip using the Translink Trip Planner. Translink busses #105 and #155 have stops nearby. Choose the most convenient stop to you.
Thank you to our Community Partners
The event is supported by the following community partners:
- Dandy Horse Bike Society
- British Columbia Emergency Health Services
- Burnaby New West Ringette
- Justice Institute of British Columbia
- HUB Cycling
- New Westminster Minor Ball Hockey Association
- New Westminster Minor Lacrosse Association
- New Westminster Soccer Club
- Spirit of the Children Society
- Vancouver Circus School
Contact
