New Westminster - The City of New Westminster has commissioned artist Karen Tam to create public art for a new park at 824 Agnes Street. Located on the former site of the Chinese Benevolent Association of New Westminster, the Agnes Street Commemorative Park will honour and celebrate New Westminster’s Chinese-Canadian community.

In 2023, a selection panel chose Karen Tam’s concept proposal for the commission. Tam drew inspiration from archival photographs and documents; her artwork, "Grove of Wild Bamboo and Sweet Peas," was selected for its powerful response to the site's history and Chinese community. Made up of a series of panels reminiscent of traditional Chinese hand-scroll paintings, paper-cutting and latticework, the artwork will weave a visual narrative that connects the past, present, and future.

"The City of New Westminster recognizes the significant role of early Chinese settlers in the development of our city. There is evidence of at least two former Chinatowns in New Westminster, one in the area of Agnes and Eighth Streets,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “We’re grateful for the opportunity Tam’s engaging artwork will provide for park visitors to reflect on the lives and stories of our early Chinese settlers.”

The use of this site for a commemorative park was endorsed by City Council in 2016 in support of reconciliation efforts with the Chinese community, related to past discriminatory practices by local government. The Chinese reconciliation process was initiated by the Canadians for Reconciliation Society in 2009, and culminated in 10 actions promised by Council in 2010. In addition to the artwork, the park will also feature interpretive displays and narratives to recognize and commemorate the Chinese history in New Westminster.

”I am delighted that another one of the 10 redemptive actions the City of New Westminster promised in response to its past historical wrongs toward the Chinese community is close to fruition,” said Bill Chu, founder of the Canadians for Reconciliation Society. “May we treasure this public space and art not just as an opportunity to beautify and humanize the concrete jungle, but to add a needed punctuation in the continuum of time we find ourselves in, a reminder to stop humanity from making the same mistakes to our neighbors, and a GPS to re-orientate our sense of place, shared identity, and community.” 

Karen Tam 譚嘉文 is an award-winning artist and curator from Tiohtià:ke/Montréal, holds the position of Adjunct Curator at Griffin Art Projects in North Vancouver. She has an MFA in Sculpture and a PhD in Cultural Studies. Since 2000, she has exhibited her work in North America, Europe, and China, and is currently represented by Galerie Hugues Charbonneau.

“My approach to public art is always about creating connections—between site and context, artist and community—so that the work becomes a reflection of shared histories and lived experiences. As I delved into the history of the Chinese community in New Westminster, I was struck by the depth of contributions made by these early Chinese-Canadian families. Their resilience and ability to create community despite systemic barriers inspired me,” said Tam. “This project is both a celebration and a tribute, and as my first permanent public artwork, it marks a significant milestone in my career. I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been selected for this opportunity to engage with history in a public space.”

Funding for the park's construction is being provided by Brookfield Properties as a community amenity contribution for their residential tower redevelopment at 810 Agnes Street. Construction is set to begin in 2026, and the park is expected to be completed in fall of 2027.

For more information about the artist, this project, and the City of New Westminster’s public art program, visit newwestcity.ca/publicart.

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Media Contact:

Melissa Nilan
Communications Coordinator
City of New Westminster
604-515-3808 |

Conceptual rendering of “Grove of Wild Bamboo and Sweet Peas 竹盛豆苗青” by Karen Tam