New Westminster, B.C. – The City of New Westminster and the Fraser River Discovery Centre Society (FRDCS) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that strengthens their long-standing partnership and creates new opportunities to expand community access to one of the city's key riverfront destinations. The agreement builds on decades of collaboration between the City and the Society to ensure the Fraser River Discovery Centre continues to thrive as a regional hub for education, tourism, and cultural activities.

As New Westminster continues to grow, the City has identified a need for additional community space in the downtown neighbourhood. The new MOU will provide the City with exclusive use of approximately half the building at 788 Quayside Drive. This will allow the City the opportunity to introduce compatible community programming within portions of the facility beginning in 2026, while maintaining the Discovery Centre's existing ecological, heritage, and educational programming.

"This agreement reflects a shared commitment to the future of the Fraser River Discovery Centre," said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. "Together, we're building on the Centre's legacy by creating more opportunities for residents to gather, learn, and connect, while ensuring it continues to be a vibrant cultural and educational destination for generations to come."

The MOU supports a shared vision focused on maintaining the Centre’s ecological and educational programming; enhancing public access; and supporting the long-term sustainability of the Fraser River Discovery Centre Society

• Maintaining the Discovery Centre's ecological and educational programming.
• Enhancing public access and expanding opportunities for community benefit.
• Supporting the long-term sustainability of the Fraser River Discovery Centre Society.
• Activating spaces to expand civic programming and opportunities for community use

“The Fraser River Discovery Centre Society is pleased to be able to continue our quality programs that inspire stewards of the river at 788 Quayside Drive. At the same time, we’re excited to start this new collaboration with the City, which provides an opportunity for the FRDCS to connect with more community members while continuing to facilitate learning and dialogue,” said FRDCS chair Mark Rizzo.

The agreement also provides operational stability for the Society by maintaining its existing lease rate, while the City will continue to maintain the building as a valued public asset.

Residents can look forward to learning more about future programming opportunities as plans are developed over the coming months.

About the Fraser River Discovery Centre Society

The Fraser River Discovery Centre is an interactive interpretive centre located on New Westminster's riverfront. Since opening, the City of New Westminster and the Fraser River Discovery Centre Society (FRDCS) have worked collaboratively to establish and sustain the facility as a key cultural, educational, and waterfront destination. The Centre serves as an interactive interpretive space, a regional hub for ecological and heritage education, and a catalyst for strengthening community connections to the Fraser River.
 

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Media Contact:

Ashleigh Young
Manager of Communication
City of New Westminster
| 604-527-4559

or

Karen Lee
Executive Director
Fraser River Discovery Centre Society
| 604-521-08401 ext. 104