The Changing Scene on the Waterfront
In the not too distant past, waterfronts were thought of as places for industry only. Riverfronts were swampy, and subject to flooding, so few people wanted to live at the water's edge. But economic changes in the 1970s encouraged industries to abandon the waterfront. Like in many other cities around the world, some people in New Westminster began to imagine the industrial waterfront as an opportunity for residences, recreation, enhanced environmental protection, and access to nature. However, some wanted financial support to keep industry on the waterfront. In 1978, announced it would close its New Westminster facility and move all of its operations to Port Moody. The first condominiums built by the First Capital City Development Company are where Pacific Coast Terminals previously stood.
As waterfront residential developments succeeded both here and in other places around the world, many people have started to think of waterfront land as too valuable for industry. This has meant that more homes are being built and there is a demand for more amenities, "green space", and cultural venues on the waterfront.
I often wonder what would have happened if the community or the government or somebody had set up some parameters for an industrial park in some of those urban areas where there was no residential [before], so the industry could continue to function. I often think our communities would be a lot healthier if we had a good mix.
-KEN ISOMURA, retired MacMillan Bloedel employee
Years ago you fought to get off the river. You didn't want to live on the dyke. Now we're all trying to get back on the river. Everyone wants to live right next to the water.
-ERLING OLSEN, Queensborough native, fisherman and fish wholesaler
The City can't please everybody... Progress is progress. The City is trying to keep the heritage here, and keep the progress going... It's going to be a vibrant town, full of people. I think it's going to be the up and coming place for people to enjoy themselves, and bicycle, play basketball down there, lounge at the water. It's fabulous, and is just going to get better.
-BARRY BUCKLAND, owner
Through the latter part of the 70s and early 80s, it was like the wild, wild west on the river. You did whatever you wanted to. The environment wasn鈥檛 a focus like it is now. 鈥he first major change on the river was when people started recognizing the value of the habitat.
-MIKE BEVAN-PRITCHARD, VP, Major Projects & Business Development, Fraser River Pile and Dredge
Just the other day I went down to the [former] industrial area down on Canfor Drive. It鈥檚 not a typical place you would want to go bird watching. 鈥hat is an unbelievable place for birds! It鈥檚 full! One of the best places in New Westminster. 鈥 think what is shows is these animals are very adaptable, and you have to provide them with space. , ornithologist and New Westminster resident
That was the one disappointment I had, when they started wanting to get rid of the [shipping terminals]. There was no squawk from the union. We should have been walking down Columbia Street with signs. But we never really got involved in the politics.
-LORNE BRIGGS, retired 502 longshoreman
I think change and renewal of the shore is okay. It鈥檚 exciting. 鈥hether its pathways, or new homes or new shops鈥攖hat kind of stuff only allows people to have some access to the river. People want to be there. ...I think it鈥檚 perfectly fine to have those things there, as long as it doesn鈥檛 impact the long-term physical health of the river.
-GARY POONI, former Queensborough resident, urban planner
