The Other Press .

December 9th 1981 to 1982

 

 

The ‘Royal City’ of B.C.’s Lower Mainland is
about to regain the lofty stature of days gone
by. A striking waterfront project along Front
Street, coupled with an excellent educational
facility, and a complete revitalization of the
downtown core, will once again make New
Westminster the focus of urban activity. On
‘top of this, New Westminster is alos the
proposed site of a Light Rapid Transit System
stop in 1986. So it is written.

Let us look at the massive waterfront
development that shall consist of 1,500 to 1,800
residential units, along Front Street. Do you
know what wil happen to those businesses
which presently exist on Front Street? They
will be cut off. In order for construction to take
place, Front Street will have to be blocked of,
which will cause insurmountable difficulties for

Parking for those new residents promises to
be a problem. The present parkade over Front
Street is supposed to be extended over the
railway tracks, in forder to mufle the sounds of
the trains as the pass.

The will provide some extra parking, but
definitly not enough for 1,800 resident. the

and it is doubtful that making a parkade into a
tunnel will reduce all the vibrations of the
thundering freight trains.

In addition, there is only thirty feet between
the railway tracks and the Fraser River, sol the
condominiums will be built on a pier extending
over the water. This is all very fine, unless the
mighty Fraser River overflows its banks, as it
did in 1948.

Due to recession, and high interest rates,
another possible problem could lie in the
selling of the condominiums. If these living
quarters were built, and not sold, it would be a ~
financial disaster, because the city plans to pay
back loans, with the money received from
renters.

. 1 ew Douglas College is stated to become
the symbolic heart of the new downtown. What
couldbe symbolic is that; due to educational
cutbacks, the new campus will be running at
forty per cent capacity. On top of that, stiff
opposition has arisen against the proposed

along the waterfront. | find it unimaginable.
that such a well planned facility could find
itself without any recreational ‘playing fields,
but maybe that is also symbolic of what lies
ahead.

With all the bold, new developments spring-
ing up, you wonder who takes care of the
demolition of the old buildings. There are
many historic buildings throughout New West-
minster, that will be destroyed if the present
plans are carried out. A consulting firm has
been appointed to make judgements on
whether the old buildings should be restored or
destroyed. But exactly who runs this firm. and
on what grounds are the decisions made?
Perhaps the firm’s opinion is tha. nothing
should stand in the way of progress, in which
case there would not be much left of beautiful,
old, New Westminster.

We are presently blessed with a fine view of:
the river, but if towering structures are
erected, what will beocme of the beautiful
\ view? Howaq many people realize, that one

 

those who make their living along Front Street.

passing trains are liable to keep many awake, .

Douglas College playing fields, at Simcoe Park, |

( NEW WEST REDEVELOPMENT be itkhes,

 

 

 

 

 

Can you see 1,800 rental units on this site?

morning, they will wake up to a view of square
cncrete structures, where once they enjoyed a
peaceful view, in a relaxing atmosphere.

Then there is Light Rapid Transit, which is
slated to be finished by 1986.

A major problem will arise from this. Where
are people going to park? With New West-
minster as the outlying stop, hordes of people
will flock in from Surrey, Delta, Port Coquit-
lam, and other outlying municipalities. The
congestion created by this will be simply
inconceivable.

Light Rapid Transit is the final step that will
complete the transformation of New Westmin-
ster from a_peaceful, relaxed city to a
sprawling, conjested city.

To top off this dreary picture, stirke problems
could dominate the scene. With a raging
inflation, and a depressed economy, British
Columbia experienced the largest number of
working days lost, last year, of any province in
Canada. This will continue, and could result in
a very slowly developing New Westminster. If
the redevelopment does fall behind schedule,
rising construction costs could further compli-
cate things. We should not forget J Jean
Drapeau’s monster Olympic Stadium in Mon-
treal. The price quoted for downtown redevel-
opment is presently 300 million dollars. By the
time the last ribbon has been cut, the price:
might double. ;

This argument was not written to promote
gloom and doom, but to enlighten people about
the issue. Next time someone askes you what
you think of the magnificent redevelopment
program is New Westminster, think twice
before you answer.

636 SIXTH AVE.
NEW WESTMINSTER |
Pye

lhe dated aie

Just ask for Lorne

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