New Westminster

New Westminster, city in southwestern British Columbia, Canada, on the north bank of the Fraser River, near Vancouver. It is an administrative and transportation center for the surrounding region. In recent years, the city’s waterfront has shifted from port and industrial uses to residential, hotel, office, and retail uses. Major manufactures include lumber, metal, and paper products; processed food; boats; alcoholic beverages; and machinery. The city has historically been a transportation hub, which has continued as rapid transit service has expanded throughout the region. The tourism industry grew at the end of the 20th century.

New Westminster is the site of a junior college; the Royal Westminster Regiment Museum, which contains a collection of military artifacts; the New Westminster Museum and Archives, which is located behind the Irving House Historic Centre; and the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame. The city also has a public market at Westminster Quay, the location of the retired paddle wheeler that houses the Samson V Maritime Museum. Other attractions include the Art Gallery in Queens Park, which features changing exhibits by local artists, and paddle wheeler river cruises. Annual events include the week-long Hyack Festival, held in May, and FraserFest, held in July.

Founded in 1859, New Westminster was named by Queen Victoria of England. It incorporated in 1860 and was the capital of colonial British Columbia until 1868. It is the province’s oldest incorporated city. At the end of the 20th century, the city revitalized its downtown area; the revitalization included the addition of the Royal City Star Riverboat Casino and the Fraser River Discovery Centre on the waterfront.

New Westminster covers a land area of 15.4 sq km (5.9 sq mi). Population 43,585 (1991); 54,656 (2001).