As reported in the Georgia Straight's 17^th Annual Best of Vancouver list in the category of “Best Makeover of Community Space" (September 20, 2012):

The City of New Westminster deserves a pat on the back for cleaning up a derelict patch of waterfront property in the community and transforming it into a civic gem. The $33-million Westminster Pier Park, located on the north shore of the north arm of the Fraser River, just east of the River Market, officially opened in June. The former industrial site, which had long been a community eyesore, has become an award-winning public park highlighting the Royal City’s history and culture. Created amid a push to revitalize the city’s downtown, the park provides the community with a new place to gather and play. Visitors can also reflect on the city’s past through an installation of historic photographs and a “memory band” of metal plates engraved with local names and phrases. There’s something for everyone: a 600-metre boardwalk along the river; oversized “lounge chairs” so you can sit down and soak up the water view; two playgrounds; a basketball court; grassy areas; picnic tables; and plenty of spots to just sit and watch the mighty Fraser roll by. Add a latte from the market and the drone of ongoing high-rise-condo construction and you’d swear you were in Vancouver’s southeast False Creek.