Provincial Awards

Step up to 12th Street
City of New Westminster

Something unique can come out of otherwise routine city works projects. The City of New Westminster experienced this during the final phase of their 12th Street Improvement program. A local resident came forward with the proposition to increase the street’s character, creating a more inviting and walkable neighbourhood and a point of pride for residents and business owners. It was proposed that the way to do this was to incorporate public art into the project; creating the opportunity to showcase the unique characteristics of the neighbourhood and engage the community in the decision making, funding and development processes.

A small committee comprised of residents, business owners and City Engineering and Parks, Culture and Recreation Departments was created and through dialogue and active participation with the community narrowed the 12th Street Improvement Program down to three projects; Granite Street Markers, Poetry Slabs and Mosaic Tile images. The community was engaged in numerous related activities from submitting poetry and providing feedback and suggestions on the tile images to participating in the physical creation of the mosaic tiles.

Although the overall goal of the project was for Street Beautification on 12th Street, a number of other significant outcomes were achieved through this community engagement process.
The high level of community collaboration brought businesses, residents and city departments together in a shared commitment to supporting neighbourhood prosperity. It re-connected people whose relationships had been strained to a place where healthy positive synergy is now the foundation for future community projects. By working together businesses and residents established an identity for the neighbourhood, one that acknowledges its history and the diverse cultures it represents, combining both cultural and personal pride.

12th Street was once noted for its social problems but is now a safer neighbourhood and fast becoming an interesting tourist destination and the envy of many.

This Public Art Community Initiative put the neighbourhood back on the street and through its success is becoming the example on which the city is basing future projects. For the creativity, community involvement and commitment this project has embodied, the BCRPA is pleased to present the City of New Westminster with a Parks and Open Spaces Award.