Tin Soldier Reveals Heart - Accident on McBride

Issue #084

Author

Carla McNeil
December 19, 2024

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Rain Riddle - What kind of lightning likes to play sports?

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Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for today - Record high 11.0 2023 - Record low -8.1 2022

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

December 19, 2024

👪️ Family Playtime Drop-in (Quayside) – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

🎸 Holiday Ukelele Tuneups – 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

🎸 Holiday Ukulele Tuneup – 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

🎙️ Karaoke Night at Georgie's – 7:00 PM

🤡 Bees Knees Burlesque – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

🎙️ Colossal Thursdays Karaoke at The Terminal Pub – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎅 Meet Constable Claus – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

December 20, 2024

👪️ Family Playtime Drop-in (Quayside) – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

🍔 Between 2 Buns  – 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

❄️ Winter Solstice – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎸 Live Music at The Terminal - Mike Van Eyes – 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM

🎲 Friendsday Night Board Games – Doors open at 6:00 PM

💰️ Merry Money – Starlight Casino 

December 21, 2024

⛄️ Winter Discovery Days – 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM

🍭 Holiday Cheer (All Ages) – 12:00 AM to 4:00 PM

💂‍♂️ The Nutcracker – 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM

🎄 Together for Christmas – 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🛍️ Ukrainian Christmas Market – 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🚲️ Youth Cycle Express: $2 Drop-in for Youth – (For youth ages 13 - 18) 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Light up the Night Family Skate – 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

🧑‍🎤 The 21st Christmas Reprise at Sanctuary on 6th – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

🎄 Xxxmas Snow Party - A Famous 5 – Pre-party starts at 7:30 PM

🕺 Saturday Dance Party at Georgie's – 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM

🛍️ Makers Alley Market – Massey Theatre

 🪖 World’s Largest Tin Soldier: A Valentine’s Day Mystery Awaits

New Westminster is gearing up for a special celebration as the city plans to reveal the secrets of its iconic World’s Largest Tin Soldier. The event, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, will include the opening of a time capsule that has been hidden within the towering figure since its dedication over two decades ago.

At its December 16 meeting, the city council unanimously approved a motion by Councillor Ruby Campbell to organize the event, which will be open to the public and involve individuals and organizations who contributed to the creation of the Tin Soldier. The Valentine’s Day date aligns with the original plan set by the soldier’s creators, who envisioned the capsule’s opening as a testament to their love for the city.

The 9.75-meter (32-foot) tall soldier, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest tin soldier, was initially installed outside the Royal Westminster Regiment Armoury in November 2000 before being relocated to Westminster Quay in 2002. The structure was built as a symbol of community spirit and inclusivity, created through the combined efforts of local unions, businesses, and individuals.

The time capsule opening is expected to attract a crowd and bring an economic boost to local businesses. Campbell highlighted the opportunity for community partnerships with groups like Tourism New Westminster, River Market, and the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association to promote the event. Plans include collaborations with local restaurants and services to encourage visitors to explore the area before or after the ceremony.

Community enthusiasm for the event is already growing, with Campbell noting support from organizations like New West Family Place and the Downtown Business Improvement Association. Local residents have also expressed excitement about the occasion on social media.

The Tin Soldier was initially commissioned by the Simon Fraser Society for Community Living as part of the Royal City Christmas Festival, a tradition that celebrated inclusivity and kindness. The gold heart on the soldier symbolizes compassion and the spirit of community. Constructed from durable bridge materials, the statue is designed to stand the test of time, both physically and symbolically.

Adding to the legacy, the story of the tin soldier was immortalized in a 2003 children’s book, Tall Tale, which detailed the statue’s creation and its significance. As the city prepares for the Valentine’s Day unveiling, residents are invited to reflect on the tin soldier’s enduring role as a mascot of love, resilience, and community spirit.

The New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) is investigating a tragic collision that claimed the life of a pedestrian in the 300 block of McBride Boulevard on the morning of December 18, 2024. The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m., and the driver of the vehicle involved remained at the scene to cooperate with authorities.

With assistance from the RCMP Integrated Collision and Reconstruction Services Unit, the NWPD Major Crime Unit has taken charge of the investigation. While the exact circumstances of the collision remain under investigation, officers are working diligently to determine the contributing factors.

McBride Boulevard was closed to traffic in all directions between Sixth Avenue and Memorial Drive as police gathered evidence. The closure lasted for several hours, and drivers were advised to use alternate routes to avoid the area.

“We anticipate road closures to be in effect for several hours as our officers gather evidence to determine what may have caused the collision,” stated Sgt. Andrew Leaver of the NWPD.

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, particularly those who may have been in the area between 6 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. and may have witnessed the incident or captured dash-cam footage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Westminster Police Department at 604-529-2430.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

⚡️ What kind of lightning likes to play sports? 🌩️ 

 🌩️ Ball lightning. ⚽️ 

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