Westminster Pier Park

Westminster Pier Park reconnects downtown New Westminster to the Fraser River, transforming a former industrial waterfront into a public landscape that restores access to the river’s edge. Located on a series of constructed piers, the park re-establishes the waterfront as part of everyday civic life while responding to the constraints of a working river and a heavily altered shoreline.

The landscape architecture and urban design, led by PWL, extend the public realm over the water and reconnect the park to the city through existing street alignments. A series of spaces unfolds along the river’s edge, supporting play, gathering, and everyday use while maintaining strong visual and physical connections to the waterfront.

The design draws from the site’s industrial history, embedding references to the working river throughout the landscape. A continuous weathered steel Memory Band traces the length of the park, while integrated elements—including hinge loungers inspired by dock equipment and a “pile forest” constructed from reclaimed poles—reflect the materials and stories of the waterfront. At the centre of the park, a timber structure recalling the historic market building anchors a civic plaza and gathering space.

A constructed intertidal riparian bench is integrated along the boardwalk, introducing habitat along a previously industrial shoreline. Planted with native species, this edge supports salmon, birds, and other wildlife while improving ecological function along the Fraser River.

The park reconnects the city to the river, bringing together history, ecology, and everyday public life within a renewed and accessible waterfront.