10 November 2024
New Westminster, British Columbia, incorporated in 1860, is western Canada’s oldest city, with a population of 78,916 according to the 2021 census. Located 20 km east of Vancouver along the Fraser River, New Westminster is steeped in history, having been founded by Governor James Douglas in 1859 as the capital of British Columbia. Queen Victoria named the city the nickname of “The Royal City.” It sits on the traditional, unceded lands of the Coast Salish peoples, particularly the Qayqayt First Nation.
History
New Westminster rose to prominence during the Fraser River and Cariboo gold rushes, becoming a commercial hub for the mainland. Despite securing a Canadian Pacific Railway line in 1886, the city was soon overshadowed by Vancouver as a major port and economic center. Nevertheless, it remained an important site for the lumber and salmon canning industries and housed key institutions such as the BC Penitentiary, Royal Columbian Hospital, and Provincial Mental Hospital. The city established vital rail links to the U.S. and eastern Canada by the early 20th century.
Population
New Westminster is ethnically diverse, with Chinese (10.9%), South Asian (10.4%), and Filipino (8.7%) communities making up significant portions of the population. Indigenous peoples, primarily from the Qayqayt First Nation, account for 3.1% of residents. Immigrants from the Philippines, India, China, the U.K., and South Korea form the city’s core immigrant groups.
Economy
Historically, New Westminster’s economy was driven by the salmon canning industry, the prison, and Labatt’s brewery. Today, major employers include the Royal Columbian Hospital and professionals in the scientific and technical sectors. The city’s economy also benefits from its strategic location and transit connections, particularly via the SkyTrain.
Cultural Life
Although much of New Westminster’s colonial architecture was lost to a devastating fire in 1898, surviving landmarks like Captain William Irving House (built 1864–65) preserve the city’s rich history. The New Westminster Museum and Archives, as well as the Samson V Maritime Museum, offer further glimpses into the city’s past. The city is also home to the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame and boasts a legacy of national success in the sport.
Summary:
New Westminster, British Columbia, founded in 1860, is the oldest city in western Canada. Known as “The Royal City,” it was an important commercial hub during the gold rush but was eventually overshadowed by Vancouver. Today, the city is ethnically diverse, with key employers in healthcare and technical services, and it retains a rich cultural and historical heritage.