When Wesgroup purchased the former Labatt Brewery site in New Westminster, BC, we understood that we weren't just buying a piece of land. We were also acquiring the site's 125+ year history, and becoming members of a long-established community.
To ensure our plans for The Brewery District (formerly the Village at Historic Sapperton) effectively addressed the needs of the surrounding neighbourhood, we quickly established a variety of interactive forums. These forums, which included four open houses, five community newsletters, and a comprehensive website gave local residents, city representatives and other community stakeholders the chance to meet project personnel, learn more about core development issues, ask questions, voice their concerns and share new ideas.
One central topic of discussion was the protection and enhancement of views from within and around the site. As a result, our project architects focused on key sight lines, ultimately extending existing street grids and strategically placing new buildings to produce view and light corridors originally blocked by the former brewery. They also utilized the site's sloped topography to create newly accessible public spaces, which will showcase extraordinary views of the Fraser River, the Coast and Cascade Mountain ranges, and beyond.
At the same time, the public consultation process helped reinforce our appreciation of the community's unique history, thanks in part to long-time senior residents who graciously shared their fascinating childhood memories of the neighbourhood. To honour that past, The Brewery District will retain several historical elements from the former brewery, including a flagpole, iron gates and street lamp along Columbia Street, as well as an original stone wall from the 1890's.
Looking ahead, our vision for The Brewery District is clear; to create a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood that reflects the diverse lives of all its occupants - past, present and future.
Visit The Brewery District
