It has been fun to watch the changes and developments over the years. In fact, visitors up from Washington State last weekend commented on how this area was once, in their own words, kind of sketchy. It's true, but we had the idea that being the geographic center of Metro-Vancouver, our chosen home was poised for rapid improvement.
The shopping and towers around the New Westminster Station have added a lot to the livability of downtown. The half dozen other highrise apartment buildings provide activity that aids in security. Amenities like the Westminster Pier Park (and perhaps eventually the sterile, rather empty Anvil Centre) will make living downtown evermore attractive.
I am so happy to see that the western end of the ugly parkade structure will be coming down. Perhaps the massive renovation work on the eastern portion will improve its appearance, safety, and functionality. I haven't heard about the proposed park-facing, mural, fencing artwork recently. Wonder what's up with that?
Fortunately we will arrive back after our winter abroad in April. The entire project should be completed by that time. Maybe even the elevator on the new Fourth-Street pedestrian crossing will be operational. I do so love living in a place where positive changes can be seen over a relatively short period of time.