At the May 6th City Council Meeting, New Westminster City Council discussed creating public spaces for residents to gather and view the Vancouver Canucks as they compete in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With the Canucks making a strong playoff push, the city is looking for ways to provide a communal experience for fans to come together and support their team.

One of the primary points of discussion is whether to utilize the Anvil Center as a designated viewing space or to explore the possibility of creating an outdoor viewing area. The Anvil Center has state-of-the-art facilities and a central location. This makes it seen as a potential hub for fans to come together and watch the games on large screens. However, the idea of an outdoor viewing area, possibly at Begbie Square, also holds appeal. It would provide a more relaxed and open-air setting for fans to enjoy the games.

The city council is weighing the pros and cons of each option. It is considering factors such as accessibility, crowd control, and the overall fan experience. Additionally, they are seeking input from the community to gauge interest and gather insights on what type of viewing experience would be most desirable for the residents of New Westminster.

Ultimately, the goal of these discussions is to find a way to bring the community together to celebrate and support the Canucks in their pursuit of the Stanley Cup. The city council is committed to exploring all possible options to create a positive and inclusive experience for residents to enjoy the excitement of the playoffs. By working together, the city and its residents aim to create a memorable and engaging experience for fans to come together and rally behind their team.

“We encourage you to support our local businesses, but if you need barrier-free access, we’ll be playing the game on lobby screens,” a spokesperson for the City of New Westminster said. A link to the city's events page shows a Saturday viewing event at The Anvil Center, with more viewing sites promised in the coming week.