THREAD:

I know there's a bit of interest re: the 'W' installation and efforts to save it so I figured I'd share some of the interview I did with Todd Ayotte, who is the Manager of Community Arts & Theatre in #NewWestminster. 1/x

Speaking to Todd this afternoon I could hear how upset he was that the 'W' installation couldn't be saved. "It is a very, much-loved part of the community, and has become a real landmark on the waterfront in #NewWestminster, so it was very heartbreaking." 2/x

When the fire started, he says there was a plan to try and save the installation, but the fire hit a point where safety overruled said plan. "My understanding is from the emergency response team was that in the end, the timber wharf was just completely too unstable..."3/x

"...the connections between the installation and the wharf were degraded to the point where it was really not possible to move it in a safe way."

He's not sure what will happen to the remains of the installation. 4/x

(Sorry I have to pause because...well, there's been an arrest in the fire.)

OKAY. So in case you missed it, this happened LITERALLY as I was tweeting this thread. #newwestminster https://www.citynews1130.com/2020/09/17/arrest-westminster-pier-park-fire/

Back to Todd, and this is where it kind of wraps up: he says they haven't even started discussing what could potentially go in that spot. The city is still trying to manage the fire. "I'm sure there will be discussions but I don't have any info on that." /end #newwest