Council votes to change city branding

In what councillor Chuck Puchmayr described as a “parting grenade,” outgoing Mayor Jonathan Cote tabled a motion to have the city of New Westminster move away from the brand identity of the yellow crown and its Royal City moniker.

Before discussion, Cote mentioned talks that had taken place 15 years ago about whether to give up the royal insignia in favour of something else. Noting his present day discomfort while penning letters from his office to certain groups—for instance, Indigenous Peoples and First Nations—he felt a second look was now appropriate.

Puchmayr was the first to speak after the mayor introduced the motion, saying he was surprised to see it in his council package as he went over it on Sunday night. Puchmayr worried about the changes becoming a political issue, and staff having too much on their plate, especially with a number of other city-related initiatives postponed until next year due to staffing shortages.

Cote’s motion outlined the need for the city’s identity to be equitable, inclusive, and welcoming, saying this was not meant to diminish some of the long-standing, and what he characterized as quirky, traditions in the community, such as exploding anvils in the lead-up to May Day festivities.

Councillor Mary Trentadue, who is wrapping up her final term, agreed with Cote’s idea to take a look at a new brand identity for New Westminster. Councillor Patrick Johnstone said he was expecting a fiery discussion, and asked for people not to refer to New West as City McCityface (in a nod to the international Boaty McBoatface debacle of 2016),while councillor Jaimie McEvoy said there was no reason to be afraid of the discussion.

The motion passed with only Puchmayr opposed.

Of course, the internet had opinions.

New Westminster, which is on the land of the Halkomelem-speaking peoples, was the name chosen by Queen Victoria in 1859. While the exact origins aren't clear, the Royal City moniker is thought to be a nod to the Royal Engineers, who surveyed the city.