New West MLA's office inches closer to reopening

After a fire that impacted a number of tenants—including New Westminster Jennifer Whiteside—it appears the MLA and her team are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to returning to their physical space.

“We just looked at flooring samples last week,” she told The Anchor earlier this month, recalling that the fire took place in April of last year.

This was the same fire that impacted Head to Toes Spa, which has since permanently closed.

“[Crews] started to work on the building a couple of months ago, we got the permits [from] the City over the summer, and so they’re working on renovating the inside,” explains Whiteside, adding that the damage required the walls and the floor of the office will require a fix.

Since last year’s fire, the team has been working remotely, and is still taking calls and requests in the event of a meeting or appointment.

As for an exact date? Whiteside says it’s tough to nail down, but she’s optimistic that their space will reopen again before the end of the year.

“I hope—I mean this fall at some point. I know they’re close, but it’ll require—of course—going through final approvals.”

The cause of the fire has not been publicly disclosed. The Anchor previously asked Head to Toes Spa if it could share what exactly happened; those requests were directed to a lawyer. The lawyer then told The Anchor said they could not comment.

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