Time capsule inside New Westminster's giant tin soldier will soon be opened
The World’s Tallest Tin Soldier in New Westminster has been keeping a secret for over 20 years, and it will soon be revealed during a public celebration.
The City of New Westminster is hosting the Tin Soldier Time Capsule Opening on Friday, February 14.
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to see what was buried inside the popular tourist attraction and photo spot at Westminster Quay?
City of New Westminster
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“Join the City of New Westminster as we open up the time capsule in the World’s Largest Tin Soldier and see what 2001 New West thought was important to include,” said the City in the event description. “‘Tinny’ was meant to stand for inclusion and kindness in the community, and we reflect on the diversity of New Westminster today and how we can be inclusive and kind to everyone going forward.”
The tin soldier was first unveiled in November 2000 at the Royal Westminster Regiment and is based on a replica of a Sergeant Major of the Royal Engineers Columbia Detachment.
Danny Jay, Austin Metal Fabricators Ltd., BC Metal Association and Sheet Metal Workers Union (Local 280) designed and manufactured the nearly 9.75-metre tall sculpture under commission by the Simon Fraser Society for Community Living.
Official dedication ceremonies for the huge soldier occurred on February 14, 2001, with local children placing items in a time capsule hidden in the sculpture.
City of New Westminster
The Tin Soldier Time Capsule Opening will run from 4 to 8 pm, with the capsule opening starting at 5 pm.
There will be a free hot beverage station, children’s activities, and a live reading of the book Tall Tale: The True Story of the World’s Largest Tin Soldier by author Tiffany Stone.
Kwantlen artist Brandon Gabriel will transform the soldier into the World’s Largest Coast Salish Welcome Pole with a projection when the sun sets.
Items discovered inside the time capsule will be displayed inside the Fraser River Discovery Centre until 8 pm.
New Westminster’s opening comes just weeks after a Calgary woman went viral after opening her own time capsule that she buried in 1999.
Do you have any guesses on what could be inside the tin soldier’s hidden time capsule? Will you be attending the opening in New Westminster? Let us know in the comments.
Tin Soldier Time Capsule Opening
When: February 14, 2025
Time: 4 to 8 pm, with the capsule opening starting at 5 pm.
Where: 810 Quayside Drive / Waterfront Boardwalk
Admission: Free