Heart-felt messages from time capsule inside 25-year-old New Westminster scultpure

On February 14th, more than 400 people turned out to witness the opening of a time capsule placed in the heart of the 32-foot Tin Soldier located at the New Westminster Quay.

The sculpture was created 25 years ago by the Sheet Metal Workers International Association and the BC Sheet Metal Association. It was originally unveiled in November of 2000 at the Festival of Trees Fundraising event, sponsored by Kinsight (formerly Simon Fraser Society for Community Living). Kinsight gifted the tin solider to the City of New Westminster in 2011.

During last month’s celebration, contents of the time capsule were shared including historical newsletters and materials from Kinsight, as well as other mementos and messages of hope written by business leaders, a second-grade class, and community residents. Author Tiffaney Stone read aloud her book, “Tall Tale: The True Story of the World’s Largest Tin Soldier.”

The ceremony featured the work of Kwantlen artist Brandon Gabriel and Savage Production Society artist Pablo Munoz, who reimagined the sculpture with an art projection creating “The Worlds Largest Coast Salish Welcome Figure.”

“It was a powerful visual transformation,” notes Cathy Anthony, Kinsight’s Community Engagement Coordinator, who spoke at the ceremony. “The event was an important reminder that the soldier’s gold heart is meant to carry messages that spread kindness to all people.”