How Does New West Celebrate Sport? We Asked—You Answered.

With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon next year, we’ve been thinking about how New Westminster shows up for the big games—not to plan an event, but to better understand what celebration looks like in our city. So in March, we asked: When it comes to major sporting moments, how do you like to celebrate?

For many, the bigger the crowd, the better. A large portion of respondents told us they prefer the energy of large groups—20 to 50 people or more—indicating a strong interest in public gatherings or fan zones where cheering together feels electric. Others leaned toward more intimate connections: about a fifth said they prefer medium-sized groups, while just over a third told us they’d rather keep it small, sticking to their household or a close-knit circle of friends. The takeaway? There’s no single “right size”—New West likes its options.

When we asked where people most enjoy celebrating, the answers reflected that same diversity. Parks and homes tied for the top spot—some envisioning outdoor watch parties under the sun, others happy on their own couch with snacks and no lineup for the bathroom. Bars and pubs had a solid following too, especially for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere. Smaller numbers preferred the idea of gathering in public plazas or community centres, hinting at potential for shared spaces that still feel manageable.

One of the more nuanced questions we asked was about child-friendliness—and the responses were refreshingly honest. A sizable number of respondents said it didn’t matter to them either way, while a nearly even split emerged between those who feel strongly that events should be family-friendly, and those who would rather attend adults-only celebrations. In other words, this city holds room for both—places where families feel welcome, and spaces where grown-ups can let loose.

We also asked how often people might attend a celebration like this. Most respondents—56%—said they’d likely attend one or two events per season. A quarter said they’d show up for three to five, and nearly 1 in 5 told us they’d be up for more than five events. That’s a strong signal that while not everyone is looking for a packed calendar, there’s appetite for regular, shared moments throughout the year.

And when it comes to spending, the data speaks volumes. The majority of respondents said they’d expect to spend between $60 and $90 while out celebrating, with others falling across the $30–$150 range. Only a small portion—just 15%—anticipated spending under $30. That means even a single, well-attended celebration could represent a meaningful economic boost for local businesses, from restaurants and pubs to food trucks and retail. It’s a reminder that when we celebrate together, we support together.

This survey isn’t a plan—at least not yet. But it’s a snapshot of how New West connects through sport: with flexibility, strong preferences, and a shared interest in coming together, in whatever way feels most right. With global events like the World Cup coming up, it’s a good moment to reflect on what makes a celebration meaningful, and how we show up—not just as fans, but as neighbours.

Thanks to everyone who shared their voice. We’re looking forward to continuing the conversation.