 In British Columbia, he was described as ‘the real father of New Westminster’ He selected the site, which was a dense forest of Douglas pine, due to the strategic excellence of its position and the quality of its port.He was also struck by the majestic beauty of the site, writing in his letter to Blackwood,

""The entrance to the Frazer is very striking--Extending miles to the right & left are low marsh lands (apparently of very rich qualities) & yet fr the Background of Superb Mountains-- Swiss in outline, dark in woods, grandly towering into the clouds there is a sublimity that deeply impresses you.Everything is large and magnificent, worthy of the entrance to the Queen of England's dominions on the Pacific mainland.