The City of New Westminster has formally apologized for its past discrimination against Chinese Canadians.

Mayor Wayne Wright delivered the apology today (September 20) before more than 60 people gathered in the Vancouver suburb's city hall.

"The City of New Westminster acknowledges, based on a review of city records covering the period of 1860 to 1926, that it acted in a discriminatory manner towards its Chinese community," Wright said, reading from a statement that was translated into Chinese as he spoke.

The public apology was offered as part of a broader reconciliation effort being pursued by the Royal City.

Bill Chu, with the Canadians for Reconciliation Society, attended the event.

Chu told reporters he hopes the place of minority groups in Canadian history is recognized and respected.

New Westminster MLA Dawn Black commended the city for digging through municipal records that clearly establish discrimination took place.

"It's a very historic day," Black told the Straight, following the apology, "something worth celebrating."