With the 2026 municipal election one year away, pundits and politicos are looking to the campaign ahead.

The speculation may be entertaining, but Community First Mayor Patrick Johnstone and his Council team are staying focused on the work that needs to be done today in New Westminster, delivering on the mandate given to them by the voters three years ago.

Running on a platform that promised to Activate our community partners and public spaces, to Connect the community through partnerships and safer transportation options, and to Nurture our community through supportive and affordable housing and a healthier environment, Community First is delivering.

Delivering on a platform is always shaped by regional context and outside influences that cities need to manage. New Westminster is not immune from impacts of the province-wide and national homelessness crisis, poisoned drug supply crisis, economic headwinds driven by international trade pressures, or the raft of new provincial housing legislation that has required a redrafting of how we approve housing. Despite these challenges, New Westminster is now recognized as a regional leader in how we are addressing these issues. Community First will not be taking our eyes off of our platform commitments to centre the community and act with compassion in addressing all challenges facing us.

The Community First Council has delivered. We are meeting our provincially regulated housing targets, we are getting new affordable housing built, and are now recognized as the most affordable City in the Lower Mainland. At the same time we have made major investments in infrastructure, from təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, and Massey Theatre to sewer separation and measures to make our roads safer. We have also made investments in supporting the various community groups that make New Westminster a complete community. Meanwhile our crime levels have gone down, the number of business licences have gone up, and increased renter protections and incentives for new Purpose Built Rental means rental costs are levelling off.

Achieving progress in local government doesn’t come from complaining to the regional media or pointing fingers at others, it comes from voting for the things your community supports when the opportunity arises. Voting for affordable housing, for bus speed and reliability, for safer streets infrastructure, for renter protections, for climate action and environmental protection, and then standing behind staff as they deliver for the community.

There is much more work to do, and challenges still face us. We can move forward with optimism and hope while remaining realistic about the challenges our community faces.

Tough economic challenges don’t mean we scale back and stop delivering what our community needs. Our priorities remain the same. Delivering on affordable housing and community wellness, advancing a Vision Zero approach to road safety, and making the investments in our community that make New Westminster one of the most livable, attractive, and affordable communities in the province.