NEW WESTMINSTER, BC — Mayor Patrick Johnstone will seek another term in the municipal election on October 17, 2026, as the city continues to debate how to address growth, housing, and affordability.

“This election is about whether we continue building a city that says yes to affordable housing, renter protections, and support for the most vulnerable – the things that make New West the most affordable city in Metro Vancouver1 and one of the most livable communities in all of Canada2 – or turn back on the very work that got us here,” said Johnstone.
Housing affordability remains a top concern for residents across the region. During Johnstone’s term, the City has exceeded provincial housing targets, advanced new affordable and supportive housing projects, and strengthened renter protections.
Over the past four years, New Westminster has:
● Met and exceeded provincial housing targets, bringing more than 1,175 new market units online in the first reporting year, and advancing over 250 affordable and supportive housing units, along with 368 student beds at Douglas College
● Opened the award-winning təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, and invested in major community amenities, including the $34 million upgrade to the historic Massey Theatre;
● Supported arts, culture, social services and sports organizations through a 50% increase in community grants and ongoing logistical and training support for non-profits operating in the City;
● Introduced new approaches to public engagement, including the Community Advisory Assembly, part of a growing movement of citizen assemblies across Canada, with New Westminster among the first to embed this model in municipal decision-making.
Johnstone attributes this progress to intentional collaboration with community partners, residents, and other levels of government.
“We didn’t get here by pointing fingers; we got here by working together, building partnerships, and finding ways to move things forward,” said Johnstone. “That’s how you get results.”
First elected to Council in 2014, Johnstone became mayor in 2022. A professional geoscientist, he has lived in New Westminster since 2006 and has been involved in community advocacy and leadership for more than two decades. He lives in the Brow of the Hill neighbourhood with his long-time partner, Antigone.

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