Zoned for Lively: New rules encourage more vibrant shopping streets

One of the best parts of living in New Westminster is discovering a cozy new restaurant or artisan shop. Bustling streets with lots of colourful storefronts become an interesting destination for a lunchtime stroll, or a lively place to take out-of-town guests. More visitors mean more customers, making it great for growing our local economy too.

On the other hand, streets occupied by appointment-only businesses are far less inviting. The services are important, but too many on the ground floor can make a city feel dull and less welcoming to would-be shoppers.

After gathering perspectives from business owners and residents, Community First Councillor Tasha Henderson brought forward a motion to update the City’s zoning rules for commercial spaces. Starting June 8, 2026, ground-floor storefronts in New West’s designated shopping areas are reserved for businesses that encourage walk-in traffic, like bookstores, boutiques, and cafes. The City calls these “Active Use” businesses.  

Other businesses – the kind people seek out, usually with an appointment – are classified as "Low Activity" uses. Within Active Frontage Areas, these businesses are located on upper floors rather than at street level.These include dentists, payday lenders, commercial storage facilities, and those offering legal, insurance, or accounting services. 

Any existing low-activity businesses in ground-floor units will be allowed to stay and renew leases. New businesses moving into ground-floor locations will need to qualify as Active Use. 

Some businesses, such as breweries, daycares, banks, and fitness studios will be allowed in ground floor locations if they meet certain conditions. 

Community First thanks the businesspeople and residents who shared their excellent ideas for improving New West’s shopping districts. Great cities don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of many people coming together to share their vision and working to make it happen. 

There’s more to do, of course. But in the meantime, we look forward to more walk-in traffic for local businesses and livelier strolls for residents.

What’s your favourite shopping area in New West? Email and let us know.