Candidate Search Launched
Our candidate search is on!
Have you ever thought about running for city council or school board?
Community First New Westminster has a hopeful, positive vision for our city, where we care for our community and our neighbours. With the rise of right-wing populism in New West, we need leaders who align with our values now more than ever. If this resonates, consider applying as a candidate.
We are launching a democratic and thorough candidate search process, with applications due at the end of January. We will hold our Nomination Meeting in April 2026, and members will elect our slate of candidates.
If you're excited about keeping New West inclusive and compassionate, please reach out to the Candidate Search Committee at [email protected].
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New Westminster leads on protecting tenants.
New Westminster City Council approved two significant programs last week addressing challenges facing tenants in the City’s most affordable housing, continuing their commitment to supporting the most vulnerable residents in the City.
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Local businesses are struggling, but some local Councillors have a solution.
New Westminster City Councillor Tasha Henderson is rallying Councillors from across Metro Vancouver to stand up for small businesses during BC Buy Local Week.
“Small businesses are not only huge investments of money and time for the owners, but also significantly contribute to the vibrancy of our communities,” said Councillor Henderson. “I’m hearing from many small businesses that outrageous unexpected rent increases are making it tough to make ends meet.”
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One year out
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.
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New Westminster Ranked Most Affordable in Metro Vancouver by Housing and Transportation Cost Measure
A new report from Metro Vancouver highlights that New Westminster is the most affordable municipality in the region when considering the combined costs of housing and transportation.
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New West Breaks Ground on 89 Affordable Homes for Youth and Young Moms — Despite Opposition from the New West Progressives
Today, Community First Councillors proudly broke ground with provincial partners and Aunt Leah’s Housing on a transformative housing development that will deliver 89 units of deeply affordable housing for youth aging out of care and vulnerable young mothers.
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New Westminster's Focus on Child Care Shows Results in Latest Rankings
New Westminster ranks 4th out of 58 communities across the province in the newly released child care access rankings shared by the $10aDay Child Care Campaign, an initiative of the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC. The rankings are based on the number of child care spaces for children aged 0 - Grade 7.“We have worked hard to gain 1200 additional child care spaces over the last decade for New Westminster’s young families. There is more to do to achieve the accessible and affordable child care spaces needed in every neighbourhood,” said Community First City Councillor Tasha Henderson. “We will continue to use the tools we have available at the city to support the development of additional spaces while advocating for more provincial dollars to reach the goal of universal childcare access.”
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Homelessness Count: New Westminster’s Results and Progress
With the release of the 2025 Metro Vancouver Point-in-Time (PiT) Homelessness Count, Community First members of Council reaffirm their commitment to working with the province, community partners, residents and businesses to support unhoused residents and build long-term solutions.
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Federal report shows crime rates way down in New Westminster
New Westminster crime severity has reduced more than 16% over last year, according to data released by Statistics Canada today. The New Westminster Police Department highlighted this as a 6-year low. This is in contrast to recent media generated by the New West Progressives claiming “rampant crime and public disorder on our streets”.
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Council commits to extending program providing vital community supports
New Westminster’s groundbreaking Crises Response Pilot Project (“CRPP”) is being extended after receiving $1.46 Million in support from Health Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund (“ETF”). New Westminster was the only successful BC applicant in the 2024 ETF program, and received the second-largest grant of any Municipality in Canada. With the approval of City Council on Monday, this funding support will allow the Pilot to operate at least to the end of 2026.
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