We want people - and businesses - to set down roots in New Westminster. This means ensuring people can afford to live, work, raise a family, and age in place in the community they call home.
We are recognized as one of the most liveable cities in Canada, but we know there is always more to do to improve the quality of life for residents. We are up to the task.
Thriving Local Economy
Local businesses are at the root of every community. With record recent business growth, we will continue to make New Westminster a destination for entrepreneurs and independently-owned shops while also supporting established small businesses here in New West.
Actions:
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Working with the downtown business community to develop a new vision for Columbia Street, one that prioritizes the needs of a growing Downtown population.
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Create more opportunities for community retail and support the establishment of a medical office in the Port Royal neighbourhood in Queensborough.
- Continue our ongoing advocacy to Provincial and Federal governments for commercial tenant protections and triple net lease reform.
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Provide more access for neighbourhood-level micro retail in established residential areas.
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Support continued modernization of business licensing including e-apply options.
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Extend investments in organizations supporting our commercial districts such as the Sapperton Business Collective and I’s on the Street.
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Advocate to upper levels of government for stronger tools to incentivize the activation of vacant properties.
- Expand the economic development vision to maximize use of the city's industrial and heavier commercial spaces.
More Than Housing - It's Home
A one-size-fits-all approach to housing will not deliver the outcomes our community deserves. We must ensure that people have access to a diverse range of housing options across the housing spectrum to meet their changing needs.
Actions:
- Establish a rental office to address tenant safety and security concerns in partnership with tenants rights organizations.
- Continue to work with senior levels of government to ensure ongoing investment into subsidized, affordable and transitional housing.
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Explore ways to improve fire safety in older wood-framed multifamily buildings through tools such as retrofit supports and incentive programs.
- Ban no-pet clauses in new purpose-built rental buildings, ensuring that pet owners have more housing options.
- Expand the successful Heritage Conservation Area in Queens Park to create a city-wide Heritage Plan that makes sense for New West to protect valuable heritage assets.
- Support the installation of community EV charging stations in all multifamily buildings.
- Work with the Province and non-profit providers to secure the necessary shelter and supportive housing spaces.
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Explore the creation of a Municipal Housing Authority to more deeply support affordability across the housing spectrum.
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Support a range of housing options for middle-income earners including co-operatives, community land trusts and near-market housing.
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Prioritize the protection of rental housing stock through the expanded use of rental tenure zoning.
- Commit to a purpose-built health contact centre outside of the downtown core to meet the needs of our community.
- Set a target to cut permit times in half and reduce complexity for homeowners and businesses, with special attention directed to fast-tracking small projects.
Childcare
Every child deserves to be safe and cared for, and every caregiver should have the option to return to work if they choose.
Actions:
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Work with the School District to increase childcare capacity across New Westminster.
- Continue prioritizing non-profit childcare spaces in new developments throughout every neighbourhood.