New Westminster

The meeting included a land acknowledgement and tribute to the late Chief Rhonda Larrabee. Delegations addressed Sikh Heritage Month, the New Westminster Hospice Society's recent developments, affordability concerns for local non-profit arts groups at the Massey Theatre, community perspectives on the Tiny Homes Village project, biodiversity and ecosystem resilience initiatives, and accessibility concerns related to the Rotary Crosstown Greenway project. Council received a project close-out report for the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre. Additional actions included authorizing a joint funding application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, appointing an Interim Corporate Officer, issuing a development variance permit for 430 Ninth Street, and initiating a zoning bylaw amendment for the Active Streets Initiative. Council also directed staff to consult with the School District, local First Nations, health authorities, and TransLink regarding Official Community Plan amendments, and modified the Joint Use Agreement requirement for Simcoe Elementary. Several bylaws were adopted, covering housing agreements, signage, and election procedures.

This document provides an update on the Economic Development Plan for New Westminster, presenting Phase 1 findings and emerging strategic directions. The plan's priorities include leveraging the expansion of Royal Columbian Hospital to foster an economic healthcare cluster, increasing the city's regional share of jobs, exploring opportunities in compact and value-added manufacturing, and strengthening arts and culture as a core community asset while stabilizing related employment.

The Council reviewed the scope of work for the Economic Development Plan update, which aims to create an overarching framework for economic activities through 2023. Key discussion points included the integration of data analysis and community engagement, the inclusion of both traditional and non-traditional metrics for success, and the strategic focus on areas such as business advocacy, livability, and key sectors. Council also discussed the importance of local arts, culture, tourism, the "Think Local First" initiative, retail mix alignment, community safety, and the role of Intelligent New West in supporting the plan's objectives.

This Interim Report provides a comprehensive analysis of New Westminster's economic environment to support strategic planning and priority setting for an updated Economic Development Plan. It highlights the city's steady population and employment growth, supported by a highly educated workforce, strong institutional anchors, and a diverse economic base, with emerging opportunities in technology, professional services, health care, and logistics. Key emerging strategic directions include leveraging the Royal Columbian Hospital expansion to develop a healthcare cluster, pursuing jobs in compact, value-added manufacturing, attracting high-value employers, and recognizing arts and culture as a core community asset to stabilize related employment.

This implementation plan outlines the steps for putting into effect the Provincial Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH)/Infill Housing Accelerator Fund Initiative. The plan focuses on expanding infill housing considerations in the Official Community Plan, creating new development permit guidelines, and establishing new zoning regulations. Key actions include designating approximately 3,000 properties for 'Residential -- Ground Oriented Infill Housing' (RGO) and creating two new infill housing zones (RGO-A for up to 4 units, RGO-B for up to 6 units) to streamline the approval process and increase ground-oriented housing choices across the city.