Regular Council

Monday, July 07, 2025

6:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

Council Chamber, Second Floor & Zoom

New Westminster City Hall, 511 Royal Avenue

We recognize and respect that New Westminster is on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halkomelem speaking peoples. We acknowledge that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land. As a City, we are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.

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1.

CALL TO ORDER & LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

2.

AGENDA ADDITIONS & DELETIONS

• Recommendation

  THAT the Agenda for the July 7, 2025 Regular Council meeting be approved.

3.

DELEGATIONS

3.1

Open Delegations

4.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

4.1

Exploring the Implementation of Quiet Zones in New Westminster (Item Postponed from June 23, 2025 Regular Council Meeting)

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

WHEREAS quiet zones in cities across Canada have been successfully used to reduce noise pollution, enhance livability, and promote public health, particularly in residential, institutional, and high-pedestrian areas;

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster currently lacks a formal framework for identifying or designating quiet zones, and increased urban density, traffic and train whistles have led to rising concerns about noise impacts;

WHEREAS the implementation of quiet zones requires careful planning, community consultation, signage, and possible bylaw adjustments to ensure equitable access and effective enforcement;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to explore the feasibility of introducing designated quiet zones in New Westminster, including a review of best practices from other municipalities, potential criteria for zone selection, necessary bylaw amendments, and options for community engagement and enforcement, and report back with recommendations.

4.2

Heritage Revitalization Agreement Bylaw (318 Sixth Avenue) No. 8509, 2025 (Item Postponed from June 23, 2025 Regular Council Meeting)

To restore the existing 1912 Knott House, and permit subdivision of the existing lot and construction of a new single detached dwelling with a secondary suite.

Opposition at 1^st/2^nd Readings - None.

Opposition at 3^rd Reading - Cllr. Fontaine and Cllr. Minhas.

• Recommendation

  THAT Heritage Revitalization Agreement Bylaw (318 Sixth Avenue) No. 8509, 2025 be adopted.

4.3

Heritage Designation Bylaw (318 Sixth Avenue) No. 8510, 2025 (Item Postponed from June 23, 2025 Regular Council Meeting)

To ensure long-term protection of the heritage house at 318 Sixth Avenue.

Opposition at 1^st/2^nd Readings - None.

Opposition at 3^rd Reading - Cllr. Fontaine and Cllr. Minhas.

• Recommendation

  THAT Heritage Designation Bylaw (318 Sixth Avenue) No. 8510, 2025 be adopted.

4.4

Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 7318, 2009, Amendment Bylaw No. 8526, 2025 (Item Postponed from June 23, 2025 Regular Council Meeting)

To amend the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw to permit penalties for contravening the new regulations set out in Business Regulations and Licensing (Rental Units) Bylaw No. 6926, 2004, Amendment Bylaw No. 8525, 2025.

Opposition at 1^st/2^nd/3^rd Readings - None.

• Recommendation

  THAT Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 7318, 2009, Amendment Bylaw No. 8526, 2025 be adopted.

4.5

Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 8077, 2019, Amendment Bylaw No. 8527, 2025 (Item Postponed from June 23, 2025 Regular Council Meeting)

To amend the Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw to permit penalties for contravening the new regulations set out in Business Regulations and Licensing (Rental Units) Bylaw No. 6926, 2004, Amendment Bylaw No. 8525, 2025.

Opposition at 1^st/2^nd/3^rd Readings - None.

• Recommendation

  THAT Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 8077, 2019, Amendment Bylaw No. 8527, 2025 be adopted.

5.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Recommendation

  THAT Items No. ___ through ___ be adopted by general consent.

5.1

Minutes

• Recommendation

  THAT the Minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on June 23, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

5.2

2024 Consolidation of Public Compensation for Council Members

To provide Council with the 2024 Consolidation of Public Compensation for Council Members as per the Council motion.

• Recommendation

  THAT the report titled “2024 Consolidation of Public Compensation for Council Members”, dated July 7, 2025 from the Director, Finance, be received for information.

5.3

Appointment of City Officer

To provide for the efficient operation of the City by designating Manager of Economic Development, Carolyn Armanini, as the Chief Licence Inspector with the power, duty and responsibility to carry out the functions prescribed to these positions.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT the appointment of Blair Fryer as the Chief Licence Inspector, made at the August 29, 2022 Regular Council meeting, be rescinded; and
  2. THAT Carolyn Armanini, Manager of Economic Development, be appointed as the Licence Inspector for the purpose of carrying out the statutory duties in Section 60 of the Community Charter and in accordance with Officers Establishment and Indemnity Bylaw No. 7175, 2007, Business Licence Bylaw No. 8473, 2024, and Business Regulations and Licensing (Rental Units) Bylaw No. 6926, 2004.

5.4

Crises Response Pilot Project: Q2 2025 update

This report is to provide Council with an update on the progress and key developments of the Crises Response Pilot Project.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT the two year pilot project be extended to December 31, 2026  based on existing funding;
  2. THAT staff be directed to apply for Health Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund for two additional years. Report back to Council with the outcome of the grant submission; and
  3. THAT staff provide a further update to Council in Q4 2025.

5.5

Housing Agreement: 1923 & 1927 Marine Way (Affordable Rental Housing) – Bylaw for First, Second and Third Readings

To request that Council consider Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 8507, 2025 for first, second, and third readings; direct the Mayor and Corporate Officer to sign and execute the Housing Agreement, to provide a legal framework for operating and maintaining the affordable units; and, direct the Director of Finance to allocate $500,000 from the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund to Aunt Leah’s Foundation, in support of the project.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT Housing Agreement Bylaw (1923 & 1927 Marine Way) No. 8507, 2025, to secure 89 affordable rental residential units, be introduced and given first, second, and third readings;

  2. THAT, should Housing Agreement Bylaw (1923 & 1927 Marine Way) No. 8507, 2025 be adopted, the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to execute the Housing Agreement and Section 219 Covenant;

  3. THAT, should the Housing Agreement be approved, the Director of Finance be directed to allocate $500,000 from the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund to Aunt Leah’s Foundation to be used towards capital expenditures for the proposed affordable housing project at 1923 & 1927 Marine Way.

5.6

Our City, Our Homes: Implementation of Housing Legislation and Housing Accelerator Fund Initiatives – Next Steps

To seek direction from Council regarding revised timelines as relates to conflict/perceived-conflict of interest, intergovernmental requirements and funding commitments.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT staff proceed with Option A in the Structuring Materials Section of this report, that would reforward the omnibus report for consideration.

  2. THAT staff proceed with the Option 1 revised timeline option included in the Revised Timelines Section of this report.

5.7

Parks and Recreation Fees Bylaw No. 6673, 2001, Amendment Bylaw No. 8531, 2025

To recommend Council give three readings to the Parks and Recreation Amendment Bylaw No. 8531, 2025.

• Recommendation

  THAT Parks and Recreation Fees Bylaw No. 6673, 2001, Amendment Bylaw No. 8531, 2025 be given first, second, and third readings.

5.8

Memorandum: Participation at the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction Municipal Leaders Table - April 13 to 16, 2025

• Recommendation

  THAT the memorandum from Councillor Nakagawa titled "Participation at the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction Municipal Leaders Table - April 13 to 16, 2025" be received for information.

5.9

Proposed Climate Action Priorities for Submission to the CleanBC Review Process

To seek Council’s endorsement of the proposed climate action priorities for submission and approval of staff participation in the CleanBC review process.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT the proposed climate action priorities for submission to the CleanBC review process as attached to the report titled “Proposed Climate Action Priorities for Submission to the CleanBC Review Process“ dated July 7, 2025 be endorsed and submitted through the CleanBC review process.

  2. THAT staff continue to participate and engage in opportunities to provide feedback through the CleanBC review process.

5.10

Remedial Action Requirement: 53 Fourth Street

To request Council place a Remedial Action Requirement (“Remedial Action”) on the Owners of 53 Fourth Street regarding unsafe conditions.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT Council receive the report from the Director of Planning and Development dated July 7, 2025 regarding the three-storey structure (the “Building”) located on land legally described as PID: 023-476-630, Parcel A Airspace, Block 16, Plan LMP28797, Group 1, New Westminster Land District with the civic address of 53 Fourth Street, New Westminster (the “Property”) and note the concerns as stated in this report and its attachments, that:
     1. significant lateral deformations along the full width of the south exterior wall are evident from both the exterior and interior sides. The wall from the top of the foundations to the second floor is obviously out of plumb, with the upper part of the wall leaning inward (i.e. toward the north);
     2. significant vertical deformations of the central area of the main floor near the south exterior wall were observed in Units 1 and 2;
     3. floor and wall deformations are impacting the fire separations required between dwelling units; and
     4. the Building Owner has been notified of the safety conditions of the Building and in particular Units 1 and 2 and has failed to mitigate these concerns to the City’s satisfaction.

  2. THAT Council, under the authority provided by sections 72 and 73 of the Community Charter, find that Units 1 and 2 of the Building, to be in and to create an unsafe condition for the southern section of the Building.

  3. THAT Council, under the authority provided by sections 72 and 74 of the Community Charter, find the condition of Units 1 and 2 of the Building to be in and to create an unsafe condition to the neighborhood.

  4. THAT Council hereby require the registered owner of the Property, BC (the “Owner”) to secure a Qualified Professional to prepare and submit to the City of New Westminster a complete application for shoring as recommended to stabilize the building and maintain habitability of the 6 impacted units.

  5. THAT Council further require the Owner to ensure that current residents of the 6 impacted units are temporarily housed in accordance with Residential Tenancy Branch requirements; and

  6. THAT the time specified by Council for the completion of the requirements (the “Remedial Action Requirement”) imposed on the Owner by this resolution be as follows:
     1. the engineering proposal and details to shore the section of the Building supported by crawlspace must be submitted to the Building Official no later than seven days after the day that notice of this resolution has been sent to the Owner in accordance with Section 77(1) of the Community Charter; and

     2. all other work required to fulfill the Remedial Action Requirement, in accordance with the engineering proposal and details to complete shoring of the section of the Building supported by crawlspace, must be completed no later than 60 days after the day that notice of this resolution has been sent to the Owner in accordance with Section 77(1) of the Community Charter.

  7. THAT Council direct City staff to send the notice to all affected persons as required by section 77 of the Community Charter; and

  8. THAT if the Owner fails to comply with all or part of the Remedial Action Requirement within the time required, that Council hereby authorize City staff to fulfill the Remedial Action Requirement by:
     1. retaining a Qualified Professional to design the shoring system;
     2. retaining a contractor in accordance with the City’s procurement policy;
     3. posting a notice on the Building advising that the City will be shoring the immediate stability concern in no less than seven days from the date the notice is posted;
     4. together with the Qualified Professional and contractor, entering onto the Property and undertaking the work; and
     5. seek recovery of the cost of acting on the Owner’s default in accordance with section 17 [municipal action at defaulter's expense] and section 258 [special fees may be collected as property taxes] of the Community Charter.

5.11

Rezoning Application: 912 Queens Avenue and 129-137 Tenth Street – Application Considerations

To provide Council information regarding the proposed rezoning application at 912 Queens Avenue and 129-137 Tenth Street, and request that Council reject the application.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT the rezoning application at 912 Queens Avenue and 129-137 Tenth Street be rejected, given that the application:
     1. Is not a rental project which includes affordable rental and/or other community benefits, as required by the Interim Development Review Framework for rezoning applications that are inconsistent with the OCP, but consistent with the Transit Oriented Development Area legislation;

     2. Would make 124 McInnes Street a locked-in lot, per s.120.123 of the City’s Zoning Bylaw, precluding its redevelopment in alignment with the Official Community Plan and Transit Oriented Development Area legislation; and,

     3. Does not include, nor have the applicants provided as requested, an acceptable approach to tenant assistance for the former tenants of 912 Queens Avenue, which was tenanted in March 2024 when the building was purchased, and as such tenant assistance was identified as a requirement in the April 2023 letter to the applicants.

  2. THAT any subsequent development application for 912 Queens Avenue and 129-137 Tenth Street be required to: (1) also include 124 McInnes Street; (2) provide community benefits including but, depending on the scale of any future development proposal, not necessarily limited to, affordable rental housing units; and, (3) include a tenant assistance package that applies to tenants of all subject properties, including all former and/or current residents of 912 Queens Avenue and 124 McInnes Street, consistent with the City’s endorsed policy and/or policy provisions for tenant assistance, including providing a legal right of first refusal to equivalent new units at the rents the tenants were charged at the time they vacate(d) their units, plus increases in rent permitted through the Residential Tenancy Act.

5.12

Rezoning, Development Permit, and Development Variance Permit Application: 317-319 Howes Street – Additional Information

To update Council on the previously requested information regarding the Rezoning, Development Permit, and Development Variance Permit applications at 317-319 Howes Street and to request authorization to work with the applicant on a new proposal to retain additional trees on the site.

• Recommendation

  THAT staff work with the applicant to revise their proposal to seek retention of up to 18 trees along the south and east property lines, as outlined in the report titled “Rezoning, Development Permit, and Development Variance Permit Application: 317-319 Howes St – Additional Information” from the Director of Planning and Development on July 7, 2025, and to prepare a plan of development for the subject properties suitable for consideration of First and Second Readings.

5.13

Statutory Rights of Way for Metro Vancouver at TACC

To obtain direction from Council regarding proposed statutory rights of way in favor of the Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage District, operating as Metro Vancouver, at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre (TACC).

• Recommendation
  1. THAT a statutory right of way to Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District over a portion (114.2 sq. m & 135.6 sq. m totaling 249.8 sq. m) of City owned land legally described as LOT 86 EXCEPT: FIRSTLY: PART SUBDIVIDED BY PLAN 28208 SECONDLY: PART SUBDIVIDED BY PLAN 37542 THIRDLY: PART SUBDIVIDED BY PLAN LMP8088 SUBURBAN BLOCKS 4 AND 13 PLAN 24862 (part in EPP146448) be granted;
  2. THAT a statutory right of way to Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District over a portion (6,259 sq. m) of City owned land legally described as LOT 86 EXCEPT: FIRSTLY: PART SUBDIVIDED BY PLAN 28208 SECONDLY: PART SUBDIVIDED BY PLAN 37542 THIRDLY: PART SUBDIVIDED BY PLAN LMP8088 SUBURBAN BLOCKS 4 AND 13 PLAN 24862 (part in plan EPP145179) be granted; and
  3. THAT the Director, Engineering be authorized to negotiate and execute all documentation, including all contracts and Land Title Office documents, to effect the transaction detailed in the report titled “Statutory Rights of Way for Metro Vancouver at TACC” dated July 7, 2025 from the Director, Engineering.

5.14

Summary of Historical and Current Funding and In-Kind Support for Hyack Festival Association and May Day Community Association

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with information related to the historical and current funding and in-kind support of the Hyack Festival Association and May Day Community Association, in response to Council instruction from the May 26, 2025 regular Council meeting.

• Recommendation

  THAT the report titled “Summary of Historical and Current Funding and In-Kind Support for Hyack Festival Association and May Day Community Association“ dated July 7, 2025 be received for information.

5.15

Westminster Pier Park – Activation and Community Re-Engagement

This report provides information on a one-year pilot project to support the activation and re-engagement of the community at Westminster Pier Park.

• Recommendation

  THAT the staff report titled “Westminster Pier Park – Activation and Community Re-Engagement ” dated July 7, 2025 be received for information.

5.16

Zoning Amendment (102-128 East Eighth Avenue and 721 Cumberland Street): Bylaws for First, Second and Third Readings

This report provides Council with information on the development proposal for 102-128 East Eighth Avenue and 721 Cumberland Street, and requests that Council consider the Zoning Amendment Bylaw for First, Second, and Third Readings.

• Recommendation

  THAT Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001, Amendment Bylaw (102-128 East Eighth Avenue and 721 Cumberland Street) No. 8394, 2025 be introduced and given first, second, and third readings.

5.17

Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001, Retail Sale of Cannabis (416 East Columbia Street) Amendment Bylaw No. 8520, 2025

• Recommendation

  THAT Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001, Retail Sale of Cannabis (416 East Columbia Street) Amendment Bylaw No. 8520, 2025 be given first, second and third readings.

5.18

Proclamation: Pride Week, August 8-16, 2025

6.

CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

7.

MOTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND DECISION

7.1

Bus Shelters

Submitted by Councillor Nakagawa

WHEREAS the Safe Movement of People is a priority in the City of New Westminster’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan; and

WHEREAS protection from the elements as well as the noise from street traffic while waiting for a bus improves people’s experience of taking public transit and makes it a more viable option for more members of our community;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City include the cost for building a minimum of three bus shelters with seating for consideration in the 2026 budget process; and

THAT the bus stop adjacent to the Queensborough Connector be set as a priority for a shelter.

7.2

Supporting Longstanding Civic Non-Profits through Prioritized and Multi-Year Funding

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

WHEREAS non-profit organizations such as those behind the May Day celebrations and the Hyack Parade have been delivering signature community events in New Westminster for over 50 years, contributing significantly to the city’s cultural identity, civic pride, and tourism economy; and

WHEREAS over the past decade, funding for these legacy events has been dramatically reduced, including a decrease in annual City support for the Hyack Festival Association from $150,000 to just $15,000 per year; and

WHEREAS these long-standing non-profits are now forced to compete for limited grant funding against newly formed organizations, creating barriers to sustainability and threatening the continuity of historic civic traditions;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of New Westminster direct the Grants Review Committee to prioritize funding for long-established non-profit organizations that have demonstrated sustained contributions to civic life and cultural heritage over several decades;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Committee explore the implementation of multi-year funding agreements, for up to three years, to support the financial stability and long-term planning of eligible legacy organizations.

7.3

Review of City's Speed Hump Installation Policy

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster's current speed hump policy primarily relies on resident-initiated requests, which may unintentionally favour areas with greater resources or civic engagement capacity;

WHEREAS traffic calming measures, including speed humps, are an important tool for improving road safety and livability—especially near schools, parks, and in high-pedestrian areas;

WHEREAS a more equitable and standardized approach to the installation and design of speed humps would ensure consistency, fairness, and prioritization based on need and data;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to undertake a review of the City’s Speed Hump Installation Policy, with a focus on improving equity in access, standardizing implementation practices, and incorporating data-driven criteria for identifying priority locations, and report back with findings and recommendations.

7.4

Riverfront Vision Update - Westminster Pier Park to Sapperton Landing Park

Submitted by Councillor Campbell

WHEREAS the Riverfront is the City’s most significant cultural, economic and natural asset, home to vibrant and diverse public spaces, high-quality recreation, business and housing, and significant natural features and is an integral component of the local economy, providing employment, services and tourism opportunities while providing a living link to the city’s past; and

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster’s Riverfront vision, as adopted by City Council in February 2016, includes goals to create a continuous network of attractive Greenways and parks, provide connections from all neighborhoods to the river and to programing and animating the riverfront with an active, engaging and dynamic series of experiences compatible with existing industrial uses that entice visitors to explore its many destinations and adjacent amenities; and

WHEREAS the envisioned riverfront pedestrian connection between Westminster Pier Park and Sapperton Landing Park is a vital component of the overall Riverfront vision; and

WHEREAS the imminent completion of Pier Park West and expanded esplanade and the replacement of the Pattullo Bridge is nearing completion;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff provide Council with an update on the implementation status and overview of the logistical considerations, and challenges that need to be addressed in order to complete the riverfront pedestrian connection between Westminster Pier Park and Sapperton Landing Park.

8.

NOTICES OF MOTION

8.1

Ukrainian Sister City Proposal

Submitted by Mayor Johnstone

WHEREAS New Westminster has previously identified Moriguchi, Japan (1963) Quezon City, Philippines (1991) Lijiang, China (2002) and the six communities of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation (2020) as Sister Cities; and

WHEREAS New Westminster has both deep historic ties to the Ukrainian community and a growing population of more recent arrivals from Ukraine, centred around the Holy Eucharist Cathedral and a burgeoning local Ukrainian business community; and

WHEREAS Canada has been resolute with our NATO allies in supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in the face of illegal occupation and horrific destruction wrought by the deadliest war in Europe since WW2; and

WHEREAS since 2022 communities across Canada have sought twinning agreements with communities in Ukraine to show support for the Ukrainian people, and as a means to stronger cooperation between communities to the benefit of both nations;

BE IT RESOLVED that New Westminster work with the local Ukrainian community to identify an appropriate partnership city in Ukraine with whom to develop a Sister City relationship.

8.2

London Street Active Transportation Route

Submitted by Councillor Campbell and Councillor Henderson

WHEREAS the City is considering improving parts of the London Street Active Transportation Route and in addition to these options, other active transportation improvements are being proposed along the London Street route.

WHEREAS input will be reviewed following the community engagement and will be used to adjust and refine the proposed improvements along the London Street Route and final designs are expected to be completed in the fall, and construction of the new active transportation route is expected to begin in winter 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff report back to City Council with London Street Route public engagement results prior to tendering any work.

8.3

Listening to Residents and Temporarily Halting the London Street Bike Lane Capital Improvements

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

WHEREAS the residents of the West End have started a petition and have asked this Mayor and Council to reconsider the decision made by a previous Mayor and Council in 2022 to implement significant enhancements to the bike lane on London St; and

WHEREAS over 100 residents attending a regular meeting of Council on June 23rd to voice their concern regarding what they perceive to be a severe lack of consultation and communication regarding the London St bike lane project; and

WHEREAS the two options put forward for consideration regarding the London St bike lane project do not necessarily reflect the desired outcomes for a significant number of West End residents;

BE IT RESOLVED that Council direct staff to temporarily pause the London Street bike lane improvement project until an enhanced communications and community consultation plan can be developed and implemented; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public survey be reopened for at least another 60 days with the addition of a "none of the above" option for residents to express their dislike of either option should they wish to do so; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it become city policy moving forward that all public surveys, where practicable, include a 'none of the above' option to allow residents to express their desire to not support any of the options put forward for consideration.

9.

NEW BUSINESS

10.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

11.

ADJOURNMENT

• Recommendation

  THAT the meeting adjourn.

   

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