Regular Council

Monday, June 09, 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

2.

AGENDA ADDITIONS & DELETIONS

• Recommendation

  THAT the Agenda for the June 9, 2025 Regular Council meeting be approved.

3.

PRESENTATIONS & DELEGATIONS

3.1

New City Logo

Presented by Ashleigh Young, Manager, Communications

3.2

Open Delegations

4.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Recommendation

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

4.1

Minutes - May 26, 2025 Public Hearing

• Recommendation

  THAT the Minutes of the Public Hearing held on May 26, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

4.2

Minutes - May 26, 2025 Regular Council meeting 

• Recommendation

  THAT the Minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on May 26, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

4.3

2024 Annual Water Quality Monitoring Report

To present the 2024 Annual Water Quality Monitoring Report to Council. This report is an annual requirement to summarize and maintain a record of the water quality monitoring data collected during the subject year.

• Recommendation

  THAT the report titled “2024 Annual Water Quality Monitoring Report“ be received for information.

4.4

2025 Capital and Operating Quarterly Performance Report

To provide quarterly updates to Council on the Operating Budget, Capital Budget, and Major Project/Program Spending performance, and to seek Council’s approval of the proposed 2025 Capital Budget Adjustment and Revised 2025 Multi-Year Capital Budget: (1) Adjust for net budget increases of $12.4M; and (2) Approve the Proposed Revised Multi-Year Capital Budget of $256.0M.

• Recommendation

  THAT the $12.4M 2025 quarterly capital budget adjustments and $256.0M Proposed Revised Multi-Year Capital budget be approved.

4.5

Construction Noise Bylaw Exemption Request: 2126 Seventh Avenue (22nd Street SkyTrain Station)

To request an exemption from the Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to TransLink to complete re-installation of wind screens located at the station entrance, completion of deficiency work, and removal of crew and storage trailers from the 22nd Street Skytrain Station located at 2126 Seventh Avenue.

• Recommendation

  THAT an exemption be granted from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to TransLink from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from Friday June 13, 2025 to Sunday July 20, 2025 to complete re-installation of wind screens, completion of deficiency work, and removal of crew and storage trailers from the 22nd Street Skytrain Station located at 2126 Seventh Avenue.

4.6

Fourth Street Stairs Project Update and Public Realm Enhancements

To update Council on the progress on the Fourth Street Stairs Project and planned enhancements designed to support daily recreational activities, community events and public activations in this area of Downtown.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT the report titled “Fourth Street Stairs Project Update and Public Realm Enhancements“ dated June 9, 2025 be received for information.
  2. THAT staff be directed to develop a programming plan to support activation at the new Flex Space at the Fourth Street Stairs and bring a resource request for consideration at a future Council meeting.

4.7

Response to Council Motion Referred to the Utility Commission Titled: “Providing Equity in the Delivery of Energy savings Programs for New West Electrical Customers”

The purpose of this report is to present Council with the response from the Utility Commission to the motion referred by Council, actions taken by staff related to this motion, to seek approval to update the existing Memorandum of Agreement between BC Hydro and the New Westminster Electric Utility and leverage the residential solar-battery program delivered by BC Hydro through a partnership approach.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT staff pursue amending the existing Memorandum of Agreement with BC Hydro, dated March 25, 2010, relating to the availability of Power Smart Programs to electrical service customers in the City of New Westminster.

  2. THAT staff continue to develop a partnership approach with BC Hydro to deliver a residential solar-battery program to New Westminster Electric Utility customers.

4.8

Surety Development Bond Pilot Program 

The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval for the inclusion of Surety Development Bonds (Surety Bonds) as an alternative form of security deposit alongside the existing forms, Cash and Letter of Credit, specified under the City of New Westminster Subdivision and Development Control Bylaw No. 7142, 2007.

• Recommendation

  THAT staff bring forward amending bylaws necessary to implement a Surety Bond pilot program for Works and Service Agreements and payment of Development and Amenity Cost Charges for Council‘s consideration.

4.9

Proclamation: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - June 15, 2025

4.10

Proclamation: Filipino Heritage Month and Philippine Independence Day - June 2025 and June 12, 2025

5.

CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

6.

MOTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND DECISION

6.1

Encouraging the Province of BC to Urgently Provide Additional Mental Health Care Supports

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia has expressed a commitment to supporting individuals suffering from acute drug addiction and serious mental illness; and

WHEREAS mental health and addiction services in British Columbia remain chronically underfunded, despite growing public need; and

WHEREAS a lack of timely and appropriate access to mental health and addiction treatment can result in significant harm to individuals, families, and the broader community;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council recognize the urgent need to address the challenges faced by individuals experiencing acute drug addiction and serious mental illness, and formally advocate for the Province of British Columbia to implement comprehensive, evidence-based, and adequately funded systems of care that support safety, well-being, and long-term recovery;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Council call on the Province to define and prioritize the implementation of secure care measures — including, where clinically appropriate and legally justified, involuntary treatment — for individuals whose condition poses a significant risk to themselves or others, with clear safeguards to uphold individual rights, medical oversight, and accountability;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Council express concern that ongoing underinvestment by successive provincial governments has contributed directly to the widespread lack of access to critical mental health and addiction services across British Columbia;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Council urge the Province to take emergency-level action to address the provincial mental health and addiction crisis, including consideration of declaring a public health emergency or enacting an equivalent coordinated response to mobilize resources, improve system integration, and protect public safety;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Mayor, on behalf of Council, write to the Premier of British Columbia and relevant Ministers to communicate Council’s position and recommendations.

6.2

Sikh Heritage Month

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

WHEREAS Sikh Heritage Month, celebrated each April, recognizes the long-standing contributions of Sikh Canadians, who have enriched Canada’s social, cultural, and economic life since their arrival in 1906; and

WHEREAS the values central to Sikhism—service, equality, and compassion—continue to inspire community involvement, leadership, and charitable efforts across New Westminster; and

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster is committed to celebrating and supporting the diverse cultural and faith communities that shape its civic identity and strengthen its inclusive, welcoming spirit;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to add Sikh Heritage Month in April to the City of New Westminster’s official observances calendar;

AND FURTHER THAT the City of New Westminster acknowledge Sikh Heritage Month with an annual proclamation in line with other official City observances.

6.3

Preserving and Enhancing Vibrant Streetscapes with Local Businesses

Submitted by Councillor Henderson

WHEREAS the current economic instability is applying financial pressure on small businesses across our communities; and

WHEREAS local governments have an opportunity to identify zoning, development, and other policies that may support affordability for businesses; and

WHEREAS the City will be updating the Economic Development Plan in 2025; and

WHEREAS the Province has greater jurisdictional power to decrease the economic pressures on small businesses through a variety of policy changes;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff explore the impacts of restricting extended health services as a permitted use at ground level through retail zoning updates; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff report back on opportunities to remove barriers for property owners interested in subdividing commercial units through zoning bylaws and building regulations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff explore creating a commercial tenant relocation policy for small businesses (in BC, defined as businesses that have fewer than 50 employees) that could include principles like relocation support and/or first right of refusal at a comparable lease rate or with a reasonable increase; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City send a letter to the Minister of Finance and CC the Minister of Municipal Governments and Rural Communities, the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and the Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation advocating that a Property Assessment Review be expedited; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City send a letter to the Minister of Finance and CC the Minister of Municipal Governments and Rural Communities, the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and the Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation advocating for WorkBC programs offered to support the development of new businesses be extended to offer continued operational support to small businesses; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that given the economic instability small businesses are facing, that the City send a letter to the Minister of Finance and CC the Minister of Municipal Governments and Rural Communities, the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and the Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation asking that the Province pilot a program to temporarily regulate commercial rent increases through a rent cap to ensure sustainability over this period of extreme instability and potential recession.

7.

NOTICES OF MOTION

7.1

Transparency in Business Improvement Area Levy Communication

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

WHEREAS Business Improvement Area (BIA) levies are collected by the City of New Westminster through property taxes on behalf of designated BIA organizations;

WHEREAS many business owners may not be fully aware that a portion of their property taxes is allocated specifically to fund BIA activities, particularly when taxes are paid by landlords rather than tenants;

WHEREAS improved transparency and communication can help strengthen accountability and awareness of how public funds are being used to support local business areas;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of New Westminster develop and implement a process to proactively inform all commercial property owners and business tenants, on an annual basis, of the amount of property taxes allocated to Business Improvement Area levies, including a clear breakdown with their property tax notices or through other direct communication methods.

7.2

Exploring the Implementation of Quiet Zones in New Westminster

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.

8.

NEW BUSINESS

9.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

10.

ADJOURNMENT

• Recommendation

  THAT the meeting adjourn.

   

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