Regular Council

Monday, August 25, 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 August 25, 2025 Regular Council meeting be approved.

3.

PRESENTATIONS & DELEGATIONS

3.1

Building Safer Communities Fund Program - At-Risk Youth Update August 2025

a.

Youth Resilience Strategy Presentation

Presented by Avery Acheson, Senior Consultant, bassa Social Innovations

b.

Report

The purpose of this report is to update Council on the Building Safer Communities Fund Program (BSCF) and secure feedback on the New Westminster Youth Resiliency Strategy. The BSCF was established to serve youth (defined as ages 12 – 25 years) at high risk of involvement in gangs and using guns in violent crime. Staff have utilized funding from the Federal Government and, with the oversight of the BSCF Working Group, created new initiatives. This report presents an update of the initiative to date and the draft New Westminster Youth Resilience Strategy for feedback.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT the report titled “Building Safer Communities Fund Program - At-Risk Youth Update August 2025” from the Manager, Intergovernmental Relations, dated August 25, 2025, be received for information; and
  2. THAT the New Westminster At-Risk Youth Situation Table be approved to continue beyond the March 31, 2026 funding deadline for the Building Safer Communities Fund Program.

3.2

Open Delegations

3.3

Award Recognition

4.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

4.1

Supporting Longstanding Civic Non-Profits through Prioritized and Multi-Year Funding (Item Postponed from July 7, 2025 Regular Council meeting)

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.

4.2

Review of City's Speed Hump Installation Policy (Item Postponed from July 7, 2025 Regular Council meeting)

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.

4.3

Riverfront Vision Update - Westminster Pier Park to Sapperton Landing Park (Item Postponed from July 7, 2025 Regular Council meeting)

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.

5.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Recommendation

  THAT Items No. 5.1 through 5.16 be adopted by general consent.

5.1

Minutes - June 16, 2025 Special Council meeting

• Recommendation

  THAT the Minutes of the Special Council meeting held on June 16, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

5.2

Minutes - July 7, 2025 Regular Council meeting

• Recommendation

  THAT the Minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on July 7, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

5.3

22nd Street Station Area: Planning and Development Department Work Plan for Implementation of the reGENERATE Vision

The purpose of this report is to seek Council endorsement to advance detailed technical and planning work required to implement the reGENERATE Vision for the Neighbourhood Around the 22^nd Street SkyTrain Station. This work would proceed in parallel with ongoing Council consideration of the related Official Community Plan updates for the area. Endorsement is sought for the general timing of the work, communications approach, and referral of associated capital funding to the 2026 budget process. Staff aim to complete the work as early as possible.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT staff proceed with the next steps outlined in the Work Plan Section in the report titled “22^nd Street Station Area: Planning and Development Department Work Plan for Implementation of the reGENERATE Vision,” dated August 25, 2025 from the Acting Director of Planning and Development, which would facilitate advancement of technical work to implement the Vision concurrent with ongoing work to complete Council consideration of the Official Community Plan updates to the area.

  2. THAT staff proceed with the next steps outlined in the Communications Section in the report titled “22^nd Street Station Area: Planning and Development Department Work Plan for Implementation of the reGENERATE Vision,” dated August 25, 2025 from the Acting Director of Planning and Development, which would focus on providing information to the community, given the work is highly technical and required for the City to service and regulate development in the area, and/or will draw on existing City standards and the robust outputs of the previous, two-year community-based process which informed the Council-endorsed Vision.

  3. THAT the funds identified in the Financial Considerations Section in the report titled “22^nd Street Station Area: Planning and Development Department Work Plan for Implementation of the reGENERATE Vision,” dated August 25, 2025 from the Acting Director of Planning and Development, be forwarded to the 2026 capital budget process for Council’s consideration.

5.4

Royal Columbian Hospital Bridge Connection (230 Keary Street) - Consideration of Land Sale and Bylaw for First, Second and Third Readings

To consider the proposed bylaw and sale of 1,349 cubic meters (47,639 cubic feet) of airspace above Keary Street to facilitate the construction of an accessible public entry and elevated pedestrian bridge connecting 230 Keary Street and the Royal Columbian Hospital, and facilitate accessible access from the Sapperton SkyTrain station to the hospital.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT Title to Highway (Portion of Keary Street) Bylaw No. 8533, 2025 be introduced and given first, second, and third readings;

  2. THAT the 1,349 cubic meters (47,639 cubic feet) portion of airspace above Keary Street be sold for the nominal cost of $1 to Wesgroup Properties, with conditions and encumbrances on the airspace parcel as outlined in Attachment 7: Summary of Legal Instruments To Restrict the Use and Sale of the Airspace of the report titled “Royal Columbian Hospital Bridge Connection (230 Keary Street) – Consideration of Land Sale and Bylaw for First, Second and Third Readings” dated August 25, 2025; and

  3. THAT, subject to adoption of Bylaw No. 8533, 2025, staff be authorized to take the necessary steps to complete all matters detailed herein, including authorizing the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute all documentation to effect the transaction.

5.5

Construction Noise Bylaw Variance Request: 252 Brunette Avenue (Sapperton SkyTrain Station)

The purpose of this report is to request Council grant a variance from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to TransLink to enable maintenance, modifications, and reinstallation of extended walkways in preparation for the activation of longer trains to accommodate increased ridership on SkyTrain.

• Recommendation

  THAT a variance from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to TransLink from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM on weekdays and weekends for a maximum of five days per week Tuesday September 2, 2025 to Saturday February 28, 2026, (excluding all Statutory Holidays and Wednesday, December 24, 2025 to Thursday, January 1, 2026) be granted to install new maintenance walkways, demolish and restore original maintenance walkways and make operational equipment modifications to the Sapperton SkyTrain Station at 252 Brunette Avenue.

5.6

Development Cost Charges Bylaw No. 8327, 2022, Amendment Bylaw No. 8539, 2025, and Amenity Cost Charges Bylaw No. 8540, 2025

To request that Council consider the recommendations for Development Cost Charges Bylaw No. 8327, 2022, Amendment Bylaw No. 8539, 2025, and Amenity Cost Charges Bylaw No. 8540, 2025.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT Development Cost Charges Bylaw No. 8327, 2022, Amendment Bylaw No. 8539, 2025 be introduced and given first, second, and third readings; and
  2. THAT Amenity Cost Charges Bylaw No. 8540, 2025 be introduced and given first, second, and third readings.

5.7

Provincial Housing Target Order – Year One Progress Report

To provide Council with the Housing Target Order Year One Progress Report for New Westminster for the period between August 1, 2024 and July 31, 2025, as per Section 4 of the Housing Supply Act.

• Recommendation

  THAT the Housing Target Order Year One Progress Report, as contained in Attachment 1: Housing Target Order Year One Progress Report of the report titled “Provincial Housing Target Order – Year One Progress Report” from the Acting Director of Planning and Development, dated August 25, 2025, be received for information.

5.8

Rezoning Application: 140 Sixth Street (Royal Towers) – Application Review Process

To provide Council with an update regarding the current status of the rezoning application at 140 Sixth Street, request Council’s endorsement of the proposed application review process towards creation of appropriate Housing Agreement and Zoning Amendment Bylaws, and to request that Council direct staff to prepare a letter of support to Lookout Housing and Health Society in support of any future application(s) for senior government funding contributions to the proposed affordable housing at 140 Sixth Street.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT the “Application Review Process” towards creation of appropriate Housing Agreement and Zoning Amendment Bylaws for redevelopment of 140 Sixth Street and as outlined in the report titled “Rezoning Application: 140 Sixth Street (Royal Towers) – Application Review Process” from the Acting Director of Planning and Development dated August 25, 2025 (Attachment 4), be endorsed.

  2. THAT staff prepare a letter of support to Lookout Housing and Health Society to supplement any future application(s) for senior government funding contributions towards proposed affordable housing at 140 Sixth Street.

5.9

Section 219 Covenant for Statutory Rights of Way for Metro Vancouver at TACC

To obtain direction from Council regarding the proposed Section 219 Covenant related to the 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 staff be authorized to conduct the necessary activities to effect the execution of the Section 219 Covenant for the statutory rights of way to Metro Vancouver on the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre site.
  2. THAT the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to execute all documentation to effect the transaction detailed in the report titled “Section 219 Covenant for Statutory Rights of Way for Metro Vancouver at TACC” dated August 25, 2025 from the Acting Director, Engineering Services.

5.10

Temporary Use Permit Extension for Royal Columbian Hospital Phase Two Construction Parking: 97 Braid Street

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with information for their consideration in extending TUP0028 for one year to continue providing temporary off-site parking on a portion of 97 Braid Street for hospital staff and construction workers during the second phase of Royal Columbian Hospital redevelopment.

• Recommendation

  THAT Temporary Use Permit 00028 be extended for a period of one year to September 19, 2026 for a portion of the property located at 97 Braid Street for the purpose of providing temporary off-site parking for Royal Columbian Hospital staff and construction workers during the second phase of Royal Columbian Hospital redevelopment.

5.11

Updated Terms of Reference for Community Advisory Assembly

To share the process taken to update the Terms of Reference for the Community Advisory Assembly and the updated Terms of Reference, which will guide the upcoming 2025-2026 Assembly term.

• Recommendation

  THAT the updated Terms of Reference for the Community Advisory Assembly, included as Attachment 1 to the report titled “Updated Terms of Reference for Community Advisory Assembly” from the Acting Director of Community Services dated August 25, 2025, be adopted, following updates to reflect feedback from the pilot Assembly members and review by the Assembly Steering Committee.

5.12

Proclamation: Terry Fox Week, September 7-14, 2025

5.13

Proclamation: Welcoming Week, September 12-21, 2025

5.14

Proclamation: Rail Safety Week, September 15-21, 2025

5.15

Proclamation: Literacy Month, September 2025

5.16

Proclamation: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, September 2025

6.

CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

7.

MOTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND DECISION

7.1

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.

7.2

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.

7.3

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.

8.

BYLAW FOR ADOPTION

8.1

Housing Agreement Bylaw (1923 & 1927 Marine Way) No. 8507, 2025

A bylaw to secure 89 affordable rental housing units in a six-storey residential development.

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

• Recommendation

  THAT Housing Agreement Bylaw (1923 & 1927 Marine Way) No. 8507, 2025 be adopted.

9.

NEW BUSINESS

10.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

11.

ADJOURNMENT

• Recommendation

  THAT the meeting adjourn.

   

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