Regular Council

Monday, May 05, 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 May 5, 2025 Regular Council meeting be approved.

3.

PRESENTATIONS & DELEGATIONS

3.1

2024 Financial Statements

Presented by Shehzad Somji, Chief Financial Officer/Director, Finance and Information Technology, and Brandon Ma, Partner, KPMG

a.

Presentation

b.

Report

The purpose of this report is to present the financial statements for the City of New Westminster for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and to seek Council acceptance of the statements to meet the requirements of Section 167(1) of the Community Charter.

• Recommendation

  THAT the City’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 be accepted.

3.2

Nurse to Patient Ratios

Presented by Melissa Stodola, Lobby Coordinator, Simon Fraser Region, BC Nurses' Union

a.

Presentation

3.3

Open Delegations

4.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Recommendation

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

4.1

Minutes

• Recommendation

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

4.2

2025 Tax Rate Bylaw No. 8516, 2025

To seek Council’s approval for the City’s 2025 Tax Rate bylaw as presented in Attachment 1.

• Recommendation

  THAT Tax Rate Bylaw No. 8516, 2025 be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

4.3

Amendment to the Water Shortage Response Bylaw No, 6948, 2004 – Minor Revision to Stage 3 Lawn Sprinkling Regulations

To amend the Water Shortage Response Bylaw No. 6948, 2004 (Attachment 1).

• Recommendation

  THAT Water Shortage Response Bylaw No. 6948, 2004, Amendment Bylaw No. 8521, 2025 be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

4.4

Artificial Turf Field Location- What We Heard: Engagement Summary Report and Next Steps

This report provides an overview of the Engagement Summary Report and, based on the feedback received on two potential sites, outlines the next steps to conduct a feasibility study for an artificial turf field and ancillary amenities at Ryall Park south

• Recommendation
  1. THAT the attached report titled “Artificial Turf Field Location Pop-up Engagement: What We Heard Report”, dated March 2025, be received for information; and

  2. THAT staff proceed with a technical feasibility study, focused solely on the Ryall Park south location and including options for integrating a perimeter walking track/path into the artificial turf field design, as outlined in this report.

4.5

City-wide Toilet Strategy: Interim Progress Report

To provide Council with an update on the work completed to date on the City-wide Toilet Strategy, and outline next steps in the strategy development process.

• Recommendation

  THAT staff implement phases 3 and 4 of the City-wide Toilet Strategy Workplan as outlined in the report titled “City-wide Toilet Strategy: Interim Progress Report” dated May 5, 2025.

4.6

Heritage Revitalization Agreement and Heritage Designation: 318 Sixth Avenue – Bylaws for First and Second Readings

The purpose of this report is to request that Council consider the bylaws, which would permit subdivision of the existing lot, construction of a new single detached dwelling, and conservation and long-term protection of the heritage house at 318 Sixth Avenue.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT Heritage Revitalization Agreement (318 Sixth Avenue) Bylaw No. 8509, 2025 and Heritage Designation (318 Sixth Avenue) Bylaw No. 8510, 2025 be introduced and given first and second readings, and the bylaws forwarded to a Public Hearing.

      

  2. THAT the building currently located at 318 Sixth Avenue be added to the City’s Heritage Register following the adoption of the Heritage Designation (318 Sixth Avenue) Bylaw No. 8510, 2025.

4.7

Programs to Serve Isolated Seniors Funded by the United Way British Columbia

1. To recommend, and seek Council’s continued endorsement for the implementation of three United Way of British Columbia funded program initiatives intended to address isolation and social determinants of health factors impacting vulnerable seniors in New Westminster.
2. To seek authority to once again enter into a project funding agreement with the United Way of British Columbia for the delivery of the above initiatives.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT the ongoing implementation of the City’s Social Meals, Community Connector and Volunteer Coordination initiatives to be funded by the United Way of British Columbia as described in the report titled “Programs to Serve Isolated Seniors Funded by the United Way of British Columbia” dated May 5, 2025 from the Director, Parks and Recreation, be endorsed; and
  2. THAT the Chief Administrative Officer and the Director, Parks and Recreation be authorized to enter into the 2025-2026 project funding agreements with the United Way of British Columbia substantially in the form as included in Attachments A, B and C to the staff report and subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.

4.8

Proposed Next Steps Related to the Council Motion of January 13, 2025 Regarding the New West Hospice Society

The purpose of this report is threefold: (1) to report back on the Council motion of January 13, 2025 related to City support for the New West Hospice Society; (2) to propose next steps related to providing support; and (3) to outline work program and financial implications related to providing support.

• Recommendation

  THAT the proposed next steps in the staff report titled “Proposed Next Steps Related to the Council Motion of January 13, 2024 Regarding the New West Hospice Society” dated May 5, 2025 from the Director of Planning and Development be endorsed.

4.9

Response to Council Motion Regarding the City of New Westminster joining the Strong Cities Network

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the Council motion of January 13, 2025 regarding the Strong Cities Network, which calls for the City of New Westminster to become a member of the Strong Cities Network.

• Recommendation

  THAT the City of New Westminster enrol as a member of the Strong Cities Network.

4.10

Update on Response to Council Motion: “Enhancing Commercial Areas and Corridors in New Westminster”

This report responds to the Council motion passed on August 26, 2024: “Enhancing Commercial Areas and Corridors in New Westminster” by providing an analysis of the implementation feasibility of Combination Stores and Micro Retailing through the use of shipping containers or similar concept.

• Recommendation

  THAT staff continue to explore identification of potential location(s), operating considerations, resources and community partners on a micro-retailing project using shipping containers or a similar concept, and report back to Council by July 2025.

4.11

Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001, Storage Amendments Bylaw No. 8518, 2025

Report presented to Regular Council on March 24, 2025. Notice published April 25, 2025 and May 1, 2025.

a.

Bylaw No. 8518, 2025

To remove mini-storage as permitted uses within the Light Industrial Districts (M-1) (except for 1084 Tanaka Court), Light Industrial Mixed Use Districts (M-5) (except for 1013, 1017 and 1019 Royal Avenue), and Commercial Industrial Districts (CM-1).

• Recommendation

  THAT Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001, Storage Amendments Bylaw No. 8518, 2025 be given first, second and third readings.

b.

March 24, 2025 Report: Zoning Amendment to Remove Mini-storage Use from M-1, M-5 and CM-1 Industrial Districts, and to Require Storage in Multi-family Residential Districts

4.12

Proclamation: Youth Week, May 1-7, 2025

4.13

Proclamation: Emergency Preparedness Week, May 4-10, 2025

4.14

Proclamation: Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, May 2025

5.

CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

6.

MOTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND DECISION

6.1

Securing Small Business Rebate Funding Renewal

Submitted by Councillor Campbell

WHEREAS in fall of 2023, the Province of British Columbia launched the Securing Small Business Rebate program to provide small businesses with up to $2,000 for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs or up to $1,000 to implement eligible preventative measures; and

WHEREAS the Securing Small Business Rebate program is now closed and the New Westminster Chamber and the Downtown Business Improvement Association have expressed interest for the Province to renew program funding to support the local business community;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor, on behalf of Council, send a letter to the Honourable Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, with a copy to all New Westminster Members of the Legislative Assembly, asking that the Securing Small Business Rebate program funding be renewed.

6.2

Conducting a Review of the City's Community and Neighbourhood Consultation and Notification Processes

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

WHEREAS it is important that the City of New Westminster effectively consult and advise local residents and businesses regarding any significant changes or initiatives that may impact their immediate neighbourhood; and

WHEREAS wherever possible the City should properly apprise local residents and businesses if they will be directly impacted by a City initiative or infrastructure upgrade;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City conduct an independent review regarding the City’s current consultation and public notification process to ensure it currently meets or exceeds recognized best practices for cities of a similar size; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff explore the option to establish an enhanced public notification and consultation process for infrastructure projects and initiatives which are deemed by Council as ‘signature’ or materially  ‘significant.’

6.3

Removing the 3.5% Climate Action Levy from the 2026 Electricity Bills as part of the Budget Development Process

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

a.

Two pieces of correspondence received April 6, 2025 - April 14, 2025

b.

Motion

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster has a unique “Climate Action Levy” of 3.5% which applies to all electricity bills for local residents and businesses; 

WHEREAS both the federal and provincial governments have now abandoned their failed consumer carbon tax experiment with the aim of leaving more money in the pockets of hard working citizens; 

WHEREAS charging New Westminster electricity consumers a special 3.5% levy on green energy can serve to decrease the level of affordability in our city;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to permanently eliminate the 3.5% Climate Action Levy as part of the 2026 budget, which will be presented to Council for review and approval.

7.

NOTICES OF MOTION

7.1

Developing a more Open and Transparent Budget Accounting Methodology for City Operated Services, Programs, and Projects

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

WHEREAS transparency in municipal spending is essential for maintaining public trust and accountability;

WHEREAS the full costs of city projects, including internal costs such as staff time, administrative overhead, and resource allocation, are not always clearly attributed or visible to the public;

WHEREAS providing a comprehensive breakdown of project costs will allow New Westminster citizens and business owners to better understand the true financial impact of municipal initiatives;

WHEREAS ensuring that all internal costs are properly accounted for will support informed decision-making by Council and enhance fiscal responsibility;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to develop a methodology for attributing internal costs to projects, ensuring that all relevant expenditures—including staffing, administrative, and operational costs—are accounted for in project budgets and financial reporting;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the proposed methodology be designed to be transparent, practical, and written in plain language accessible to both Council and the public;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff report back to Council with a proposed framework and implementation plan within six months of this motion’s adoption;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the finalized methodology and project cost breakdowns be published on the City’s website in an accessible format.

7.2

Advocacy for Increased Investment in Public Transit

Submitted by Councillor Campbell

WHEREAS public transit is vital for the mobility, economy, and sustainability of New Westminster, providing residents with essential access to work, education, and services; and New Westminster’s Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action aims for 60% of all trips within the City to be by sustainable modes of transportation by 2030.

WHEREAS reliable investment is essential to maintaining and expanding transit services especially as TransLink faces a projected $600 million annual funding gap starting in 2026 and the City has received numerous urging elected officials to advocate against potential transit service reductions, which could result in significant service cuts impacting New Westminster residents

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor, on behalf of New Westminster City Council, write to the provincial and federal government calling for the establishment of a permanent and stable funding source for public transit, and;

THAT New Westminster City Council reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with regional and senior government partners to enhance public transit for all New Westminster residents.

8.

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

• Recommendation

  THAT the following bylaws be adopted:

8.1

Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001, Miscellaneous Amendments Bylaw No. 8495, 2025

Routine miscellaneous amendments which address inconsistencies, provide clarification, correct administrative errors and provide updates.

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

8.2

Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001, Multiple Unit Residential Storage Requirements Amendments Bylaw No. 8519, 2025

To require the provision of personal storage space for residents in multiple unit residential buildings.

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

9.

NEW BUSINESS

10.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

11.

ADJOURNMENT

• Recommendation

  THAT the meeting adjourn.

   

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