Regular Council

Monday, June 23, 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 June 23, 2025 Regular Council meeting be approved.

3.

OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD

3.1

Business Regulations and Licensing (Rental Units) Amendment Bylaw No. 8525, 2025

a.

Notice

b.

Director of Planning and Development Report dated May 12, 2025

c.

Bylaw No. 8525, 2025

d.

Two pieces of correspondence received May 20, 2025 to June 17, 2025

e.

Statement of Correspondence Received (Corporate Officer)

f.

Invitation to Those Present to Address the Application

g.

Council Decision

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

• Recommendation

  THAT Business Regulations and Licensing (Rental Units) Amendment Bylaw No. 8525, 2025 be adopted.

4.

PRESENTATIONS & DELEGATIONS

4.1

Open Delegations

4.2

Presentation of the 2024 Annual Report

Presented by Lisa Spitale, Chief Administrative Officer

a.

Presentation

b.

2024 Annual Report

• Recommendation

  THAT the 2024 Annual Report be considered and received for information.

5.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Recommendation

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

5.1

Minutes - June 9, 2025 

• Recommendation

  THAT the Minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on June 9, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

5.2

40 Begbie Street: Good Neighbour Agreement and Issuance of TUP for Health Contact Centre

a.

Thirty-two pieces of correspondence received June 13, 2025 to June 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

b.

Report

The purpose of this report is to request that Council issue the Temporary Use Permit for overdose prevention services at the Health Contact Centre located at 40 Begbie Street, subject to Fraser Health and Purpose Society signing the Good Neighbour Agreement attached to this report, which staff recommends be endorsed by Council.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT the Good Neighbour Agreement for the Health Contact Centre at 40 Begbie Street be endorsed as included as Attachment 1 to the report titled “40 Begbie Street: Good Neighbour Agreement and Issuance of Temporary Use Permit for Health Contract Centre” dated June 23, 2025 from the Director, Planning and Development, including the provision of a peer-driven safety and security model during regular operating hours;

  2. THAT Temporary Use Permit (TUP00038), included as Attachment 2, for overdose prevention services at the Health Contact Centre at 40 Begbie Street be issued for 18 months, or until an alternate overdose prevention service is operational, whichever is sooner, subject to the signing of the Good Neighbour Agreement by Fraser Health and Purpose Society.

  3. THAT staff provide an update on the signing and operationalization of the Good Neighbour Agreement for the Health Contact Centre at the Council meeting on July 14, 2025.

5.3

2024 Statement of Financial Information

To seek Council’s approval of the 2024 Statement of Financial Information.

• Recommendation

  THAT the 2024 Statement of Financial Information Report, included in attachment 2 to this report, be approved.

5.4

Construction Noise Bylaw Exemption Request: 1031 Quebec Street, New Westminster – Metro Vancouver Annacis Water Supply Tunnel, Fraser River Crossing

To request an exemption be granted from the Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to Metro Vancouver’s contractor Traylor Aecon General Partnership (“the contractor”) to remove the Tunnel Boring Machine in order to complete the installation of new water main, resulting in increased reliability of the clean water supply to New Westminster and other municipalities in the Lower Mainland.

• Recommendation

  THAT an exemption be granted to Metro Vancouver’s contractor, Traylor Aecon General Partnership (TAGP), from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992, for a period of four consecutive weeks between Wednesday, July 2, 2025, and Saturday, November 1, 2025 on week days from 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM and Saturdays from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM, excluding Sundays and Statutory Holidays, to remove the Tunnel Boring Machine as part of the Annacis Water Supply Tunnel, Fraser River Crossing.

5.5

Distributed Antenna System to Improve Cellular Network Coverage within Anvil Centre

The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval of an agreement between Rogers Communications and the City to enable the installation and operation of a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) within the Anvil Centre facility in order to improve cellular network coverage.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT the agreement between Rogers Communications Inc. and the City to supply and install a distributed antenna system within Anvil Centre to improve cellular network coverage within the facility at no cost to the City be approved; and
  2. THAT the Chief Administrative Officer and Director, Finance be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the City.

5.6

Massey Victory Heights Street Lighting Replacement Project Update

To update Council on the progress of the Massey Victory Heights street lighting replacement project, the associated decision-making process and the proposed next steps for this project.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT Community Services staff be directed to conduct the research and community consultation required to complete a heritage assessment of the street light standards in the Massey Victory Heights area and share the findings with council and the community.

  2. THAT Engineering Services staff be directed to cancel the construction contract for the replacement of Areas 1 and 2 of the Massey Victory Heights Street Lighting Replacement Project and work with the heritage assessment to inform appropriate next steps for the project.

5.7

Rezoning and Special Development Permit Applications: 611 Agnes Street – Preliminary Report

To provide Council with information regarding Rezoning and Special Development Permit Applications for 611 Agnes Street and seek direction to review the applications as outlined in the report.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT staff to process the application as outlined in the report titled “Rezoning and Special Development Permit Applications: 611 Agnes Street – Preliminary Report” dated June 23, 2025 from the Director of Planning and Development.
  2. THAT the application continue to include a minimum of two storeys, approximately 2,996 square metres (32,250 sq. ft.), of replacement office floor space.

5.8

Rezoning Application: 140 Sixth Street (Royal Towers) – Preliminary Report

To provide Council with information as to the initial development concept for 140 Sixth Street (Royal Towers), and to request Council’s endorsement of the application review process towards creation of appropriate Housing Agreement and Zoning Amendment Bylaws be endorsed.

• Recommendation

  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 this report, be endorsed.

5.9

Update of Section 72 Remedial Action Requirement for 1823 Hamilton Street

This report provides an update to Council on the status of the Sections 57 Notice on Title and 72 Remedial Action Requirement that have been applied to the subject property, and seeks Council endorsement for next steps.

• Recommendation

  THAT the next steps outlined in the June 23, 2025 report titled “Update of Section 72 Remedial Action Requirement for 1823 Hamilton Street” be endorsed.

5.10

Zoning Amendment Bylaw and Cannabis Retail Store Licence: 416 East Columbia Street

To seek Council direction regarding: 1) initiating consideration of a Zoning Amendment Bylaw to remove cannabis retail as a permitted use from 416 East Columbia Street; 2) request Council endorsement for no Public Hearing to be held following circulation of notice in accordance with the Local Government Act; and, 3) referral from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch of a Cannabis Retail Store Licence application from Marigolds Cannabis at 416 East Columbia Street.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT Zoning Amendment Bylaw (416 East Columbia) No. 8520, 2025 be forwarded to the July 7, 2025 Regular Meeting of Council for first, second and third readings.

  2. THAT no Public Hearing be held for Zoning Amendment Bylaw (416 East Columbia) No. 8520, 2025 following circulation of notice, in accordance with the Local Government Act.

  3. THAT the City of New Westminster advise the Provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch that it declines to accept the local government referral for a Cannabis Retail Store Licence application from Marigolds Cannabis at 416 East Columbia Street.

5.11

Proclamation: Indigenous Survivors Day - June 30, 2025

5.12

Proclamation: Super Senior Week - August 10-16, 2025

6.

CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

7.

MOTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND DECISION

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.

NOTICES OF MOTION

8.1

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.

8.2

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.

8.3

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.

8.4

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.

9.

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

• Recommendation

  THAT the following bylaws be adopted:

9.1

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

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.

9.2

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

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.

9.3

Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 7318, 2009, Amendment Bylaw No. 8526, 2025

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.

9.4

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

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.

10.

NEW BUSINESS

11.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

12.

ADJOURNMENT

• Recommendation

  THAT the meeting adjourn.

   

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