About

Engagement at the City of New Westminster

Public engagement is based on the principle that people should be able to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives. The City of New Westminster recognizes the need for high-quality public engagement - not as a nice-to-have, but as a central component of how the City does business and delivers services to community members. We are committed to investing in new ways to meaningfully engage the public in order to shape New Westminster's future together in a proactive way. 

Our public engagement activities are guided by the Public Engagement Policy, which was adopted by City Council in 2021. The policy provides clarity for all City staff – and the New Westminster community – on standards and expectations for public engagement activities delivered by the City of New Westminster. The policy applies across all City of New Westminster departments, as well as engagement work carried out by contractors and consultants on behalf of the City.

Click here to review the Policy.

The Public Engagement Policy was developed based on one of 35 actions identified in the City’s Public Engagement Strategy, which was adopted in 2016 following a Mayor’s Task Force on Public Engagement. Implementation of the strategy is ongoing.

Click here to review the City’s Public Engagement Strategy.

What is Be Heard New West?

Be Heard New West is an online platform where New Westminster residents can learn about a variety of City projects, and share their feedback and ideas with the City. The interactive, online space is designed to allow residents to contribute their views in convenient, easy and fun ways. Be Heard New West offers a variety of ways to participate - from online discussion boards and idea boards, to interactive maps and surveys - in various City initiatives, plans, issues and decisions. Our goals are to build an active online community, provide a respectful space for residents to interact with each other, and increase the depth and breadth of public involvement in City processes. 

Questions? Please review our frequently asked questions, or email engage@newwestcity.ca