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Welcome! Be Heard is the City of New Westminster&#39;s online community engagement space. Check back often to share your feedback and join the conversation!&nbsp; Register once and easily participate again and again on issues that matter to you.&nbsp;

We're Listening

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW161453526 BCX0"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW172875106 BCX0">Project Update &ndash; September 10, 2024:After integrating input, priorities, and feedback from the community with ideas surfaced in the Ideas Challenge, and other more technical considerations, eight Big Moves have been identified as the foundation of a Vision for 22nd Street Station Area. These are detailed below.We would love to hear from you: <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/22ndst/surveys/22nd-st-bold-vision-survey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/22ndst/surveys/22nd-st-bold-vision-survey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">📋 Complete a survey</a> on the Vision&rsquo;s eight Big Moves and some key strategies. Survey closes on September 30. 📍 If in-person is your preference or you would like to talk with City staff, a drop-in engagement event is also being held on Tuesday, September 24, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Pentecostal Assembly church in Connaught Heights (2201 8th Ave).<hr> The City has launched a visioning process to imagine the future of the neighbourhood around the 22nd Street SkyTrain Station. Join us in creating a climate-friendly neighbourhood where everyone can thrive! </div></div><h2>Background</h2>The area around the 22nd Street SkyTrain Station is identified in the City&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/ocp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Official Community Plan</a> (OCP) as an area intended to accommodate higher-density development, with good access to transit and amenities. With input from the community, and in collaboration with local First Nations, the City is developing a long-range Vision for the future of this neighbourhood. This Vision will help set the land use framework to enable growth and change in alignment with community aspirations and priorities, for decades to come. <h2>Process and Framing</h2>To support the City&rsquo;s commitment to climate action, the Vision will focus on identifying how to create a climate-friendly future, guided by the <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/environment/climate-emergency" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">City&rsquo;s Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action</a>. The Vision will also be framed by <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/city_hall/mayor_and_council/strategic-plan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Council&rsquo;s Strategic Priorities Plan</a>, and the City&rsquo;s commitments to truth and reconciliation such as applying lessons from<a href="https://yearoftruth.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> A Year of Truth.</a>To reach a Vision, we are integrating the following:<ul><li>ideas and direction from local First Nations, </li><li>input and priorities from community members (see a summary of community engagement activities and <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/39288/widgets/168416/documents/121016" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">findings here</a>), </li><li>ideas from participants in the reGENERATE Ideas Challenge (see the reGENERATE <a href="http://www.newwestcity.ca/regenerate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a> or a summary of the winning submissions, the jury&rsquo;s statements, as well as the full shortlist can be found <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/39288/widgets/168416/documents/126293" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>), </li><li>the minimum density framework from the new Provincial legislation on Transit Oriented Development areas (more information on the City&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/new-provincial-housing-legislation/transit-oriented-development-areas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">webpage</a>); and </li><li>technical analysis. </li></ul><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/5e233db2a4f9275f19aa732a6b6035452fc58b70/original/1725984791/d36bfa9b370affcb22de101083aa0983_22nd_vision_path.png?1725984791" style="width: 800px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Diagram illustrating the sources of input for the 22nd Street neighborhood's reGENERATE long-range vision, including community ideas, provincial housing legislation, First Nations input, and technical analysis.">To learn more about the visioning and engagement processes to date, read our <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/22ndst?tool=news_feed#tool_tab" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">past project updates, here</a>. <h2>Big Moves for a Bold Vision</h2>Building on community input and the reGENERATE Ideas Challenge themes, aligning with Council&rsquo;s Strategic Priorities Plan, and integrating priorities from First Nations, the Vision calls for the following eight Big Moves:<table style="width: 95%; margin-right: calc(5%);"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 27.205%;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/8ea62d763b07f3c8388465e5e5612277090b51b8/original/1725985376/d209b3a46d55f1e309367cd053ef163f_transitvillage.PNG?1725985376" style="width: 150px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.795%; padding: 15px;">1) Transit Village: A high-density mixed-use core centered around a regional transit hub, where residents&rsquo; daily needs can be met in close proximity to home. This move to a more complete, less vehicle-dependent community supports climate goals by reducing transportation-related emissions.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 27.205%;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/31f62853b7574b9ab800c0167961ecdaa4bef93d/original/1725985382/abb99583c8ed610ca0917ecb3bd9d535_housing.PNG?1725985382" style="width: 150px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.795%; padding: 15px; vertical-align: middle;">2) Housing Capacity and Choice: A neighbourhood of abundant housing with a mix of tenures and affordability levels, and somewhere for everyone to call home. Integrating the minimum density framework from the new provincial legislation on Transit Oriented Development areas, development will be tallest by SkyTrain, stepping down from towers to mid- and low-rise forms.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 27.205%;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/d729b33b7c86a92e4b6bf4f3e6f5956e133438ad/original/1725985388/b5d8bef958e15f51bb29b0eefcf7d40b_streets.PNG?1725985388" style="width: 150px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.795%; padding: 15px;">3) Streets for People: A well-connected place with a range of safe, sustainable, and enjoyable mobility options that reduce vehicular dependence and lower transportation-related emissions. Improving bike and pedestrian facilities, car-share and EV charging opportunities, and bus speed and reliability will promote sustainable transportation choices.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 27.205%;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/bd4418fc4b85e5805f1c5eaa29113c00a3804f5c/original/1725985394/9e77927b9bfb3aa00a908e1b63a5baee_greennetwork.PNG?1725985394" style="width: 150px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.795%; padding: 15px;">4) Green Networks: A diverse system of ecologically-rich, resilient public green spaces and corridors, supported by green private and semi-private spaces. Green Networks include corridors, green streets and lanes, connecting to expanded and new parks. Green Networks will support climate adaptation through rainwater management, reduced urban heat island effect, and improved air quality in the neighbourhood. </td></tr><tr><td style="width: 27.205%;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/b3dccb24c0cff5aa2b26359f6da2311794149f96/original/1725985397/68c6114728b7ab9470f456f0559019e7_coastsalish.PNG?1725985397" style="width: 150px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.795%; padding: 15px;">5) Coast Salish Cultural Contributions: A community that celebrates the Coast Salish context of the land, and where opportunities for cultural revitalization and reconciliation are provided. Opportunities could include providing places for ceremony, cultural visibility, and inclusion of housing and economic opportunities for First Nations and Indigenous people.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 27.205%;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/cb187e575c1eef2fc9a5e546edbdbd00121d07fc/original/1725985400/a0e92c7a1cdd912ef8aa37d10b13e95d_social.PNG?1725985400" style="width: 200px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.795%; padding: 15px;">6) Social Connections: A vibrant and inclusive community with a range of social spaces where diverse people can gather, connect, and support each other &ndash; through community spaces like a Neighbourhood House (a multipurpose facility), inclusive public realm design, and housing designed to support social connectedness. </td></tr><tr><td style="width: 27.205%;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/1aaa0899336174f60d895b87cb9237aae6963d01/original/1725985404/e546b123b25167d42219417abbc2b5bf_buildings.PNG?1725985404" style="width: 150px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.795%; padding: 15px;">7) Climate-Friendly Buildings: Low-carbon, low-emissions buildings, powered by clean and renewable energy. Designed to provide safety and comfort through extreme weather, Climate-friendly Buildings also support reduced energy consumption, and minimized waste. Clean and renewable energy powers the neighbourhood, and community members are empowered to conserve and reduce their own energy use.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 27.2388%; padding: 15px;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/b39515ed39e640c5bd9af06b1db523765f6e0f97/original/1725988653/fc7faa74747a70b8435f95159e6c7fa9_fiscally_responsible.png?1725988653" style="width: 150px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.8856%; padding: 15px;">8) Fiscally Responsible Approach: A livable neighbourhood that supports long-term municipal financial resilience, where &ldquo;growth pays for growth&rdquo; to the degree possible. The emerging Vision is ambitious, and aspirational in addressing the housing crisis, pursuing equity and inclusion, advancing reconciliation, and addressing the climate emergency. Neighbourhoods also need to be served by core infrastructure, such as water, sewer, sidewalks, greenways, roads, electrical, as well as parks, natural assets, buildings, and other facilities and amenities that ensure livability. The draft Vision calls for an approach that balances livability and creating an &ldquo;amenity-rich&rdquo; neighbourhood with fiscal responsibility.</td></tr></tbody></table> The following brief video presents the Big Moves and related strategy highlights. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tJ7p8C6kdKI?si=ODnWm_6L1FJJ3a67" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> You can find in-depth details on the draft in <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/39288/widgets/168416/documents/138531" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this document</a>. This content will also be on display at the community drop-in event on September 24. <table class="noBorder" style="width: 100%; padding: 15px;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 100%; background-color: rgb(212, 232, 236); padding: 15px;"><h2>How can I engage?</h2>We would love to hear from you! 📋 Fill out a survey on the Big Moves and strategy highlights by end-of-day September 30, and 📍 Attend a drop-in engagement event on Tuesday, September 24, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Pentecostal Assembly in Connaught Heights (2201 8th Ave).</td></tr></tbody></table><h2> What&rsquo;s Next?</h2>Following community engagement in September 2024, the project team will work towards bringing the full Vision to Council by the end of the year. After endorsement, the City will move on to implementation actions to bring the Vision to life. City-led implementation actions will include the following: <ul><li>Continue to engage with First Nations to define priorities and identify partnership opportunities </li><li>Develop a Transit Village Concept to guide development applications and land assemblies</li><li>Update the <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/financing-growth/sb_expander_articles/1434.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Development Cost Charge program</a> </li><li>Create an<a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/new-provincial-housing-legislation/articles/8214.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Amenity Cost Charge program</a> </li><li>Amend the <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/ocp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Official Community Plan</a> to apply new land use designations that reflect the Vision, new development permit areas, and related design guidelines. </li></ul>

reGENERATE: A Vision for 22nd Street Neighbourhood

Project Update: September 6, 2024: Thank you for your valuable input during Phase 1 engagement for the Affordable Housing Acceleration Initiative!Taking your input, questions, and ideas into account, the City is kicking off Phase 2 engagement by hosting a virtual community session to share more about the initiative and to hear your thoughts. You can also provide your input in the discussion forum below. 💻Virtual Community SessionJoin us online on Tuesday, September 17 from 6:00-7:30 pm to:<ul><li>Hear directly from City planners about the initiative, its purpose, and proposed zoning changes;</li><li>Ask questions about the initiative; and,</li><li>Share your thoughts on how we can better integrate affordable rental housing projects into neighbourhoods in New Westminster.</li></ul><a href="https://urbansystems-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5AqduqsqzstHN0m9BRZBtCa75mMyv8_VAne#/registration" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here</a> to register for the virtual session in advance.If you cannot join us, the presentation portion of the virtual community session will be posted here shortly afterwards. Please check back for updates! 💡Online Discussion ForumThe discussion forum will be open until October 1, 2024. We&rsquo;d like to hear from you about how these projects can add to the qualities in your neighbourhood. <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/affordable-housing/forum_topics/discussion-forum-2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see what community members are sharing and add your thoughts!With your help, alongside input from non-profit housing providers and organizations, we will refine zoning changes for Council consideration to facilitate non-profit, affordable rental housing. This type of housing can provide housing options to allow existing residents to keep living in New Westminster while welcoming new ones. <hr>Project Update, July 8, 2024: Thank you for your valuable input on the Affordable Housing Acceleration Initiative!This phase of engagement has now concluded. Stay tuned in the coming months as we roll out more information on this initiative! Should you have any further questions for staff in the meantime, please post them below using the <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/affordable-housing/qanda" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">questions tool</a> on this page. <hr>The City is responding to the affordable housing crisis by amending the city-wide Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan (OCP). The purpose of these zoning changes is to reduce some of the regulatory barriers to affordable housing projects.<h2><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/a78b7199777311b0c357daac76520bc7dd94f39e/original/1717715757/b76a54ae988d9637311a54a3c7bca46b_ImageAHA_Queensborough_Multifamily_001.jpg?1717715757" style="width: 225px;" class="fr-fic fr-fil fr-dii">Background</h2>The Metro Vancouver region, including the City of New Westminster, is in the midst of a housing crisis. While the City has approved more development applications for market ownership and market rental housing units annually than established housing goals, there are still not enough affordable (below and non-market) rental housing units in New Westminster. <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/affordable-housing/widgets/183472/faqs#36808" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">To learn more about affordable housing in New Westminster, please visit the FAQs page for details.</a>The increasing gap between the demand and supply of available affordable housing units is a key finding of the two-year review of the City&rsquo;s <a href="https://pub-newwestcity.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=14941" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Housing Needs Report</a>. The Report identifies a need for 208 new below/non-market rental units to be constructed each year from now to 2031. However, development from 2021 and 2022 did not meet this annual unit goal. In future years, an additional 100 affordable housing units per year are required to make up for this shortage of units. Without partnerships with and secured funding from Provincial and Federal agencies to drive these projects, it is expected that the gap between the demand and supply of affordable housing units will continue to increase. <img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/028c5794a0b720f02b68efe29420f6ff3b35e9f2/original/1717715833/a441e7884fec48fa06a20ffe015ecfcc_GraphicAHA.PNG?1717715833" style="width: 800px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="alt= A graphic titled &quot;Housing Spectrum - Unit Goals&quot; showing different housing types including Emergency Shelters, Transitional Housing, Affordable Rental Housing, Market Rental Housing, and Market Home Ownership."><h2> </h2><h2>What is being proposed?</h2>To achieve the land use and density outlined in the <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/ocp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Official Community Plan (OCP)</a>, most properties in New Westminster must be rezoned for affordable housing to be constructed. The rezoning process can be challenging for housing providers that are trying to deliver new affordable housing, because project funding often requires zoning to already be in place or to be changed very quickly. To address these and other challenges that affordable housing projects face in New Westminster, two phases are proposed for the Affordable Housing Acceleration Initiative. To begin, the City will explore changing the Zoning Bylaw across New Westminster to permit all affordable housing projects of up to six storeys when / where:<ul><li>The building is owned and operated by a non-profit housing provider;</li><li>The units are rental only;</li><li>Other criteria are met such as entering into a Housing Agreement (which requires the units to be maintained as affordable for the long term); and </li><li>This higher density form of housing is already identified <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/ocp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">in the Official Community Plan (OCP), including the Downtown and Queensborough Community Plans</a>. This will include new opportunities created in <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Transit_Oriented_Development_Areas_in_New_Westminster_Guide.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Transit Oriented Development Areas Areas</a> surrounding SkyTrain stations.</li></ul>If the above criteria are met, a rezoning application would not be required. Projects would still be subject to other standard City approvals, including a Development Permit, Works and Services Agreement, and Building Permit. We want to hear from you! Your input will help inform the proposed zoning changes on how affordable rental housing projects can be better integrated into New Westminster. In 2025, as the second phase of this initiative, the City will explore whether the Official Community Plan (OCP) should be further changed in order to further increase the viability of affordable housing. <h2>How can I engage?</h2>💻Virtual Community Session: Join us online on Tuesday, September 17 from 6:00-7:30 pm to:<ul><li>Hear directly from City planners about the initiative, its purpose, and proposed zoning changes;</li><li>Ask questions; and,</li><li>Share your thoughts on how we can better integrate affordable rental housing projects into neighborhoods in New Westminster</li></ul><a href="https://urbansystems-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5AqduqsqzstHN0m9BRZBtCa75mMyv8_VAne#/registration" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here</a> to register! 💡Online Discussion Forum: <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/affordable-housing/forum_topics/discussion-forum-2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Join the online discussion</a> and tell us what&rsquo;s important to you when new affordable rental housing is added to your neighbourhood. The forum will be open until October 1, 2024.<div id="_com_1" language="JavaScript"> </div><h2>How will my input be used?</h2>Input gathered through the virtual session, Be Heard, and other activities will help us understand how to better integrate new affordable housing projects in New Westminster. Specifically, that understanding will help shape changes made to the Zoning Bylaw. The results of the consultation, and how it informed the update, will be summarized and shared in a report to Council and on this webpage later in 2024.

Affordable Housing Acceleration Initiative: Pre-zoning for Non-Profit Housing

The discussion forum will be open until October 1, 2024. We’d like to hear from you about how these projects can add to the qualities in your neighbourhood. Click here to see what community members are sharing and add your thoughts!With your help, alongside input from non-profit housing providers and organizations, we will refine zoning changes for Council consideration to facilitate non-profit, affordable rental housing. This type of housing can provide housing options to allow existing residents to keep living in New Westminster while welcoming new ones.Project Update, July 8, 2024: Thank you for your valuable input on the Affordable Housing Acceleration Initiative!This phase of engagement has now concluded. Stay tuned in the coming months as we roll out more information on this initiative! Should you have any further questions for staff in the meantime, please post them below using the questions tool on this page.The City is responding to the affordable housing crisis by amending the city-wide Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan (OCP). The purpose of these zoning changes is to reduce some of the regulatory barriers to affordable housing projects.BackgroundThe Metro Vancouver region, including the City of New Westminster, is in the midst of a housing crisis. While the City has approved more development applications for market ownership and market rental housing units annually than established housing goals, there are still not enough affordable (below and non-market) rental housing units in New Westminster. To learn more about affordable housing in New Westminster, please visit the FAQs page for details.The increasing gap between the demand and supply of available affordable housing units is a key finding of the two-year review of the City’s Housing Needs Report. The Report identifies a need for 208 new below/non-market rental units to be constructed each year from now to 2031. However, development from 2021 and 2022 did not meet this annual unit goal. In future years, an additional 100 affordable housing units per year are required to make up for this shortage of units. Without partnerships with and secured funding from Provincial and Federal agencies to drive these projects, it is expected that the gap between the demand and supply of affordable housing units will continue to increase. What is being proposed?To achieve the land use and density outlined in the Official Community Plan (OCP), most properties in New Westminster must be rezoned for affordable housing to be constructed. The rezoning process can be challenging for housing providers that are trying to deliver new affordable housing, because project funding often requires zoning to already be in place or to be changed very quickly. To address these and other challenges that affordable housing projects face in New Westminster, two phases are proposed for the Affordable Housing Acceleration Initiative. To begin, the City will explore changing the Zoning Bylaw across New Westminster to permit all affordable housing projects of up to six storeys when / where:The building is owned and operated by a non-profit housing provider;The units are rental only;Other criteria are met such as entering into a Housing Agreement (which requires the units to be maintained as affordable for the long term); and This higher density form of housing is already identified in the Official Community Plan (OCP), including the Downtown and Queensborough Community Plans. This will include new opportunities created in Transit Oriented Development Areas Areas surrounding SkyTrain stations.If the above criteria are met, a rezoning application would not be required. Projects would still be subject to other standard City approvals, including a Development Permit, Works and Services Agreement, and Building Permit.We want to hear from you! Your input will help inform the proposed zoning changes on how affordable rental housing projects can be better integrated into New Westminster. In 2025, as the second phase of this initiative, the City will explore whether the Official Community Plan (OCP) should be further changed in order to further increase the viability of affordable housing.How can I engage?✅Completed: 💻Virtual Community Session: Join us online on Tuesday, September 17 from 6:00-7:30 pm to:Hear directly from City planners about the initiative, its purpose, and proposed zoning changes;Ask questions; and,Share your thoughts on how we can better integrate affordable rental housing projects into neighborhoods in New WestminsterClick here to register!💡Online Discussion Forum: Join the online discussion and tell us what’s important to you when new affordable rental housing is added to your neighbourhood. The forum will be open until October 1, 2024.How will my input be used?Input gathered through the virtual session, Be Heard, and other activities will help us understand how to better integrate new affordable housing projects in New Westminster. Specifically, that understanding will help shape changes made to the Zoning Bylaw. The results of the consultation, and how it informed the update, will be summarized and shared in a report to Council and on this webpage later in 2024.

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW161453526 BCX0"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW172875106 BCX0"><h3>Project Update, October 1, 2024: Thank you for reviewing the big moves and strategy highlights for the 22nd Street Station Vision. The survey has now closed. Feedback is being reviewed and incorporated as the Vision is refined. The final Vision is anticipated to come to Council for decision-making by the end of 2024. </h3><hr> The City has launched a visioning process to imagine the future of the neighbourhood around the 22nd Street SkyTrain Station. Join us in creating a climate-friendly neighbourhood where everyone can thrive! </div></div><h2>Background</h2>The area around the 22nd Street SkyTrain Station is identified in the City&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/ocp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Official Community Plan</a> (OCP) as an area intended to accommodate higher-density development, with good access to transit and amenities. With input from the community, and in collaboration with local First Nations, the City is developing a long-range Vision for the future of this neighbourhood. This Vision will help set the land use framework to enable growth and change in alignment with community aspirations and priorities, for decades to come. <h2>Process and Framing</h2>To support the City&rsquo;s commitment to climate action, the Vision will focus on identifying how to create a climate-friendly future, guided by the <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/environment/climate-emergency" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">City&rsquo;s Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action</a>. The Vision will also be framed by <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/city_hall/mayor_and_council/strategic-plan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Council&rsquo;s Strategic Priorities Plan</a>, and the City&rsquo;s commitments to truth and reconciliation such as applying lessons from<a href="https://yearoftruth.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> A Year of Truth.</a>To reach a Vision, we are integrating the following:<ul><li>ideas and direction from local First Nations,</li><li>input and priorities from community members (see a summary of community engagement activities and <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/39288/widgets/168416/documents/121016" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">findings here</a>),</li><li>ideas from participants in the reGENERATE Ideas Challenge (see the reGENERATE <a href="http://www.newwestcity.ca/regenerate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a> or a summary of the winning submissions, the jury&rsquo;s statements, as well as the full shortlist can be found <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/39288/widgets/168416/documents/126293" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>),</li><li>the minimum density framework from the new Provincial legislation on Transit Oriented Development areas (more information on the City&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/new-provincial-housing-legislation/transit-oriented-development-areas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">webpage</a>); and</li><li>technical analysis.</li></ul><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/5e233db2a4f9275f19aa732a6b6035452fc58b70/original/1725984791/d36bfa9b370affcb22de101083aa0983_22nd_vision_path.png?1725984791" style="width: 800px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Diagram illustrating the sources of input for the 22nd Street neighborhood's reGENERATE long-range vision, including community ideas, provincial housing legislation, First Nations input, and technical analysis.">To learn more about the visioning and engagement processes to date, read our <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/22ndst?tool=news_feed#tool_tab" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">past project updates, here</a>. <h2>Big Moves for a Bold Vision</h2>Building on community input and the reGENERATE Ideas Challenge themes, aligning with Council&rsquo;s Strategic Priorities Plan, and integrating priorities from First Nations, the Vision calls for the following eight Big Moves:<table style="width: 95%; margin-right: calc(5%);"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 27.205%;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/8ea62d763b07f3c8388465e5e5612277090b51b8/original/1725985376/d209b3a46d55f1e309367cd053ef163f_transitvillage.PNG?1725985376" style="width: 150px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.795%; padding: 15px;">1) Transit Village: A high-density mixed-use core centered around a regional transit hub, where residents&rsquo; daily needs can be met in close proximity to home. This move to a more complete, less vehicle-dependent community supports climate goals by reducing transportation-related emissions.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 27.205%;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/31f62853b7574b9ab800c0167961ecdaa4bef93d/original/1725985382/abb99583c8ed610ca0917ecb3bd9d535_housing.PNG?1725985382" style="width: 150px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.795%; padding: 15px; vertical-align: middle;">2) Housing Capacity and Choice: A neighbourhood of abundant housing with a mix of tenures and affordability levels, and somewhere for everyone to call home. Integrating the minimum density framework from the new provincial legislation on Transit Oriented Development areas, development will be tallest by SkyTrain, stepping down from towers to mid- and low-rise forms.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 27.205%;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/d729b33b7c86a92e4b6bf4f3e6f5956e133438ad/original/1725985388/b5d8bef958e15f51bb29b0eefcf7d40b_streets.PNG?1725985388" style="width: 150px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.795%; padding: 15px;">3) Streets for People: A well-connected place with a range of safe, sustainable, and enjoyable mobility options that reduce vehicular dependence and lower transportation-related emissions. Improving bike and pedestrian facilities, car-share and EV charging opportunities, and bus speed and reliability will promote sustainable transportation choices.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 27.205%;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/bd4418fc4b85e5805f1c5eaa29113c00a3804f5c/original/1725985394/9e77927b9bfb3aa00a908e1b63a5baee_greennetwork.PNG?1725985394" style="width: 150px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.795%; padding: 15px;">4) Green Networks: A diverse system of ecologically-rich, resilient public green spaces and corridors, supported by green private and semi-private spaces. Green Networks include corridors, green streets and lanes, connecting to expanded and new parks. Green Networks will support climate adaptation through rainwater management, reduced urban heat island effect, and improved air quality in the neighbourhood.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 27.205%;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/b3dccb24c0cff5aa2b26359f6da2311794149f96/original/1725985397/68c6114728b7ab9470f456f0559019e7_coastsalish.PNG?1725985397" style="width: 150px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.795%; padding: 15px;">5) Coast Salish Cultural Contributions: A community that celebrates the Coast Salish context of the land, and where opportunities for cultural revitalization and reconciliation are provided. Opportunities could include providing places for ceremony, cultural visibility, and inclusion of housing and economic opportunities for First Nations and Indigenous people.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 27.205%;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/cb187e575c1eef2fc9a5e546edbdbd00121d07fc/original/1725985400/a0e92c7a1cdd912ef8aa37d10b13e95d_social.PNG?1725985400" style="width: 200px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.795%; padding: 15px;">6) Social Connections: A vibrant and inclusive community with a range of social spaces where diverse people can gather, connect, and support each other &ndash; through community spaces like a Neighbourhood House (a multipurpose facility), inclusive public realm design, and housing designed to support social connectedness.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 27.205%;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/1aaa0899336174f60d895b87cb9237aae6963d01/original/1725985404/e546b123b25167d42219417abbc2b5bf_buildings.PNG?1725985404" style="width: 150px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.795%; padding: 15px;">7) Climate-Friendly Buildings: Low-carbon, low-emissions buildings, powered by clean and renewable energy. Designed to provide safety and comfort through extreme weather, Climate-friendly Buildings also support reduced energy consumption, and minimized waste. Clean and renewable energy powers the neighbourhood, and community members are empowered to conserve and reduce their own energy use.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 27.2388%; padding: 15px;"><img src="https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/b39515ed39e640c5bd9af06b1db523765f6e0f97/original/1725988653/fc7faa74747a70b8435f95159e6c7fa9_fiscally_responsible.png?1725988653" style="width: 150px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 72.8856%; padding: 15px;">8) Fiscally Responsible Approach: A livable neighbourhood that supports long-term municipal financial resilience, where &ldquo;growth pays for growth&rdquo; to the degree possible. The emerging Vision is ambitious, and aspirational in addressing the housing crisis, pursuing equity and inclusion, advancing reconciliation, and addressing the climate emergency. Neighbourhoods also need to be served by core infrastructure, such as water, sewer, sidewalks, greenways, roads, electrical, as well as parks, natural assets, buildings, and other facilities and amenities that ensure livability. The draft Vision calls for an approach that balances livability and creating an &ldquo;amenity-rich&rdquo; neighbourhood with fiscal responsibility.</td></tr></tbody></table> The following brief video presents the Big Moves and related strategy highlights. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tJ7p8C6kdKI?si=ODnWm_6L1FJJ3a67" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> You can find in-depth details on the draft in <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/39288/widgets/168416/documents/138531" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this document</a>. This content will also be on display at the community drop-in event on September 24.<table class="noBorder" style="width: 100%; padding: 15px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table><h2> What&rsquo;s Next?</h2>Following community engagement in September 2024, the project team will work towards bringing the full Vision to Council by the end of the year.After endorsement, the City will move on to implementation actions to bring the Vision to life. City-led implementation actions will include the following:<ul><li>Continue to engage with First Nations to define priorities and identify partnership opportunities</li><li>Develop a Transit Village Concept to guide development applications and land assemblies</li><li>Update the <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/financing-growth/sb_expander_articles/1434.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Development Cost Charge program</a></li><li>Create an<a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/new-provincial-housing-legislation/articles/8214.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Amenity Cost Charge program</a></li><li>Amend the <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/ocp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Official Community Plan</a> to apply new land use designations that reflect the Vision, new development permit areas, and related design guidelines.</li></ul>

Project Update, October 1, 2024: City-led consultation for this project has now concluded. Feedback received from the community will be shared back here, and with Council as they consider this rezoning later this year. Additional consultation is anticipated during the development of a Master Plan for this site as the proposal is refined. Please stay tuned for more details. <hr> What&#39;s being proposed?An application for Rezoning has been received for the creation of a Master Plan for the site at 88 Tenth Street (Columbia Square Plaza Shopping Centre). This Master Plan would facilitate a multi-phased development of a high-density, complete, mixed use, and transit-oriented community, which is intended to include a variety of housing opportunities, office and retail uses, and community and public spaces.The applicant has proposed to replace existing commercial retail and office floor area and provide an opportunity for up to 260,000 square metres (2,800,000 sq. ft.) of residential floor area. This is estimated to achieve up to 3,800 new housing units for 7,000 residents. A minimum of 20% of the units would be required to be secured market rental units. The remaining units would not have tenure limitations and could be market ownership or rental units.The development is focused on at-grade people-scaled design with the surface of the site prioritized for for pedestrians, cycling, and micro-mobility, and publicly-accessible open space. Buildings would be oriented around key open spaces. The general form of development, as depicted in the applicant site plan a sketches below, would include mixed use four to six storey podiums (retail at grade, office, residential and parking) supported by an expected eight residential towers ranging in height from 30 to 40 storeys. Policy Statement and Master PlanAs this is a large-scale development that is expected to be constructed in multiple phases and take 15 to 20 years to build out, it was necessary to create a Policy Statement and a Master Plan to guide the development over this long development time horizon.<a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/43553/widgets/182445/documents/138392" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Policy Statement</a> is a City document that describes the vision, goals, policies and general planning principles for redevelopment. It connects &ldquo;big picture&rdquo; aspirations, such as those in Council&rsquo;s 2023-2026 Strategic Priorities Plan and translates them into specific actions for development of the site. The Policy Statement provides &ldquo;instructions&rdquo; and direction on how to create a subsequent more detailed Master Plan. Feedback is being sought on the first draft of the Policy Statement through City-led consultation.The Policy Statement provides a basis for creating a Master Plan, which is more detailed plan on how to develop the site. The Master Plan would be informed by additional work such as transportation studies, construction management plans, design plans for open spaces, and design guidelines. Additional consultation with stakeholders is expected during the creation of the Master Plan.The draft Policy Statement for 88 Tenth Street (Columbia Square) can be found <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/43553/widgets/182445/documents/138392" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.The applicant site plan and sketches can be found <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/43553/widgets/182445/documents/138391" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.<div id="_com_2" language="JavaScript"> </div>How can I engage?City-led consultation has now concluded. There are multiple opportunities for the public to provide feedback through the application review process. The review process is iterative and revisions are considered, based on engagement feedback, throughout the process. The process includes applicant-led consultation and review by City committees, followed by revisions based on the feedback. City-led consultation has now concluded before the rezoning gets presented to Council for consideration of approval.Applicant-Led ConsultationThe applicant held an in-person drop-in open house on June 19, 2024, to provide information and answer questions about the proposed development. This was a drop-in style event that provided information on the proposal and included opportunities to provide feedback in person or on the <a href="https://www.imaginecolumbiasquare.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">applicant&#39;s website</a>.The applicant&#39;s summary of the feedback received can be found <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/43553/widgets/182445/documents/136644" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.City-Led ConsultationCity-led consultation is intended to offer the opportunity for public input before the project proposal is finalized and presented to Council for consideration of approval. City-led consultation concluded on September 30, 2024, and sought feedback on a <a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/43553/widgets/182445/documents/138392" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">first draft of the Policy Statement</a> and the general form of development as illustrated in the<a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/43553/widgets/182445/documents/138391" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> applicant site plan and sketches</a>. Further revision and refinement of the Policy Statement, and the site plan and sketches, are anticipated as a result of consultation and further review.Master Plan Consultation Additional consultation is anticipated during the development of a Master Plan for the subject site as more detailed information is available and the proposal is refined. The timing, scope and format of that consultation will be determined at a future date.

88 Tenth Street (Columbia Square)

Project Update, July 2024: Applicant-led consultation for this project has now closed. The applicant is currently reviewing feedback received. What&#39;s being proposed?Rezoning and Special Development Permit applications have been received to develop a 44-storey mixed-use building at 809-811 Carnarvon Street and 60-70 Eighth Street. The subject site is located within the New Westminster Station <a href="https://www.newwestcity.ca/new-provincial-housing-legislation/transit-oriented-development-areas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Transit Oriented Development Area</a> (land within 800 meters of a SkyTrain station). The proposal includes 469 stratified residential units, at-grade retail units, and a 145-room hotel. A 160 sq. m. (1,720 sq. ft.) publically-accessible dog parklet is also proposed at the corner of Blackie Street at Victoria Street.Though resident parking cannot be required in the TOD area, per Provincial requirements, the application includes 291 resident parking spaces and 24 visitor parking spaces. A total of 10 commercial parking spaces and 82 hotel parking spaces are also proposed. All off-street vehicle parking would be accommodated in a below-grade parkade. A total of 712 long-term and 24 short-term bicycle parking spaces would be provided.<a href="https://www.beheardnewwest.ca/38831/widgets/160673/documents/131181" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here to view drawings of the proposed development.</a> How can I engage?There are multiple opportunities for the public to provide feedback through the application review process. The review process is iterative and revisions are considered, based on engagement feedback, throughout the process. The process will first involve applicant-led consultation, review by City committees, followed by revisions based on the feedback, and then City-led consultation, before being presented to Council for consideration of approval.<h2>Applicant-led Engagement</h2>The applicant hosted an in-person open house on June 5, 2024 and survey responses and written feedback were accepted until June 27, 2024. The applicant is currently reviewing the feedback received, and is working with the City to identify any revisions that should be made to the project. Check back here soon for a summary of consultation findings.The next opportunity to provide feedback on this project will be through City-led consultation, anticipated for Fall 2024. Check back here for updates.A summary of all feedback received will be included in a staff report that will be submitted to Council prior to their consideration of whether to support the project.

809-811 Carnarvon Street and 60-70 Eighth Street

Community Workshop Registration

Registration closes Wednesday, June 19 at noon