Project Guiding Principles

Guiding principles

Our parks and recreation amenities, facilities, programs, and services aim to be accessible, inclusive, safe, and welcoming to all. The following principles will guide the updated Parks and Recreation Plan to meet a wide range of community needs. We encourage you to think about what these mean to you when sharing your input:

• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism: How can parks and recreation be more welcoming to people of diverse backgrounds and experiences? (e.g. income, gender, culture, race, age, ability, body type, etc.)
• Truth towards reconciliation: How can New Westminster better integrate local First Nations values, culture, stories, and art in parks and recreation? How can parks and recreation better uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples?
• Community belonging, connecting, and wellbeing: How can parks and recreation create opportunities for people to connect, build relationships, and participate in their community? What types of spaces and programs do people enjoy most?
• Climate resilience: In what ways does climate change impact our daily lives in New West? How can parks and recreation address climate change and help us reduce our carbon footprints?
• Local economy: What role do parks and recreation play in supporting a vibrant economy and local businesses? How can parks and recreation draw more residents and visitors to New West?
• Service adequacy and standards: How can parks and recreation respond to community needs as New West grows? Are parks and recreation currently meeting the needs and expectations of the community?