New Westminster public meetings in 2023
35 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council Workshop
Council approved directions to improve data and funding strategies for sewer assets and referred a stadium amenities report to the 2023 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan. Council also directed staff to refine a draft Climate Action Decision Making Framework.
- Endorsed sewer asset management next steps to improve data quality and develop long-term funding strategies (Unanimous)
- Received Queen's Park Stadium amenities report and referred it to the 2023 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan (Unanimous)
- Received draft Climate Action Decision Making Framework and directed staff to further refine it (Unanimous)
Council Meeting
Council requested the Electrical Commission explore piloting hydro rates geared to low-income residents and a two-tiered fee structure based on usage. The city also approved quarterly capital budget adjustments and directed staff to proceed with the 22nd Street Station Area Visioning process.
- Requested Electrical Commission explore income-geared rates for low-income members and a two-tiered usage fee structure (Unanimous)
- Directed staff to provide ongoing updates on t əməsew̓ txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre project (Unanimous)
- Approved 2023 quarterly capital budget adjustments (Unanimous)
- Directed staff to forward climate action service enhancement requests to 2024 and 2025 budget deliberations (Opposed: Fontaine, Minhas)
- Directed staff to pursue using Climate Action Levy to offset Climate Action Team operating costs (Opposed: Fontaine, Minhas)
- Directed staff to proceed with next steps for 22nd Street Station Area Visioning process (Unanimous)
- Referred decision on suspending new Heritage Revitalization Agreement applications in Queen’s Park to the Community Heritage Commission (Unanimous)
Pre-Closed Open Meeting (Council)
The meeting was procedural. Council voted to move into a closed meeting in accordance with Section 90 of the Community Charter to discuss confidential matters.
- Approved motion to move the meeting into a closed session
Pre-Closed Open Meeting (Council)
Council voted to enter a closed meeting regarding negotiations with provincial or federal governments. In open session, Council and provincial representatives discussed the need for a long-term bus service model between Queensborough and New Westminster Secondary School due to population growth.
- Approved motion to move into closed meeting (Carried; Opposed by Councillor Fontaine)
Pre-Closed Open Meeting (Council)
Council unanimously waived the notice for the special meeting and voted to move into a closed session. The closed meeting was convened to discuss labour relations, municipal property security, law enforcement, and government negotiations.
- Waived notice of the Special Closed Council Meeting (Unanimous)
- Approved motion to move the meeting into a closed session (Unanimous)
Council Meeting
Council approved a four-year workplan to meet climate emergency targets and directed staff to develop cooling center regulations. The body also endorsed draft Child Care Guiding Principles with the School District No. 40, though one clause regarding worker compensation was removed.
- Endorsed accelerated climate action workplan in principle (Unanimous)
- Directed staff to develop regulations for cooling centres (Unanimous)
- Endorsed City and School District No. 40 draft Child Care Guiding Principles, removing language regarding worker compensation
- Referred 12 K de K Court Boulevard tree issue to staff for resident resolution (Opposed by Henderson and Nakagawa)
- Directed staff to incorporate Budget 2024 public engagement input into draft budgets (Unanimous)
- Authorized congratulatory letters and meeting requests to five Federal Ministers (Adopted on consent)
- Received reports on school zone enforcement, train whistle cessation, and 422 Sixth Street agreement (Unanimous)
Pre-Closed Open Meeting (Council)
The meeting was procedural. Council voted to move into a closed session in accordance with Section 90 of the Community Charter to discuss confidential matters.
- Approved motion to move into closed meeting
Council Workshop
Council approved the 2050 Climate Change Fraser River Flood Profile and authorized the implementation of Phase II of the New Westminster Flood Resilience Plan. Council also directed staff to develop a pilot program, communications plan, and financial reporting metrics for the Anvil Centre.
- Adopted 2050 Climate Change Fraser River Flood Profile for future diking projects (Unanimous)
- Authorized staff to implement Phase II of the New Westminster Flood Resilience Plan (Unanimous)
- Authorized staff to work with Province of BC on the BC Flood Strategy for diking funding (Unanimous)
- Directed staff to develop a pilot program, communications plan, and financial reporting metrics for the Anvil Centre (Unanimous)
- Referred Sewer & Drainage Asset Management Plan, 2023 to September 11, 2023 meeting
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Committee reviewed a draft 'Accessible New West' webpage and provided feedback on its language and content. Members discussed the need for clearer definitions of accessibility and the inclusion of people with disabilities. A draft Organization Accessibility Plan is expected to be shared at the next meeting.
- Adopted July 26, 2023 minutes with one correction (Carried)
Arts Advisory Committee
The committee unanimously adopted the minutes from February 9, 2023, and the notes from May 25, 2023. Members discussed a discussion paper regarding the Downtown Mural Pilot Program. The committee then moved into a closed meeting to discuss land and municipal service negotiations.
- Adopted February 9, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Adopted May 25, 2023 meeting notes (Unanimous)
- Moved into closed meeting regarding land and municipal service negotiations (Unanimous)
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The committee reviewed accessibility focus area summaries and discussed improvements for the city website, parking, and pedestrian infrastructure. No formal policy changes or funding approvals were decided during the meeting.
- Added Parking Access on Sixth Street at Eighth Avenue to the agenda (Carried)
- Adopted June 28, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
Utility Commission
The Utility Commission adopted the minutes from June 20 and June 29, 2023. The commission approved the purchases and sales listed in the consent agenda. A presentation on the 2023 Customer Satisfaction Survey for New Westminster Electric was provided.
- Adopted June 20, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
- Adopted June 29, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
- Approved item 6.1 Purchases and Sales on Consent (Carried)
- Approved motion to enter closed meeting per Section 90 of the Community Charter (Carried)
Pre-Closed Open Meeting (Council)
The open portion of the meeting was procedural. Council voted to move into a closed meeting to discuss matters including solicitor-client privilege and preliminary service negotiations.
- Approved motion to move into closed meeting (Unanimous)
Council Workshop
Council reviewed a pre-application for a proposed development including an estimated 1,200 units and a potential fire hall. Council voted to endorse the recommendations in the 'Feedback from Council' section of the report and directed staff to include this feedback in the application review letter.
- Endorsed recommendations in the 'Feedback from Council' report section and directed staff to include them in the preliminary application review letter (Unanimous)
Council Meeting
Council approved a one-time budget increase of $268,000 from the Climate Action Reserve Fund to implement an accelerated heat response work plan aligned with BC Hydro. The meeting also included approvals for construction noise exemptions and updates to recreation fees and building energy codes.
- Approved $268,000 budget increase for accelerated Heat Plan (Unanimous)
- Approved Development Variance Permit DVP00696 for 300 Duncan, 313-325 Blackley, and 326-340 Mercer Streets (Unanimous)
- Granted noise exemption to Signia Construction for 651 Carnarvon Street from Aug 1, 2023 to Jan 31, 2024 (Unanimous)
- Granted noise exemption to Bosa Development for 660 Quayside Drive on July 15, 2023 (Unanimous)
- Adopted Parks and Recreation Fees Amendment Bylaw No. 8405, 2023 (Unanimous)
- Directed staff to implement Energy and Zero Carbon Step Code requirements for new buildings starting Jan 1, 2024 (Unanimous)
- Endorsed Retail Strategy – Phase 2 (Unanimous)
- Accepted School District 40’s 2023-2024 Eligible School Sites Proposal (Unanimous)
Sustainable Transportation Advisory Committee
The committee reviewed a presentation on the 2023 Intersection Safety Study. Staff reported that 75% to 80% of recommended work from the previous study was completed. No formal votes or policy decisions were made.
- Received 2023 Intersection Safety Study Update
- Deferred adoption of previous meeting minutes to a future meeting
Special Council Meeting
Council met electronically to consider one item. The body adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw (422 Sixth Street) No. 8398, 2023.
- Adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw (422 Sixth Street) No. 8398, 2023 (Unanimous)
Utility Commission
The Commission endorsed a one-time budget increase to fund extreme heat responses and approved a plan for residents to receive air conditioners directly from BC Hydro.
- Approved $268,000 one-time budget increase for accelerated Heat Plan response (Unanimous)
- Endorsed staff recommendation (option 3) for residents to receive air conditioners directly from BC Hydro (Unanimous)
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the May 24, 2023 meeting. Members discussed accessibility improvements at the New Westminster Police Department and reviewed updates regarding the Accessible BC Act and potential grant opportunities.
- Adopted May 24, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
New Westminster Design Panel
The panel elected an Alternate Chair and adopted the minutes from December 13, 2022. The group reviewed a proposal for a 20-storey academic and student housing building at 808 Royal Avenue, though no formal decision was made due to a lack of quorum.
- Elected Andrei Filip as Alternate Chair for 2023 (Unanimous)
- Adopted minutes from December 13, 2022 (Unanimous)
- Postponed election of the Chair to the next meeting
Pre-Closed Open Meeting (Council)
The open portion of the meeting was procedural. Council voted unanimously to move into a closed meeting to discuss land acquisition, law enforcement, litigation, and government negotiations.
- Approved motion to move into closed meeting (Unanimous)
Special Council Workshop
Council directed staff to replace the current advisory committee and task-force model with a Citizens Assembly framework. This new model will include a pilot project review at the 18-24 month mark and a recruitment report in September. Additionally, the Economic Development Advisory Committee was renamed the Arts, Culture and Economic Development Committee.
- Approved replacing current advisory committee and task-force model with a Citizens Assembly model
- Approved renaming Economic Development Advisory Committee to Arts, Culture and Economic Development Committee
- Directed staff to create terms of reference for all new committees
- Directed staff to open recruitment for new committees with a report due in September
- Directed staff to include necessary procedure bylaw amendments to support the new framework
- Directed staff to present implementation costs during the 2024 budget process
- Directed staff to update the Council calendar to reflect the new meeting structure
Council Meeting
Council gave first reading approval to Code Conduct Bylaw No. 8408, 2023, and directed staff to search for an Ethics Commissioner. The body also approved the 2022 Annual Report and specific amendments to a supportive housing Good Neighbour Agreement for 422 Sixth Street.
- Approved Code Conduct Bylaw No. 8408, 2023 for First Reading
- Directed staff to search for an Ethics Commissioner
- Received 2022 Annual Report
- Approved 2022 Statement of Financial Information (via consent)
- Denied requirement for 24/7 certified security at 422 Sixth Street
- Denied quarterly first responder call reports for 422 Sixth Street
- Approved requirement to ideally advise City of operational changes at 422 Sixth Street
- Approved sharing meeting minutes of 422 Sixth Street agreement with Council upon request
Utility Commission
The Utility Commission recommended that Council not implement a temporary low-income energy assistance program at this time to allow for further investigation into equitable funding and costs. The Commission also endorsed recommendations to accelerate building code requirements for energy and carbon performance. Additionally, the body adopted financial reports and purchase and sales records.
- Recommended Council not implement Temporary Low-Income Energy Assistance Program at this time (Unanimous)
- Requested staff provide Council with a budget and work plan for energy assistance using the Climate Action Reserve Fund (Unanimous)
- Endorsed amending Building Bylaw No. 8125 to require Step 5 Energy Step Code or Step 4 with Zero Carbon Step Code for Part 9 Buildings starting Jan 1, 2024 (Unanimous)
- Endorsed requiring Measure Only Carbon Performance for Part 3 Buildings starting Jan 1, 2024 (Unanimous)
- Endorsed directing staff to explore requiring electric heat pumps over electric resistive baseboard in new construction (Unanimous)
- Adopted May 9, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Adopted Purchases and Sales and Financial Report on Consent (Unanimous)
- Deferred motion to move into closed meeting to the next regular meeting
Special Council Workshop
Mayor and Council discussed potential uses, economic impacts, and community engagement strategies for the Anvil Centre. Staff advised that a subsequent workshop on August 28th will address the center's alignment with the Strategic Plan 2023-2026, communications, and budget.
Council Workshop
Council directed staff to work with the applicant for 88 Tenth Street to align the proposal with housing policies and school district needs. Additionally, Council approved advancing the draft Retail Strategy for community review.
- Directed staff to revise 88 Tenth Street proposal to meet Inclusionary Housing Policy and Secured Market Rental expectations (Unanimous)
- Directed staff to secure affordable units at 88 Tenth Street within the first half of build-out or proportional to development (Unanimous)
- Directed staff to complete discussions with School District 40 regarding a school site for the 88 Tenth Street area (Unanimous)
- Directed staff to advance the draft Retail Strategy for community review (Unanimous)
Council Meeting
Council approved the renovation scope, schedule, and costs for the Massey Theatre, including a $6M increase to the MTS Capital Plan funded by the Provincial Growing Communities Fund. The body also approved the 22nd Street Station Area Bold Vision process and a request for a meeting with the Police Board to address violent crime.
- Approved Massey Theatre renovation scope, schedule, and costs (Unanimous)
- Approved $6.0M increase to MTS Capital Plan for Massey Theatre (Unanimous)
- Approved request for urgent meeting with New Westminster Police Board (Unanimous)
- Approved letter to provincial ministers supporting a program to curtail vandalism and property crime (Unanimous)
- Denied proposal to study catalytic converter theft campaigns and resale bylaws (5-2)
- Approved 22nd Street Station Area Bold Vision process (Unanimous)
- Authorized sale of City property at 327 Louellen Street to Lisa Marie Harry (Adopted on Consent)
- Granted construction noise bylaw exemption to Bosa Development for June 17 and 24 (Unanimous)
Pre-Closed Open Meeting (Council)
Council voted to move the meeting into a closed session in accordance with Section 90 of the Community Charter. The session was convened to discuss personnel, labour relations, land acquisition, legal advice, and government negotiations.
- Approved motion to move into closed meeting (Unanimous)
Community Heritage Commission (CHC)
The Community Heritage Commission adopted the minutes from its February 1, 2023 meeting. Staff provided updates on the Community Energy and Emissions Plan and the status of heritage properties at 809 Carnarvon Street and 309 Lawrence Street.
- Adopted February 1, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Approved exclusion of the public for a Closed Meeting regarding land acquisition and disposition (Unanimous)
Special Council Meeting
Council appointed Jacqueline Dairon to the role of Acting Director of Finance effective June 3, 2023. Several notices of motion regarding city livability, senior supports, 15-minute city planning, and energy assistance were submitted but not decided during the meeting.
- Appointed Jacqueline Dairon as Acting Director of Finance effective June 3, 2023 (Unanimous)
Council Meeting
Council agreed to consider a zoning amendment for supportive housing at 422 Sixth Street without a public hearing, though they mandated a dialogue-based public engagement session. Other actions included adopting a ride-hailing business licence bylaw and recommending a patio for Thirsty Duck Pub.
- Adopted Inter-municipal TNS Business Licence Scheme Bylaw No. 8391, 2023 (carried, Councillor McEvoy opposed)
- Approved consideration of Zoning Amendment Bylaw (422 Sixth Street) No. 8398, 2023 without a public hearing (carried, Councillors Fontaine and Minhas opposed)
- Directed staff to develop a dialogue-based public engagement session for the 422 Sixth Street project (carried, Councillors Fontaine and Minhas opposed)
- Extended Advisory Committee member terms to September 29, 2023 (carried)
- Extended Grants Advisory Committees terms to December 31, 2023 (carried)
- Directed staff to publish Committee meeting dates through September 2023 (carried)
- Recommended approval of a 40-person patio for Thirsty Duck Pub at 606 Twelfth Street (carried)
Pre-Closed Open Meeting (Council)
The meeting was procedural. Council voted to move into a closed session in accordance with Section 90 of the Community Charter to discuss confidential matters.
- Approved motion to move into closed meeting (Carried)
Arts Advisory Committee
The committee did not achieve quorum, resulting in the deferral of the February 9, 2023 minutes and the cancellation of the closed meeting. Staff provided updates on public art projects, including the Agnes Street Commemorative Park and the Boundary Road Drainage Substation mural.
- Deferred adoption of February 9, 2023 minutes due to lack of quorum
- Withdrew item 5.2 (Downtown Revitalization - Pilot Mural Project)
- Did not move into closed meeting due to lack of quorum
Economic Development Advisory Committee
The committee adopted the minutes from the March 3, 2023 meeting. Members received updates on the Council Strategic Priorities Plan 2023-26, the New Westminster Retail Strategy, and a presentation on connecting local businesses to Douglas College students.
- Adopted March 3, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Committee held brainstorming sessions to identify barriers in employment, communication, the built environment, and service delivery for the Organization Accessibility Plan. No policy changes were voted on, but members provided feedback on recruitment language, website navigation, and parking. Staff provided updates on accessibility features for the new təməsew̓ txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre.
- Approved participation of Miles Ambridge in current and next two meetings (Unanimous)
- Approved adding Item 7.1 regarding Hazel Fitzpatrick's volunteer position to the agenda (Unanimous)
- Adopted April 26, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Deferred discussion on Hazel Fitzpatrick's volunteer position to the next meeting