2025 ANNUAL REPORT | STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES | 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
People-Centered Economy
Safe Movement of People
New Westminster’s economy needs to serve its local community. To that end, the City works to create conditions that provide business opportunities and sustainable employment, and to build relationships that ensure quality jobs and enhanced livability for our community.
To make New Westminster safer, more equitable, and more accessible for all people, the City will continue to improve the transportation network with a focus on active transportation and public transit.
In 2025, the City continued investing in commercial areas, cultural spaces, and public gathering places that support local businesses and attract residents and visitors. Uptown public realm improvements transformed sections of Sixth Street and Belmont Street into more walkable and welcoming spaces that support local businesses, community events, and street activity. Work also continued on the Citywide Retail Strategy, including bylaw changes aimed at encouraging more active street-level businesses and commercial areas. Downtown businesses and public spaces continued to receive coordinated support through partnerships with local business organizations, operational response teams, and beautification initiatives. Efforts focused on improving safety, cleanliness, and the overall experience in areas impacted by homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges. Partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce also supported business education, networking, and collaboration opportunities.
Arts, culture, entertainment, and film activity continued contributing to the local economy. Programming and events at Anvil Centre helped draw residents and visitors Downtown, while the ongoing Massey Theatre renovation project represented a major investment in the city’s performing arts sector. Film activity reached a new milestone in 2025, with approximately $1.7 million in direct spending reported to local residents and businesses. The City also supported long-term economic growth through sustainability, technology, and business development initiatives. The BC Green Business Pilot helped local businesses improve sustainability practices, while BridgeNet streamlined digital service connections for businesses and existing buildings. Work also began on updating the City’s Economic Development Plan.
In 2025, the City continued improving transportation safety, accessibility, and mobility across New Westminster through investments in walking, cycling, transit, and public spaces. Major projects included completion of the Uptown Plaza and Sixth Street Streetscape project, upgrades to the Seventh Street and Seventh Avenue active transportation corridors, pedestrian safety improvements, sidewalk widening, and traffic calming measures. A section of Uptown Sixth Street and Belmont Street was also transformed into a more people- focused public space that supports walkability, accessibility, and community gathering.
The City also improved transit and mobility options by renewing the Q to Q Ferry service contract, implementing bus speed and reliability improvements, supporting TransLink’s BC Parkway upgrades, and finalizing a long-term bus shelter renewal and expansion program. Work also continued to strengthen road safety through initiation of the Vision Zero Task Force and completion of a safety review of the Sixth Avenue and Second Street intersection.
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