2025 ANNUAL REPORT | DEPARTMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS | COMMUNITY SERVICES
COMMUNITY SERVICES | DEPARTMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS | 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Completed an independent review of the City’s social media channels and worked with a consultant to develop a new content framework to improve communication effectiveness and efficiency. Updated social media participation and moderation guidelines to support respectful, productive engagement across the City’s digital channels. Began the City’s website redevelopment project by selecting a development partner and hiring dedicated project staff. The new website will meet modern accessibility standards and improve the user experience. Economic Development Continued implementing the Retail Strategy, including developing bylaw changes to encourage more active and vibrant street- level uses.
Began updating the Economic Development Plan to establish a renewed economic vision and support a strong local environment for business and investment. Partnered with the Chamber of Commerce on initiatives that supported business education, networking, collaboration, and commercial area beautification. Supported businesses through licensing application and renewal processes, with overall business licence activity continuing to grow. Public Engagement Launched a new cohort of the Community Advisory Assembly, incorporating improvements informed by the pilot program evaluation. Introduced a refreshed Be Heard New West online engagement platform to make public
participation easier and more accessible. Led engagement on a range of City initiatives and services, including housing, library services, parks and recreation, and public toilets, with a focus on reducing barriers and reaching underrepresented groups.
Public Art Delivered four temporary Indigenous
public art installations exploring themes of identity, culture, colonialism, and Indigenous presence through works by Jacqueline Morrisseau-Addison, James Groening, Nadine Spence, and Brandon Gabriel. Completed the Foreshore mural by Kelly Cannell in Sapperton, celebrating the Fraser River’s ecological and historical significance to New Westminster.
Community Services
Anvil Centre Advanced the 10-year review recommendations by improving community access to Anvil Centre. Changes include extended hours, community work spaces on the third and fourth floors, board games and tables on the first floor, and a new, free weekly drop-in activation called Downtown’s Living Room, which offers a range of activities for all ages such as music, crafts, movies, artisan markets, and more.
The Community Services Department plays a vital role in shaping how people experience and participate in city life by supporting New Westminster’s social, cultural, and economic well-being. Through a wide range of outward-facing programs and services, the department helps connect residents and visitors to local businesses, public information, arts and heritage, community events, and volunteer opportunities. Together, these efforts help create a more connected, creative, and dynamic city.
$21,875 received from Heritage Canada to support National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canada Day celebrations, with funding shared equally between both events.
Conference Services Hosted a wide range of events, including multi-day conferences, meetings, educational events, galas, weddings and social gatherings. Supported the local economy and downtown tourism by drawing attendees from outside the city. Provided a welcoming and accessible venue for local organizations, businesses, and residents to host events and gatherings. Anvil Theatre Supported diverse cultural performances, including theatre, dance, music, and multicultural programming presented by local and regional arts organizations. Presented live professional theatre and music from across Canada through the Anvil Theatre Presentation Series, featuring acclaimed performers and artists from a range of genres and backgrounds.
Art Services Supported the weekly Downtown’s Living Room, promoting creative expression, community connection, and collaborative engagement through artist-led programming. Hosted public events, workshops, and artist talks in partnership with the Community Art Gallery and City Poet Laureate Program, providing free hands-on arts learning opportunities for the community. Art and Technology Reopened the New Media Gallery exhibition space for public visits and guided tours, including the Gallery’s first artist-in- residence exhibition. Supported artist Brandon Gabriel in transforming the World’s Largest Tin Soldier into the World’s Largest Welcome Figure through projection mapping and technical media support. Hosted public events at the New Media Gallery, including a live musical performance featuring environmental field recordings and a community drone jam inviting audience participation.
Community Partnerships (Film, Community Events, Volunteer Services, Community Grants) Increased the Community Grants budget by 50%, expanding access for local organizations and community partners. Expanded volunteer opportunities and participation, helping residents build connections and engage more deeply in the community. Delivered popular free, accessible community events and activations, including Bright in the Park, Moonlight Movies, and Canada Day celebrations, creating inclusive
opportunities for residents and visitors to gather and connect. Achieved a record year for film activity, with productions generating the highest permit value to date and significant direct spending benefiting local residents and businesses. Corporate Communications Launched a new City brand and logo that reflects New Westminster’s evolving identity, shared values, and commitment to reconciliation.
Museum and Heritage Services Delivered exhibitions, school programs, and public programming that highlighted diverse and underrepresented New Westminster stories, fostering critical inquiry, dialogue, and community understanding. Completed Phase 1 of a place-based research and education project focused on the history of Japanese-Canadian residents in New Westminster.
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