2025 ANNUAL REPORT | DEPARTMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS | CRISES RESPONSE PILOT PROJECT
CRISES RESPONSE PILOT PROJECT | DEPARTMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS | 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Crises Response Pilot Project
The Crises Response Pilot Project is a coordinated, interdepartmental initiative focused on addressing homelessness, mental health, and substance use in New Westminster. Guided by principles of compassion, harm reduction, safety, and proactive response, the project brings together City staff, community organizations, and government partners to provide outreach, support services, and coordinated responses aimed at improving community well-being and reducing the impacts of these interconnected crises.
Supported businesses impacted by homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges through coordinated response efforts and collaboration with commercial area organizations. Improved coordination and response planning through development of a real- time internal dashboard and enhanced data tracking tools.
Expanded culturally safe and low-barrier programming through initiatives such as the Talking Circle program, connecting Indigenous individuals with culture, community, and Elder support. Strengthened collaboration with health and community partners to support more stable hospital discharges into homelessness and reduce repeat interactions with emergency systems. Increased public awareness and understanding of homelessness and related challenges through Homelessness Action Week and ongoing public education efforts. Established daytime and nighttime warming centres during extreme weather events, supported by coordinated outreach, warming kit distribution, and emergency response efforts. Supported Downtown safety, cleanliness, and livability through coordinated operational response efforts, including biohazard cleanup, fire prevention and open burning response, encampment support, and public space maintenance. Convened faith-based organizations, non- profits, and government partners through the Collaboration Forum to strengthen coordination and community response efforts.
Established the Adult Situation Table to support coordinated case planning and proactive multi-sector collaboration for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges. Advanced advocacy and policy work related to homelessness, mental health, substance use, sheltering, supportive housing, and wrap-around supports through implementation of the 2025 Crises Response Roadmap. Supported public space activation initiatives in Downtown New Westminster, including continued improvements to the Fourth Street Stairs area as a welcoming community gathering space.
$1.75 million received through Health Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund to support the Crises Response Pilot Project. $50,000 received from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General to support establishment of the Adult Situation Table. Honourable mention for Excellence in Planning was awarded to the Crisis Response Pilot Project by the Planning Institute of BC in recognition of its innovative approach to addressing complex community challenges.
Expanded staff training related to workplace violence prevention, de-
escalation, psychological resilience, mental health response, suicide intervention, and homelessness awareness. Continued coordinated outreach and case-management support for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges, including connections to shelter, healthcare, meals, identification, housing applications, and appointments. Established the Community Liaison Officer Program to provide proactive foot patrols, respond to community concerns, and connect individuals to supports and services. Launched the 24/7 One Number to Call: Community Support Line to streamline public reporting and improve coordination of CRPP related responses.
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