2025 ANNUAL REPORT
2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Message from the Mayor
Message from the CAO
On behalf of New Westminster City Council, I am proud to present the 2025 Annual Report.
While we find ourselves in a period of transition, New Westminster continues to grow and evolve, building on an extraordinary legacy of visionary city-building.
2025 was a year of growth, change, and long-term investment in the future of New Westminster. As our community continues to evolve, the City has remained focused on balancing growth with livability by planning for new housing, renewing critical infrastructure, improving transportation and mobility, and advancing climate action. The work highlighted throughout this report reflects a city preparing not only for today’s needs, but for the opportunities and challenges of the decades ahead. Housing remained one of the defining issues of the year. New Westminster continued advancing
that support local businesses, public events, and community gathering, while investments in active transportation, pedestrian safety, and transit improvements are helping create a safer and more connected city. Climate action and sustainability also remained integrated throughout the City’s work in 2025. From urban forest expansion and shoreline restoration, to energy-efficient infrastructure, EV charging upgrades, and climate- focused housing initiatives, the City continued advancing practical actions that support a more resilient and lower- carbon future. Work also progressed on the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Plan to help prepare for climate impacts such as extreme heat, flooding, and wildfire smoke. These efforts reflect a growing understanding that climate action is no longer separate from how we plan and build our city — it is part of how we deliver services, manage infrastructure, and prepare for the future. This report reflects the hard work and dedication of City staff, community partners, volunteers, businesses, and residents who continue to help shape New Westminster. Thank you for your ongoing involvement, your ideas, and your commitment to this community. New Westminster continues to grow and change, but our shared commitment to building a connected, resilient, and people-centred city remains strong. It is an honour to serve as Mayor of this extraordinary community.
Joining the City in January in the role of Chief Administrative Officer, I approach this community, team, and work with deep respect for the leadership that shaped the accomplishments reflected in this report. Over a 33-year career at the City, former CAO Lisa Spitale stewarded many of the projects and policies that continue to define New Westminster today, from award-winning civic facilities and public spaces to progressive housing and social policy initiatives. It became immediately clear that our team cares deeply about the work we do and the residents we serve. Across the organization and throughout the city, I have witnessed a strong commitment to collaboration and innovation. Whether strengthening inclusion and accessibility, responding to complex social challenges, or improving the way services are delivered, the accomplishments highlighted throughout this report reflect an organization that continues to lead bravely, with care and purpose. The organization prioritizes working with and for the community. Across departments, our teams are focused on creating spaces and practices, through a mindset of being welcoming, accessible, collaborative, and responsive to residents. From inclusive recreation and library programs to expanded public engagement opportunities and stronger partnerships with the business community, schools, non-profit organizations, and community agencies, the work we do and how we do it reflects a growing emphasis on meaningful relationship- building and community connection.
This evolution is evident in the City’s new corporate brand identity, developed through extensive public dialogue and informed by reconciliation work. More than a visual change, the updated brand represents a broader commitment to ensuring residents see themselves reflected in the City they call home and in the services provided by their local government. At the same time, the City continues responding to complex social challenges through coordinated and partnership-based approaches. The Crises Response Pilot Project expanded outreach, operational coordination, and collaboration with service providers, faith groups, health partners, and businesses to better support individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges. This work reinforces the importance of collaboration, kindness, and long-term relationship-building by supporting everyone in our community, especially those most vulnerable and equity- denied. Thank you to the team, Council, community partners, and residents for showing up the way you do. For being dedicated to each other with care and not backing down from challenging work – work that made the accomplishments in this report possible. New Westminster is a city with a strong sense of self and purpose, a willingness to lead bravely, and people who are passionate about their home. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this team and look forward to deepening the relationships and partnerships across the organization and throughout the community in the years ahead.
housing choice and long-term housing planning through new
provincial housing legislation, Transit Oriented Development Areas, and the Townhouse Program. More than 1,200 housing units received occupancy in 2025, including major developments in Downtown and Sapperton. At the same time, the City continued strengthening renter protections and supporting affordable, supportive, rental, and student housing projects. This work reflects a recognition that housing is essential to the long-term health, stability, and inclusiveness of our community. The City also continued making significant investments in infrastructure, transportation, and public spaces that improve everyday life for residents while supporting future growth. Major upgrades to underground infrastructure, utilities, civic facilities, parks, and transportation networks strengthened reliability, accessibility, and climate resilience across the city. Public realm improvements in Uptown created more welcoming and walkable spaces
PATRICK JOHNSTONE Mayor, Commissioner
DONNIE ROSA Chief Administrative Officer
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