City of New Westminster wins 2010 Downtown Merit Award

New Westminster, BC – The International Downtown Association has recognized the City of New Westminster with a 2010 Downtown Merit Award for the New Westminster Downtown Community Plan. The Downtown Community Plan is a comprehensive strategy that outlines sustainable, high density growth in the city’s downtown core while respecting heritage assets, and provides for new amenities such as parks, cultural and recreational services, improved access to the Fraser River and promotes transit oriented employment.

“The Downtown Community Plan is a visionary document that reflects the participation of over 1000 individuals including local businesses, community organizations, residents, and other key stakeholders,” said Lisa Spitale, Director of Development Services. “We are very proud of this plan and are excited by the transformation that is taking place in the Downtown.”

73 projects and initiatives were submitted in this category from organizations working to further their city centres by one or more of the following:

• Creating successful programs and strategies to recruit new businesses or to improve retention efforts in their downtown cores
• Recruiting new sectors to the downtown economy
• Creating successful bricks and mortar projects that have created or enhanced economic development efforts through creative financing, unique operating strategies, or public-private partnerships

“Congratulations to all involved directly and all departments who were working alongside this winning project,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “Once more we are proud of our hard-working staff, and this award brings recognition they richly deserve.”

The Washington, D.C. based International Downtown Association (IDA) is a champion for vital and livable urban centres and strives to inform, influence, and inspire downtown leaders and advocates. The IDA is a guiding force in creating healthy and dynamic centres that anchor the well-being of towns, cities, and regions.

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Contact:
Lisa Spitale
Director of Development Services
City of New Westminster
604-527-4549 or