City Hall earns “Family Friendly” designation                                                                          

New Westminster, BC – New Westminster City Hall at 511 Royal Avenue has earned a “Family Friendly” designation as part of a program launched by KidsNewWest.ca, United Way of the Lower Mainland and New Westminster’s Child Development Public Partners. The program is designed to address the needs of a growing number of parents and caregivers in the community as they visit businesses and facilities throughout the city each day.

“We’re proud to earn the “Family Friendly” designation and applaud the efforts of organizers behind this great program,” said Acting Mayor Jonathan Cote. “I understand that a number of businesses and organizations have already signed on which is a solid indication of how welcoming our community is for families.”

Businesses and organizations that sign up for the program offer at least one example from three different family friendly categories: Amenities, Activities or Attitude. “Amenities” are items that can improve a parent or childcare provider’s experience at a facility, such as a step stool, high chair or kids’ menu. “Activities” are focused on children – a play area or colouring paper, for example. Having a family friendly “Attitude” refers to how staff members interact with families – parents want the experience to be positive for both them and their children.

“In our case, we were told we had the attitude part down pat, in that city staff are very welcoming and happy to engage with children when they visit City Hall,” said Cote. “To improve our amenities, we added step stools in the ground floor washrooms to enable children to comfortably reach the sinks and soap dispensers and added a child-sized activity table with games, colouring pencils and paper next to our reception area.”

Businesses and organizations who sign up for the no-cost program receive a window badge to display for their customers as well as a listing in an online director for easy access. More information about the New Westminster Family Friendly Business Initiative can be found online at www.kidsnewwest.biz or by emailing .

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Contacts:
Blair Fryer, Communications Manager
City of New Westminster
or 604-527-4688

Jen Arbo, Media Contact
New Westminster Family Friendly Business Initiative