New Westminster receives NAIOP’s Most Business Friendly award

New Westminster, BC – The City of New Westminster has been recognized with a 2013 NAIOP Award for Municipal Excellence in the Most Business Friendly category from the Vancouver Chapter of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP). The award was presented at NAIOP’s monthly meeting held in Vancouver earlier today.

“We’ve been working hard to create a business friendly environment in New Westminster and this award is proof that we’re making good progress,” said Mayor Wayne Wright.

The City of New Westminster shared the award with the City of Abbotsford and District of North Vancouver, selected by NAIOP for “implementation of policies to support the creation of new job spaces.” In New Westminster’s case, a phased-in reduction of light industry property taxes of 20% in 2013, 5% in 2014 and 9% in 2015 was singled out by NAIOP as a solid step towards creating an environment positive to business creation.

“It’s great to receive recognition in this area and we’ll continue to advance initiatives that position New Westminster as the place to do business in Metro Vancouver,” said Councillor Bill Harper, Chair of the City’s Economic Development Advisory Committee.

NAIOP Vancouver has a strong industry membership with developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial, retail and mixed-use real estate. It provides advocacy, education, business opportunities and industry connections through a powerful network.

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Contact:

Blair Fryer
Communications and Economic Development Manager, City of New Westminster
604-527-4688 or