City of New Westminster to extend City Hall hours of operation

New Westminster – To enhance and expand customer service for residents and businesses, the City of New Westminster is launching a pilot project that will see City Hall hours of operation extended beginning Monday, March 30, 2015. The new hours of service will be:

Mondays: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Tuesdays – Fridays: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

 “We recognize that many residents and businesses may find it challenging to conduct their City Hall business during the current 8:30 am - 4:30 pm hours of operation,” said New Westminster Mayor Jonathan Coté. “By extending City Hall hours, and in particular, customer services hours at our reception, finance, business licensing, planning, plumbing and building permit counters, we can better meet the demands of our changing community”.

The pilot project will be in effect until December 31, 2015 at which time it will be reviewed and adjusted if required. The extended operating hours will be facilitated through a compressed work week arrangement which will see City Hall staff work additional hours during the week in exchange for flexible days off. In other jurisdictions, this type of arrangement has realized overall cost savings through reductions in overtime. During the pilot project phase, residents and businesses will be encouraged to provide feedback on the extended hours through comment cards available at City Hall and an online public survey.

“As our city grows, we will continue to look for new and innovative ways to serve the community,” said Mayor Coté. “I encourage everyone to provide feedback on the pilot project and to let us know how we can best serve our residents and businesses.”

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Contact:

Joan Burgess
Director, Human Resources
City of New Westminster
604-527-4534