New Westminster - The City of New Westminster has taken further precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by declaring a local state of emergency. Additionally, effective Friday, March 20, 2020, City Hall will be closed to the public and essential services will be provided by appointment only. The Q to Q ferry service will be suspending operations effective end of service day (10:00 pm) on Friday, March 20, 2020.

“By declaring a local state of emergency in New Westminster at the recommendation of our Emergency Operations Director, we can now act faster and access critical resources to help us respond to this ever-changing situation and protect our citizens,” said Mayor Jonathan Coté.  “The community should not see this as a cause for concern, but rather a proactive step to ensure our citizens are being looked after with all available resources.”

Essential City Hall services include select permits and inspections focusing on life/safety requirements and the completion of priority construction projects. To book an appointment, please call City Hall at 604-521-3711 and you will be directed to the appropriate department.

All City utilities, including water, sewer, waste collection and electrical operations will be maintained with appropriate staffing and service levels. City staff will continue to work and will be accessible by phone or email. The City will also continue to provide core public services that are essential to the health, safety and stability of the community. Police, fire and emergency services will continue and will not be compromised.

“While City Hall may be closed to the public, I want to reassure the community that all essential City services will be maintained,” said Mayor Jonathan Coté. “The measures being implemented are to ensure the health and safety of our employees and the public.”

Other essential services include prioritizing the needs of the community’s most vulnerable, at-risk and socially isolated; and prioritizing the needs of residents and local businesses aiming to provide minimal disruption where possible. The City has struck five working groups to address these areas and provide support to local non-profit organizations in the community.

Residents are encouraged to utilize the City’s e-government services. For more information, please visit www.newwestcity.ca/onlineservices

For more details and up-to-date information on the City’s response to the COVID-19 virus, please visit www.newwestcity.ca/covid-19 and follow the City’s social media channels.

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Media Contact:

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