New Westminster – New Westminster City Hall will resume drop-in front counter service starting Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Drop-in services for planning, business licensing, building and plumbing, engineering, utilities, and finance will be available on the main floor of City Hall, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm until further notice.

“We are very pleased to resume drop-in service at City Hall and I want to thank everyone for their patience and adapting to a new way of conducting business over the past several months,” said Mayor Jonathan Coté. “Staff have been working very hard to reopen City Hall and ensure all modifications and protocols are in place to keep everyone safe.”

New safety measures include enhanced cleaning and disinfection, installation of Plexiglas barriers at all front counters, space modifications, and revised circulation patterns to ensure physical distancing. All visitors must enter and exit by the rear entrance, and all drop-in visitors must check-in with the attendant immediately after entering. There will be limits on how many customers can occupy the building at one time and everyone will be required to maintain physical distancing. Visitors will also be strongly encouraged to wear a mask and anyone who is feeling unwell should stay home.

While drop-in service is available, the public is encouraged to continue to pre-book appointments by using the City’s new online appointment booking system being launched on September 23rd or by calling 604-521-3711. Additionally, most services including online payments, permit applications and renewals, can be completed utilizing the City’s e-government services available at newwestcity.ca/onlineservices. City staff are also readily available by email or phone.

“Throughout the pandemic we have successfully offered many services at City Hall on an appointment basis,” said Chief Administrative Officer, Lisa Spitale. “Continuing to book appointments in advance will allow us to provide a better customer service experience and serve you more efficiently. We will be able to allocate appropriate time to discuss your specific issue with the right staff members.”

In-person attendance at Council and committee meetings will resume in October with a reservation system to ensure the safety of public and staff.  All meetings will continue to be live-streamed on the City website at www.newwestcity.ca/council

The reopening of City Hall follows the City of New Westminster’s recovery plan which guides the gradual reopening of civic facilities. Enhanced safety measures will be implemented which are in alignment with Public Health Orders and WorkSafeBC guidelines. City Hall has been open by appointment only since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

- 30 -

Media Contact:

Ashleigh Young
Communications Officer
City of New Westminster
604-527-4559 or