New Westminster – The City of New Westminster has launched the engagement process for the Uptown Sixth Street Public Realm Improvements Project. This initiative will see Sixth Street between Sixth Avenue and Belmont Street reimagined to better orient the street towards pedestrian uses, including more flexible uses of Sixth Street and improved accessibility.

Proposed features include widened sidewalks, improved lighting, more seating options, allowing for temporary road closures for special events, and a “pedestrian scramble” at Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue that would see all vehicle traffic stopped while pedestrians can cross all-ways at once.  

“This block of Sixth Street is the heart of Uptown, and this project will see a complete reimaging of this important area,” said Mayor Jonathan Coté. “Many improvements are planned that will enhance the experience, comfort, and accessibility for all users of this section of Sixth Street, as well as allow for exciting flexible uses such as outdoor events.”

These upcoming changes take direction from the vision set in the City of New Westminster’s Council-approved Uptown Streetscape Vision to create “a vibrant commercial district with a distinct identity, accessible and sustainable transportation, as well as inviting and engaging public spaces that are welcoming to all people."

Both the Sixth Street Public Realm Improvements and a related project, the Uptown Active Transportation Improvements, align with the City’s Master Transportation Plan goals and Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action - specifically, Car-light Community, Quality People-Centred Public Realm and Robust Urban Forest.

“A key goal of these projects is to realize the opportunities for vibrant public streets and areas that are safe, accessible and enjoyable for all our community members,” said Patrick Johnstone, Chair of the Facilities, Infrastructure and Public Realm Committee. “We invite everyone to participate in the engagement activities and share which features that are most important to them so we can ensure the future space meets the needs of all users.”

There are multiple engagement opportunities coming up in November, including various online tools on Be Heard New West, and two upcoming Pop-Up events:

Pop-Up #1:  Wednesday, November 10, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm at Royal City Centre (indoors)

Pop-Up #2: Sunday, November 21, 12:00 to 4:00 pm at Westminster Centre (outside London Drugs on Sixth Street)

To learn more about the project, and to provide your input, visit the project webpage for more information: www.beheardnewwest.ca/uptownstreets

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Media Contact:

Michael Leong
Transportation Planning Engineer
City of New Westminster
778-312-1505