Press Releases
Recruitment underway for the City of New Westminster's new Community Advisory Assembly
Posted On:
October 16, 2023

New Westminster, B.C. – The City of New Westminster is recruiting members for the new Community Advisory Assembly. This initiative is set to launch in early 2024 and is designed to provide residents with a unique platform to collaborate with fellow community members and advise City Council and staff on matters related to Council's Strategic Priorities, as well as key City projects, plans, and policies.

The Community Advisory Assembly is a committee-style public engagement model with a greater emphasis on diverse and inclusive representation. The membership will consist of approximately 36 residents who will be selected to mirror the city's overall demographic profile. For example, this means roughly 50 per cent of the members will be renters, and about six members will be age 19 and under.

“The Community Advisory Assembly is a new approach to traditional advisory committees. What makes it different is that the group will more accurately reflect New Westminster’s demographics, and the Assembly will offer advice to the City on a variety of topics,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone.

The Assembly is focused on fostering open dialogue, informed deliberation, sharing diverse perspectives, and also finding common ground. The Assembly will convene monthly, more regularly than most of the other committees, to ensure that timely and critical issues are addressed promptly.

“The Community Advisory Assembly will enable deeper engagement through lengthier discussion, and the feedback provided will better reflect the needs of the community overall because members will be encouraged to reach a consensus on what advice they will deliver to Council and staff,” said Jennifer Miller, Manager of Public Engagement.

Advisory committees are re-structured every electoral term to reflect each Council’s strategic priorities; following the release of the 2023-2026 Strategic Priorities Plan, there was an opportunity to try a new model of committee-style public engagement. This Community Advisory Assembly pilot project will operate for approximately one year, allowing residents to become actively involved in shaping the future of New Westminster. All New Westminster residents are encouraged to apply. A range of supports are available in order to reduce barriers to participation and make it easier for residents from all backgrounds to contribute.

A virtual information session is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 at 6:00 pm. Interested residents should email to register. The application deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. Details can be found at: newwestcity.ca/assembly

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Media Contact:

Jennifer Miller
Manager of Public Engagement
City of New Westminster
604-516-9712 | jlmiller@newwestcity.ca