New Westminster – The City of New Westminster is launching Vision Zero, a joint task force with the goal of eliminating traffic-related deaths and injuries in New Westminster. The task force includes representation from City Council and engineering staff, New Westminster Police, New Westminster Fire and Rescue, Fraser Health, and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.  

Vision Zero is the philosophy that no road-related death or serious injury is acceptable. Its Safe System Approach takes a proactive, shared-responsibility view of road safety, recognizing that people are vulnerable and will make mistakes. The goal is to design a transportation network that anticipates human error and prevents it from leading to tragedy. Vision Zero has been adopted by many jurisdictions worldwide over the past few decades.

“Following the lead of other cities around the world that have adopted the Vision Zero philosophy, the City of New Westminster is going to incorporate learnings to move from vision to action. This will enable us to develop an effective plan to achieve our goals quickly,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “In leading the Vision Zero Task Force, I’m sending a message to our community and to all of our partners that the City is eager to work on road safety solutions now.”

Over a two-year term, task force members will work together to review existing road safety data, identify gaps, and set clear targets with a strategy to achieve them. Public input from residents and families affected by unsafe streets will play an important role in shaping the work ahead.

“The Engineering Department is proud to support the work of the Vision Zero Task Force and to help build public understanding of the Safe System Approach,” said Lisa Leblanc, Director of Engineering and Deputy CAO. “Our goal is to continue delivering infrastructure that helps everyone feel safe, no matter how they move around New Westminster.”

"Our goal at Vision Zero Vancouver is to reach zero annual fatalities and serious injuries on the roads across Metro Vancouver. By bringing together stakeholders from a wide range of sectors and applying a Vision Zero systems approach that recognizes user error is inevitable and must be designed for, we are hopeful this Task Force can lay the groundwork for achieving Vision Zero in New Westminster,” said Margie Sanderson of Vision Zero Vancouver. “We are happy to see the city continuing to be a leader in this area for the region, and hope other municipalities will follow suit."

The Vision Zero Task Force will bolster the City’s ongoing efforts to create safer, more sustainable streets. It aligns with Council’s 2023–2026 Strategic Priorities, the Active Transportation Network Plan, and the Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action—reinforcing the City of New Westminster’s commitment to providing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for everyone.

To learn more about the Vision Zero Task Force visit www.newwestcity.ca/advisory#active-advisory-groups/vision-zero-task-force or watch the October 28, 2025, online media launch below.

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Media contact: 

Melissa Nilan
Communications Coordinator
778-773-1659