New Westminster — The City of New Westminster’s Crises Response Pilot Project will be receiving an additional $290K of funding from Health Canada through its Emergency Treatment Fund (ETF). The Crises Response Pilot Project is meant to address homelessness, mental health and substance use in the community, and was fully implemented in September 2024. The pilot includes the rollout of a road map based on two multi-year plans: the Five-Year Prevention, Support and Transition Services Plan and the Ten-Year Supportive Housing and Wrap-Around Services Plan. Eight priority actions from these two plans were approved by City Council in February 2025. Funding from the ETF serves as a testament to the leadership and proactive role the City of New Westminster is taking in a bid to find sustainable solutions to these three interconnected crises.

“New Westminster’s approach is to take action by doing the work here at home while supporting local residents and businesses,” says Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “At the same time, we recognize the importance of keeping focused pressure on the Federal and Provincial governments to ensure they deliver the resources our community needs to address these issues.”

Over the last year, additional key progress points in the Crises Response Pilot Project include: 

• The creation of a One Number to Call Line to support the community in informing City staff of immediate concerns related to the three crises. The number is 604-527-4502 and operates 24/7. Between May 1, 2025 and August 31, 2025, the line has received 155 calls for service.
• Exploring the creation of an Adult Situation Table. Situation Tables are community-led and bring together frontline workers from a variety of sectors, such as those working in public safety, faith-based and not-for-profit sectors. These tables ensure collaboration and coordination so that people can better access rapid supports and services, while supporting individuals and families experiencing crises.
• Continued work done by the Crises Response Outreach Team (CRT Outreach) and the Community Liaison Officer Program (CLOs) to address the needs of various community members. CRT Outreach began its work in September 2024, and the CLO Program began in January 2025.
  • Between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025 CRT Outreach had 1,691 interactions with individuals. Interactions refer to each time CRT Outreach workers engage with an individual, whether the team is providing information, resources, referrals, wellness checks, or other direct support.
  • Between January 1, 2025 and August 31, 2025 CLOs have had 2,074 contacts. A contact refers to anytime a CLO interacts with someone in the community, be it through proactive or reactive work.
• Establishing an extended outreach program to complement the work of the CRT Outreach and offer outreach in the evenings, weekends, and on statutory holidays. Extended outreach is being offered by the Union Gospel Mission and officially launched in September 2025.
• Transitioning the nightly shelter at 502 East Columbia Street from a 12-hour model to a 21-hour model. This will enable shelter guests to better meet their needs indoors and get connected to resources and services, while reducing impacts on surrounding neighbours and businesses.
• Continuing to work with BC Housing and the non-profit provider to advance work on 52 units of permanent supportive housing at 602 Agnes Street. Construction is underway and tenancy is expected in Spring 2026, with priority given to unhoused individuals currently residing in New Westminster.

“We appreciate the community’s patience as we work towards addressing homelessness, mental health, and substance use in New Westminster,” says Lisa Spitale, Chief Administrative Officer. “The City is vigilant in our commitment to advocate for sustainable long-term solutions that have new supportive housing and health care wrap-around services at the core.”

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to solving the overdose crisis, and no community can solve it alone. By investing in community-driven, culturally relevant, and evidence-based initiatives, we are making sure people have access to the care and support they need, close to home,” says The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health.

The Crises Response Pilot Project was established to respond to the immediate and longer-term needs of those experiencing the three crises of homelessness, mental health and substance use, while also addressing the impacts experienced by local businesses and residents. The pilot project is based on best-practice research of various BC municipalities and extensive consultation with more than 800 community members, including those with lived and living experience, faith-based and not-for-profit service providers, and health practitioners. 

To learn more about the Crises Response Pilot Project, please visit newwestcity.ca/crises-response-project.

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Contact:

Ria Renouf
Communications Coordinator, Crises Response Pilot Project
City of New Westminster
or 778-789-0573