22nd Street Station Area Bold Vision

Section 12 of the Vision lays out how the City will begin implementing this plan, starting in 2025, with City-led technical work. This work will continue through 2026 and into mid 2027.

While the full build-out will depend on private development, market conditions, and current owner interests, the City is taking important early steps to ensure that the area grows in a livable, sustainable, and inclusive way. Work on many of the Implementation Actions is already underway.

Implementation Actions:

• Transportation planning for the areas around the 22nd St SkyTrain station, mixed-use high-density Transit Village, and 20th Street to support future road networks, transit service, and active transportation.
• Development of funding tools (such as Development Cost Charges and Amenity Cost Charges) to ensure that new development pay for needed infrastructure and amenities to support growth, such as parks, roads, a community centre, and a fire hall.
• Concept design work for the Transit Village to guide both public investment and private development.
• Preparation of new design guidelines and development permit area policies to shape the buildings and streetscapes in the Transit Village area.
• Ongoing Advocacy and Collaboration with key partners, agencies, and First Nations.

Implementation is further supported by City initiatives, such as:

• Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan that will help guide park, recreation and facilities planning in the Vision area;
• Electrical Utility Strategy Planning that will identify the infrastructure requirements that come with the planned density; and
• Implementation of the Active Transportation Network Plan, which included upgrades to cycling lanes and greenways ways within the Vision area.

A Gradual Process

Redevelopment of the 22nd Street Station Area is expected to happen gradually, likely over many decades or even generations. Neighbourhood transition isn't linear; some areas will change sooner, others later, and some may stay the same for long periods of time. Because each property is different, and each project depends on many moving parts, it's hard to predict exactly when or where change will occur.

How quickly things change will depend on several factors, such as the economy and market conditions, developer and landowner interest, and completion of City-led technical work. Some changes outlined in the reGENERATE Vision will rely on partnerships with organizations like TransLink, BC Hydro, and Metro Vancouver. Collaboration with First Nations, external agencies, and senior governments is on-going.

What does the redevelopment process look like?

Neighbourhood change doesn't happen all at once. Here's what the typically process looks like:

1. City Land Use and Policy Framework: With the reGENERATE Vision now endorsed, the City will complete more detailed and technical work. Once completed, new land use designations, design guidelines, and other City policies will guide what kinds of buildings are allowed in different areas, and what the standards of development are.
2. Market Readiness and Financial Viability: Developers assess if projects are financially viable before moving forward. This depends on factors such as land and construction costs, infrastructure and amenity contributions/costs, permit expenses, and market demand for new homes, shops, offices, etc.
3. Land Assembly: New residential and mixed-use buildings will require multiple lots to be sold and combined into a larger site - this is called a land assembly. Some landowners may choose not to sell, meaning change will likely happen block by block, and not everywhere at once, if at all.
4. Development Approval Process: Developers must apply for the necessary approvals from the City to be able to proceed with a project. Approvals required will depend on the size, density, location, and type of development proposed. Some proposals, depending on type and complexity, will require community consultation and/or a decision by City Council. See the options for "Development Applications" in that section of this webpage.
5. Construction: Once all permits are approved, construction can begin. Construction timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.

What does this mean for residents?

It is important to recognize that the reGENERATE Vision area is an already lived-in neighbourhood with existing homes and residents. Existing houses and businesses are likely to remain for some time, and redevelopment will happen around them.

• If you own property: You can continue to live in and maintain your home. There is no requirement to sell or redevelop. Any future redevelopment would require land assembly and City approvals.
• If you rent: Landlords may continue to rent out homes until a demolition permit is issued, but some may choose to stop renting earlier. The City and Province have policies to support renters through redevelopment. Learn more about tenant protection.

Recognizing construction activity may have impacts on the daily life of residents, existing City bylaws are in place to lessen the construction impact by regulating noise and ensuring that special attention is given to temporary traffic, access, and circulation.

While the reGENERATE Vision sets the direction for change, the City first needs to complete foundational planning work before new development can move forward. Until this work is complete, most development applications, will be considered premature, especially around the SkyTrain station and Transit Village. The City-led planning work is expected to continue through 2025 and into mid 2027.

The Province and the City have policies and regulations to support and protect tenants. Read more about our policies and regulations.

Renovations and Maintenance for Existing Houses

Renovations and maintenance for existing houses can continue without the need to sell your property. Homeowners can make improvements and maintain their homes as needed. Additional information can be found on the Building Permits website. Demolition and reconstruction of a new house are still allowed under the underlying zoning; see the NR/RS-2 zone for details.

For property specific questions about a construction or development project in the reGENERATE Vision area, contact the Planning Division at plnpost@newwestcity.ca or 604-527-4532.

The journey to create the reGENERATE Vision began with a simple but bold question: What could the future look like for the neighbourhood around 22nd Street Station? Recognized in the City's Official Community Plan as a key area for future growth, the station area has long been identified as a place where new housing, amenities, and transit-oriented development could thrive. The City wanted to go beyond policy and build a shared vision for the future with the community.

In spring 2023, the City of New Westminster launched the vision planning process with a focus on climate action, reconciliation, and inclusive community building. Over the next year and a half, the reGENERATE Vision was shaped through a combination of community engagement, collaboration with First Nations and regional partners, technical analysis, and policy alignment.

Engagement and Collaboration

Between 2023 and 2024, hundreds of residents, stakeholders, and organizations contributed their voices, ideas, and aspirations. Community engagement included:

• Drop-in events, community meetings, and surveys.
• An Ideas challenge inviting bold, creative proposals.
• A design charrette bringing together experts and community members to co-create draft ideas.
• Ongoing collaboration with local First Nations, and partnerships with agencies like TransLink, BC Hydro, Metro Vancouver, and the School District.

Hundreds of people directly engaged in the vision process, helping to shape the priorities and ensuring the reGENERATE Vision was grounded in lived experience.

Drafting the reGENERATE Vision

Throughout 2024, the City synthesized the insights gathered from the engagement process and combined it with planning best practices, technical studies, and guiding frameworks such as the Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action, Council's Strategic Priorities, and A Year if Truth. This led to the creation of eight Big Moves, which are the core strategies that structure the reGENERATE Vision and guide future redevelopment.

The draft vision was shared with First Nations, key stakeholders and the community for feedback to ensure the vision presented to City Council for endorsement was shaped by their voices. The feedback directly informed the final Vision which was endorsed by Council in December 2024.

Council Reports

• June 22, 2026: Statutory Consultation Launch
• August 25, 2025: Work Plan for Implementation
• December 16, 2024: Endorsement and Implementation Actions
• January 22, 2024: Ideas Gathering
• September 11, 2023: Visioning Update and Consultation Plan
• June 12, 2023: Project Relaunch
• December 13, 2021: Initial Scope and Work Plan

Community Engagement Summaries

Community Engagement (Round 2): Fall 2024

• Engagement Summary
• Design Charrette and Showcase: Spring 2024
• International Ideas Challenge: Winter 2023-2024
  • A summary of the winning submissions, the jury's statements, as well as the full shortlist can be found here.

Community Engagement (Round 1): Fall 2023

• Engagement Summary
• Engagement Snapshot

We've compiled responses to common questions we hear from the community about the 22nd St Vision Area. We will continue to update this list as new questions arise.

HOW WILL REGIONAL POPULATION GROWTH IMPACT TRAFFIC AROUND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD?

New Westminster is centrally located between the Cities of Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Delta and Coquitlam. As the region grows, travel demand will likely continue to increase across municipal boundaries.

The City cannot control regional growth or traffic coming from other municipalities. However, we:

• Invest in walking, cycling, and transit improvements and connections to reduce reliance on private vehicles and advocate for senior government infrastructure investment;
• Communicate with neighbouring cities and regional authorities on land use and transportation plans;
• Plan local street improvements that prioritize safety, accessibility and reliability; and 
• Plan the road network to maintain emergency vehicle and service vehicle access.

Traffic will continue to be part of life in a growing region. Our focus is on moving people safely and efficiently, whether they are walking, rolling, cycling, taking transit, or driving.

WHAT WILL THE CITY DO ABOUT CONGESTION ON THE QUEENSBOROUGH BRIDGE?

The Queensborough Bridge is owned and operated by the Province through the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. It is a key regional connection and serves City of New Westminster residents as well as traffic beyond New Westminster.

While the City does not own or control the bridge, we:

• Work with the Province and TransLink to advocate for improvements;
• Advance local strategies, including the 2024 Queensborough Transportation Plan, to address safety, mobility, and goods movement; and
• Support initiatives that increase the number of people moved across the bridge per hour, for examples through transit, walking, and cycling.

Congestion on the Queensborough Bridge, and other regional bridges, is influenced by growth across Metro Vancouver. The City will continue to advocate for safe, sustainable, and accessible movement of people and goods.

WILL 22nd STREET STATION BE UPGRADED FOR ACCESSIBILITY?

22nd Street SkyTrain Station is owned and operated by TransLink.

The station was included in TransLink's Expo Line Elevator Replacement Program. As of December 2025, two elevators have been upgraded at the station, replacing 40-year-old infrastructure with modern and accessible equipment.

While the City does not control station infrastructure or amenities, we:

• Advocate to TransLink for accessibility improvements; and
• Are planning surrounding streets, sidewalks, and public spaces with accessibility in mind to make it safer and easier to get to and from the station.

Accessibility is a shared responsibility. The City is and will continue to advocate to TransLink to improve the station experience for people of all ages and abilities.

WHY IS THE CITY PLANNING FOR MORE HOUSING AROUND THE STATION?

The Province requires cities to enable growth around major transit stations, called Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Areas, including 22nd St SkyTrain Station.

Focusing growth near the SkyTrain helps manage traffic over time. When homes are close to transit, shops, services, and jobs, more people can walk, bike, or take transit instead of driving. The 22nd Street Vision establishes a framework for moving towards a more complete neighbourhood where residents can meet their daily needs close to home. Integrating housing, land use and transportation planning creates an urban environment that works more efficiently for users of all modes.
 

New Westminster is centrally located between the Cities of Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Delta and Coquitlam. As the region grows, travel demand will likely continue to increase across municipal boundaries.

The City cannot control regional growth or traffic coming from other municipalities. However, we:

• Invest in walking, cycling, and transit improvements and connections to reduce reliance on private vehicles and advocate for senior government infrastructure investment;
• Communicate with neighbouring cities and regional authorities on land use and transportation plans;
• Plan local street improvements that prioritize safety, accessibility and reliability; and 
• Plan the road network to maintain emergency vehicle and service vehicle access.

Traffic will continue to be part of life in a growing region. Our focus is on moving people safely and efficiently, whether they are walking, rolling, cycling, taking transit, or driving.

The Queensborough Bridge is owned and operated by the Province through the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. It is a key regional connection and serves City of New Westminster residents as well as traffic beyond New Westminster.

While the City does not own or control the bridge, we:

• Work with the Province and TransLink to advocate for improvements;
• Advance local strategies, including the 2024 Queensborough Transportation Plan, to address safety, mobility, and goods movement; and
• Support initiatives that increase the number of people moved across the bridge per hour, for examples through transit, walking, and cycling.

Congestion on the Queensborough Bridge, and other regional bridges, is influenced by growth across Metro Vancouver. The City will continue to advocate for safe, sustainable, and accessible movement of people and goods.

22nd Street SkyTrain Station is owned and operated by TransLink.

The station was included in TransLink's Expo Line Elevator Replacement Program. As of December 2025, two elevators have been upgraded at the station, replacing 40-year-old infrastructure with modern and accessible equipment.

While the City does not control station infrastructure or amenities, we:

• Advocate to TransLink for accessibility improvements; and
• Are planning surrounding streets, sidewalks, and public spaces with accessibility in mind to make it safer and easier to get to and from the station.

Accessibility is a shared responsibility. The City is and will continue to advocate to TransLink to improve the station experience for people of all ages and abilities.

Focusing growth near the SkyTrain helps manage traffic over time. When homes are close to transit, shops, services, and jobs, more people can walk, bike, or take transit instead of driving. The 22nd Street Vision establishes a framework for moving towards a more complete neighbourhood where residents can meet their daily needs close to home. Integrating housing, land use and transportation planning creates an urban environment that works more efficiently for users of all modes.