Uptown Plaza and Sixth Street Public Realm Improvements
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Project Status
Completed
Category
Parks and Environment
Project Overview
This project transforms Sixth Street and the Uptown Plaza into a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming space for everyone, fulfilling the vision outlined in the Uptown Streetscape Vision (2020). Construction of the Uptown Plaza was completed in Fall 2025.
On behalf of the project team, the City thanks residents, visitors, and businesses for their patience through the construction process.
Key Changes
Expanded pedestrian areas
Improved accessibility
Pedestrian "rooms" with seating, amenities, and flexible space for parking and events
26 new trees in a healthier growing environment
A permanent Uptown Plaza on Belmont Street with ample seating, shade, greenery, lighting, and event provisions
This project aligns with the City's Master Transportation Plan and Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action. Community input from 2021-2023, including feedback from the interim plaza, has been essential in shaping the final design.
For more information about the engagement work, visit the project page at Be Heard New West.
Tree Planting
To ensure a healthy and vibrant urban forest, 26 new trees will be planted as part of this project. An arborist assessment found that the existing 21 trees are nearing the end of their lifespan and would not survive the construction. The new trees are better adapted to climate change and urban conditions, and improved soil and growing conditions will help them thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Belmont Plaza, like all public spaces in the city, is available to all members of the community. The City is committed to fostering safe, welcoming, and inclusive public spaces for everyone. As part of the Crises Response Pilot Project, resources are available to address crises related to homelessness, mental health, or substance use. Contact the City's Community Support Line at 604-527-4502 for assistance.
To help keep the area clean and pleasant for everyone, garbage bins with attached cigarette butt disposal containers have been placed throughout the project area. We ask everyone to be considerate of others when smoking and to abide by the Smoking Control Bylaw, which prohibits smoking within 7.5 meters of doors, windows, and air intakes of buildings. To report a complaint, please contact New Westminster Health Protection Office at 604-777-6740.
The lot adjacent the plaza is privately owned. The site remains enclosed by fencing that will be replaced to ensure it is secure and maintained in good condition. The previous fence was at the end of its useful life.
Signalization at this crosswalk is not necessitated given the site conditions. The crossing is located along a roadway with a posted speed limit of 30km/hr and within close proximity to a nearby signalized intersection at Sixth Avenue, and in a dense commercial area, where pedestrian activity is expected and vehicle speeds are relatively low. The location also benefits from abundant street lighting and clear sightlines in both directions, which support pedestrian visibility and driver awareness. The existing crosswalk treatment is considered appropriate for this environment. The City will continue to monitor the conditions at this location and may review additional measures in the future should conditions change.
The drinking fountain, which is freeze-resistant, will remain turned on. Staff will turn off the misting station during the winter months to prevent damage to the plumbing and mechanical components. This helps ensure the facilities can be safely and reliably reopened in the spring.
We will work with community groups such as the Uptown Business Association to coordinate events to activate the space throughout the year.
Bus stop locations are determined based on a number of technical factors including but not limited to stop spacing (distance between stops), proximity to transit connections, proximity to pedestrian crossing facilities, proximity to major origins/destinations, and other geometric requirements (e.g. width, grade, sightlines, etc.). This is done in coordination with Coast Mountain Bus Company and TransLink, and consistent with TransLink's Bus Infrastructure Design Guidelines.
