Retail Strategy

 

In 2023 a city-wide retail strategy was approved. The strategy identifies key opportunities to enhance the retail experience in commercial areas of the city, and outlines recommendations around how the City, and community partners, can work together to leverage various tools in support of a strong retail commercial environment.

Read the Retail Strategy

 

RETAIL STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION WORKSHOP - June 18, 2025 (WAITLIST)

Join us to discuss potential zoning changes and ideas for beautification and activation initiatives as the City implements actions identified in the Retail Strategy. This will also be an opportunity to connect with City staff, business owners, and other business community members in support of a thriving retail environment and a strong, connected community.  

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, June 18 2025
• Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:45 PM)
• Location: Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6)
• Post-Event Networking: Stay with us until 9:00pm to connect with fellow business community members.
   

Refreshments (non-alcoholic drinks) and snacks will be provided.

Discussion Themes:

• Potential zoning changes that would support active uses at street level (e.g. identifying uses may not support active streetscapes and removing them as permitted uses from the zoning, identifying core areas of commercial areas where these changes could apply)
• Beautification, activation and local business promotion tactics
• Building design considerations to encourage community supporting retail (e.g. size of units, building considerations to make business operations easier, etc.)

Input from this workshop will be used by City staff to help inform potential regulatory changes and initiatives, anticipated to brought forward to Council in fall/winter 2025.

We've had a strong response for this workshop and currently have a waitlist. Please  us with the following information to be placed on the waitlist: 

• Your name
• Business or organization (if applicable)
• Any accessibility accommodations that would support your participation (i.e. translation, sign language interpretation, low-stimulation space, dietary restrictions, etc.).

We will contact you by Friday, June 13, 2025 to let you know if a spot becomes available.