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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.
RETAIL STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION WORKSHOP
Thank you to all those who participated in the Retail Strategy Implementation Workshop!
On June 18, 2025 members of the local business community provided feedback on implementation of Retail Strategy recommendations regarding:
- Active use zoning changes in New Westminster’s “core Great Street areas”, otherwise known as neighbourhood hearts (see where these areas are located by viewing the Engagement Boards linked below)
- Ideas for commercial area beautification and street activation
- Commercial building design considerations
Feedback from this workshop will be used to inform implementation of Retail Strategy recommendations related to active use zoning, commercial area beautification and activation initiatives, and changes to the City’s design guidelines.
Council is expected to consider proposed active use zoning changes for the city’s core Great Street areas in early 2026. Check back here for more information.
What We Heard
Active Use Zoning Changes
Attendees were asked to provide feedback on which commercial uses should be permitted or not permitted in ground level commercial spaces within core Great Street areas.
Participants indicated:
- Strong support for allowing ground level retail stores, restaurants, breweries, banks, public assembly and entertainment, animal grooming and daycare, veterinary clinics, and personal service establishments (e.g., barbers, nail salons)
- General support for allowing ground level child care, either outright or on a conditional basis
- Mixed support for allowing ground level fitness spaces and artist studios, either outright or on a conditional basis
- Mixed support for allowing ground level health services (e.g., dentists, physiotherapists), either outright or on a conditional basis
- Division regarding allowing ground level personal service-related office (e.g., accounting, insurance) and commercial schools, with respondents generally split between prohibiting these uses or allowing them with conditions
Business Area Activation, Beautification and Promotion
Community members were asked to provide feedback on activation and beautification initiatives that they would like to see in commercial areas.
Participants spoke to:
- The importance of clean and well-maintained commercial areas
- A desire for more patios, transparent windows, murals, markets and events, as well as businesses with evening hours, to help activate streets
- Support for simplification of the City’s grant process for activation and beautification initiatives
- A desire for more family- and pet-friendly spaces in commercial areas
- Support for team-based, business-led initiatives like block cleanups and seasonal décor
Commercial Building Design Consideration
Community members were asked to provide feedback on how commercial spaces could be better designed to support businesses.
Participants spoke to the importance of:
- Functional design, including high ceilings, proper HVAC systems, well-designed loading and accessibility infrastructure, and short-term and delivery parking
- Small commercial units to support small, independent retailers
- Visible signage, and suggested that signage regulations be relaxed to better consider the needs of upper storey businesses and/or those in heritage areas
- Universal design features that support the needs of families, seniors, and those with mobility challenges
Who We Heard From
Workshop invitations were mailed to all New Westminster commercial property owners and the event was advertised on the City’s website, Invest New West newsletter, CityPage, and promoted by the City’s business community partners.
A total of 81 community members attended the event, including:
- 49 business owners
- 26 commercial property owners
- 6 representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement Associations
There was strong representation from commercial areas across the city, bringing a range of perspectives and contributing to meaningful discussion throughout the session.
Engagement Summary
View the engagement workshop summary and engagement boards using the links below:
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