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Retail Strategy
Retail Strategy Implementation
Active Use Zoning Changes
On April 13, 2026 Council gave three readings to Zoning Bylaw amendments that would implement Active Use Zoning changes as part of the Active Streets Initiative. These changes would put in place special zoning rules for new ground level businesses located along certain portions of commercial streets – called Active Frontage Areas – and would require that:
- New ground floor businesses be active - think the types of businesses that draw people in, like shops, restaurants, entertainment spaces, and personal services; and,
- New businesses that people seek out, rather than stumble upon – like offices and medical clinics – be located on upper floors.
The Zoning Bylaw would also be updated to allow:
- Small breweries, distilleries, wineries and cideries across all Downtown commercial districts; and,
- Small-scale businesses that make and sell their own products on-site across all commercial areas.
Active Use Zoning changes are anticipated to be considered for adoption in June 2026.
Read the April 13, 2026 Council report here.
Active Streets Initiative
The Active Streets Initiative would implement Retail Strategy recommendations intended to make New Westminster's commercial areas more lively and welcoming, including that:
- Zoning be used to make room for active uses along certain portions of the city's key shopping streets;
- Zoning allow businesses that make and sell their products directly to customers at the same location; and,
- That the Business License Bylaw be updated to limit the maximum amount of window area that can be covered by decals and signage – complete
The Initiative was shaped by input from local businesses, commercial property owners, the Arts, Culture and Economic Development Advisory Committee, and direction from Council.
See the sections below for details on what we heard from the business community, Advisory Committee, and past reports and presentations to Council.
Resources
April 13, 2026 Council Report: Retail Strategy Implementation: Active Streets Initiative – Bylaw for First, Second and Third Readings | Minutes
February 12, 2026 Arts, Culture and Economic Development Advisory Group Committee Memo: Retail Strategy Implementation: Active Streets Update | Minutes
February 2, 2026: Council Report and Presentation: Retail Strategy: Active Streets Initiative | Minutes
June 18, 2025: Retail Strategy Implementation Workshop | What We Heard and Engagement Materials
April 10, 2025: Arts, Culture and Economic Development Advisory Group Committee Memo: Retail Strategy Implementation: Zoning Changes for Enhancing Active Streets | Minutes
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