Clear the way for all types of homes needed by people today and tomorrow, prioritizing homes for those with the greatest need.

The City of New Westminster is a recognized leader in housing. For many years, the City has advanced housing options across all spectrums, from emergency shelters to market units. This is essential to our city’s livability and ongoing prosperity, and is increasingly part of our community dialogue.

We will intensify our focus on housing by making a bold commitment to be even more ambitious in how we tackle the ongoing crisis. This work will be guided by the implementation of the clear actions and targets set by the City’s Housing Needs Report, and enhancing our commitment to preventing and addressing homelessness through implementation of the Homelessness Action Strategy.

Objectives

• Implement policies and procedures to further support the delivery and maintenance of homes that meet our community’s diverse needs.
• Focus inter-governmental collaboration on the creation of homes and providing supports to keep people housed.
• Ambitiously advance climate action strategies that create more resilient homes.
• Publicly share our housing successes and challenges to foster an open dialogue with the community in order to provide meaningful engagement.

Outcomes

• Addressing Homelessness: Implement the Homelessness Action Strategy and related initiatives.
• Affordable Housing: Collaborate with senior government to facilitate the construction of new affordable housing units.
• More Homes Near Transit: Advance planning for transit-oriented development using a climate action lens.
• Infill Housing: Allow for diverse housing options in all neighbourhoods of New Westminster.
• Build More Homes Faster: Implement a simplified and streamlined development approvals process to get more homes built across the entire housing spectrum, from apartment buildings to laneway homes, while also facilitating amenities and infrastructure to support growth.
• Policy Alignment: Update housing policy to protect existing rental housing and maximize delivery of new housing that meets identified needs.
• Climate Action: Reduce emissions from new buildings, increased support for the retrofit of existing buildings, and continue designing our city to allow community members live and move in alignment with climate goals.