We know many residents are struggling financially during this time. Here are some ways we can help.

Rent Bank Program expansion

For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to the City’s Rent Bank Program will be enhanced for renters at risk of eviction due to loss of income and inability to pay rent.

Enhancements to the program include:

• Interim eligibility criteria to allow renters at risk of evictions due to loss of income and inability to pay rent to access loans
• Enhanced loan capacity (a higher number of loans) to support more residents to access the program
• Interim loan recovery terms to allow for flexibility for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on the New Westminster Rent Bank Program and other provincial supports, please visit www.newwestcity.ca/covid-community.
 

Assistance for Electrical Utility Customers

New Westminster City Council and the New Westminster Electric Utility Commission are introducing additional COVID-19 customer relief measures to help residential and small commercial customers experiencing financial hardship during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

In addition to allowing customers the option to defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans, new relief measures will include the following:

1. Reduce all electric utility bills by 1% for the remainder of the year for all New Westminster Electric Utility customers
2. Bill credit for up to 3 months for all eligible residential customers who have been laid off, unable to work or have closed their businesses (application required)
3. Waive up to 3 months for all eligible small business customers who have closed their business and ceased operations due to a government order or because of a reduction in business on or after March 15, 2020 due to COVID-19 (application required)
4. Move the remaining Climate Action Levy of 2.5% to the current Rate Rider

Further details, including eligibility requirements, will be posted over the coming days. Application documents are expected to become available online starting the week of April 20, 2020.

Customers are encouraged to call the City of New Westminster revenue and collections team at 604-527-4555 to discuss bill payment options.

For up-to-date information on the City’s COVID-19 response, please visit www.newwestcity.ca/covid-19.