How to Apply For an Advisory Group

You can get involved in your local government by applying for Council appointments to join advisory groups that focus on specific community issues.

Advisory group terms usually begin in February; length of terms vary by group, but are typically one to three years. Applications for new term appointments open in September of the year before. If vacancies are not filled, or a vacancy opens mid-term, applications will be accepted year-round until the opening is filled.

The Community Advisory Assembly has a different term and recruitment period. Find more information here.

Eligibility to Join

• Applicants must not be employees of the City of New Westminster.
• Applicants must live in New Westminster, except by special waiver from the Mayor.
• Applicants should be able to serve for the full term of the appointment.

Time Commitment

Time requirements vary among the advisory groups; generally, groups meet every other month and meetings are approximately two hours long.

Remuneration

As these are volunteer positions, successful candidates serve without remuneration.*

*For equity reasons, Indigenous representatives on committees will be offered an honorarium. 

How to Apply

1. Carefully review the description and mandate, as well as the application deadline, of the advisory groups that interest you. This information can be found on the vacancies list.
2. Fill out the application form online, download a fillable application form, or download a paper application form. Please be as concise as possible when filling out your application. Note: If you are representing an organization instead of applying as an individual, there is a different form that must be completed. See instructions below for links. 
3. Indicate up to three groups (committee, commission, board, etc.) you would like to apply for, in order of preference.
4. Attach a copy of your resume.
5. Submit your application by the deadline via one of the following methods:
   • Online via the online application
   • Email a scan of your paper application to 
   • Mail or hand deliver your paper application to:
     Committee Clerk
     Legislative Services (2nd Floor)
     511 Royal Avenue
     New Westminster, BC  V3L 1H9

If you are representing an organization, there is a separate form that must be completed. Complete the application form online, download a fillable application form, or download a paper application form.

If you are applying using a smart phone or tablet, we recommend you download the BetterImpact App from the app store.

Please note: Copies of all applications will be made available to New Westminster City Council, City staff, and (if applicable) the New Westminster Public Library, for the sole purpose of making appointments to advisory groups, and for contacting successful applicants regarding meetings and other relevant information. Your information is collected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for this purpose.

How Appointments are Chosen

All applications are reviewed by staff for eligibility and completeness, and appointments are made by City Council. Appointments are for two-year terms unless otherwise indicated. Terms are generally from February 1 to January 31.

The City endeavours that appointments to advisory groups reflect the diversity of the community and include representation by under-heard voices and equity-seeking communities.

The City will collect data to measure and evaluate its progress on equity, diversity, and inclusion, and will provide appropriate supports to reduce barriers for equity-seeking communities.

Questions?

For more information, please contact Legislative Services by phone at 604-527-4523 or by email at .