New West Matters is an ongoing series of virtual conversations and activities designed to help maintain and build community connections online while opportunities for in person connection are limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the coming months, a series of livestream events, social media interactions and other activities will provide further opportunities for residents to connect with and hear from the City of New Westminster and Mayor and Council. It will provide opportunities to discuss both specific issues and City initiatives, as well as allow residents to make suggestions, ask questions and offer comments on anything that matters to them.
New West Matters will include innovative and fun ways to let you tell us what’s important to you. We want to know how life is going for you in New Westminster and if you have any questions or suggestions for us. We want to make connections and help everyone in New West feel welcome and included in City processes.
New West Matters events and activities are currently being planned for the spring, summer and fall of 2021. Further event details below.
A livestream discussion on the future of regional transportation
December 9, 6:30 p.m. Zoom Webinar
Mayor Jonathan Cote and TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn discuss Transport 2050, – the long-term plan for regional transportation and take questions from participants.
Video recording available here:
The Art of Partnerships
The City of New Westminster and Massey Theatre Society
host livestream panel discussion
November 24, 2021 6:30 p.m.
New Westminster residents were invited to learn about the exciting plans for the historic Massey Theatre and complex through The Art of Partnerships.
Councillor Mary Trentadue and Massey Theatre Society Executive Director Jessica Schneider held a wide-ranging discussion that provided a behind the scenes take on the vision behind the City of New Westminster’s new ownership of the Massey Theatre and 25-year lease and operating agreement with the Society. The discussion looked at the genesis for the new operating partnership, future plans for programming and services, support for community priorities including reconciliation and the revitalization of the building’s aging infrastructure.
Video recording available here:
Creating a community of care Livestream dialogue on policing and community crisis care
October 5, 2021 6:30 p.m.
New Westminster residents were invited to view in a Zoom webinar discussion to learn more about the City’s new vision for policing and community crisis care and innovative approaches underway. Councillor Nadine Nakagawa led a panel discussion with local crisis care providers. The wide-ranging discussion focused on the connections between issues such as, housing affordability, the opioid crisis, the global COVID-19 pandemic, community inclusivity, reconciliation and police reform. The event also highlighted a video outlining the City’s submission on police reform to the Province of BC.
Video recording available here:
Mayor Cote's Annual State of the City
Thursday, June 3, 2021, 11:30am - 12:30pm via zoom.
Watch the video for a multi-media presentation by Mayor Coté and Councillors highlighting the City's recent accomplishments and key initiatives, folowed by a question-and-answer session with Mayor Coté and Councillor Mary Trentadue.
Video recording available here:
Mayor's Food Bank Challenge
May 1 - 31, 2021
The Mayors’ Food Bank Challenge was a friendly competition between five municipalities (City of New Westminster, City of Burnaby, City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver and the City of Vancouver) to support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and to see who can raise the most food/dollars, per capita, during the month of May.
Mayor Jonathan Cote's New Westminster campaign raised close to $80,000.
Earth Day Live with Mayor Jonathan Cote and the City of New Westminster
Thursday, April 22, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Coté and the City of New Westminster will provide information and discuss the City’s response to the climate emergency. Erika Mashig, Manager- Parks and Open Space Planning, Design and Construction and Leya Behra, Manager of Climate Action will highlight climate action initiatives the City is currently working on in special livestream forum.
Video recording available here:
COVID-19 Community Vaccination Forum
Thursday, April 8, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
The City of New Westminster and Fraser Health provide information on local vaccination plans, as well as an update on ongoing community response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
