Fenton Street Streetscape Project

The Fenton Street Streetscape and Drainage Improvements Project was launched in response to
chronic flooding along the street. Resident concerns around persistent drainage issues, worsened by
climate change and development pressure, elevated the project from a technical review to a City
priority. The project supports New Westminster’s climate goals by improving infrastructure resilience.
Although full street reconstruction is not feasible at this stage, the planned drainage upgrades mark an
essential first step toward long-term adaptation and ultimate streetscape enhancements.

Detailed design has been completed for the Fenton Street Streetscape Project and a number of constructability and drainage risks have been identified. A phased alternate approach to implement prerequisite drainage improvements has been developed. Prior to starting construction, the City will engage with Fenton Street residents to receive community feedback.

What's Happening

As part of the initial work, ditch and culvert cleaning was completed in fall 2025. The concrete wall at Stanley Street forebay was removed in winter 2025. Fenton Street culverts and ditches were replaced and deepened in spring 2026. 

After the feedback from residents, staff are currently working with the engineering consultant on the following next steps to:

1. Hire a contractor to begin 
2. Complete the following analysis and report back.
   1. Prepare an implementation plan to guide the immediate and short-term actions proposed for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026.
   2. Develop options for reintegrating the drainage system along the west side of Fenton Street and complete the conceptual and preliminary design.
   3. Prepare an options analysis, including cost estimates for potential solutions mentioned during community engagement for onsite pumping, offsite pumping and other considerations which continue to work towards the ultimate Fenton streetscape.
   4. Conduct another engagement session to present the options to Fenton Street residents and seek further feedback.
3. Develop standard operating procedures for staff to monitor and inspect the drainage system.
4. Update the "Projects on the Go" webpage with the "What We Heard Report" from community engagement events, as well as frequently asked questions, and continue to update it as pertinent information becomes available.

Community Engagement

City staff visited each household on Fenton Street during evenings on the week of May 26 to invite residents to attend one of two community engagement sessions held on June 10 and 12, where staff presented the phased alternate approach to address drainage risks, to discuss, ask questions and share their input. Feedback was captured and summarized in the What We Heard report which was shared with Council on July 7, 2025. For a summary of the community engagement work in 2025, download the What We Heard Report (PDF).

A second round of engagement took place at the Queensborough Middle School Library on April 16, 2026.