Intergovernmental Relations

The City of New Westminster is actively seeking opportunities to work with provincial and federal governments, First Nations, municipalities, businesses, regional agencies and community organizations to turn shared priorities into tangible results.

Intergovernmental Relations drives this work by connecting the City's priorities with the funding, expertise, influence and strategic partnerships needed to get things done. We bring the right people together, champion New Westminster's interests, attract external investment and help move important projects from opportunity to implementation.

Our purpose is clear

Attract investment, maximize the value of municipal resources, and build the infrastructure, services, and amenities that make New Westminster a more livable, sustainable, and prosperous city.

1. Securing Investment and Funding

We actively pursue federal and provincial investment to advance City priorities, support growth and reduce the financial demands on municipal taxpayers. 

• Champion New Westminster's priorities and advocate for senior-government investment.
• Identify and secure funding for infrastructure, transportation, community safety, environmental initiatives and public amenities that support growth and increased density.
• Leverage external funding to maximize the impact of municipal contributions.
• Build government support and partnerships to advance major projects and overcome barriers to delivery.

2. Building Partnerships and Creating Opportunities

Strong partnerships unlock resources, expertise and opportunities that the City cannot achieve alone.

• Establish strategic relationships with governments, First Nations, municipalities, businesses and regional organizations.
• Bring decision-makers and partners together to address shared challenges and advance common priorities.
• Attract investment, expertise and resources into New Westminster.
• Strengthen regional collaboration on infrastructure, housing, transportation, economic development and community well-being.
• Advance meaningful government-to-government relationships and opportunities for collaboration with First Nations.

3. Influencing Decisions and Identifying Opportunities

We ensure New Westminster is positioned to anticipate change, influence decisions and capitalize on opportunities that support the City's future.

• Track government budgets, policies, legislation and funding programs to identify emerging opportunities.
• Position City priorities to align with senior-government objectives and investment programs.
• Assess economic, social, environmental and regulatory developments affecting New Westminster.
• Identify innovative approaches and partnership models that improve municipal services and infrastructure.
• Provide strategic intelligence and advice to strengthen the City's advocacy, influence and investment opportunities.

4. Advancing Initiatives That Strengthen Our Community

We facilitate partnerships and initiatives that translate shared priorities into meaningful community benefits.

• Building Safer Communities Program: Working with partners to support at-risk youth, strengthen community safety and advance prevention initiatives.
• NW Caucus: Bringing together elected representatives serving New Westminster to coordinate advocacy and advance shared priorities.
• Sister Cities: Building international connections that create cultural, educational, economic and institutional opportunities.
• Council-to-Council Relations with First Nations: Building meaningful relationships, strengthening dialogue and creating opportunities for collaboration.

Since 2022, New Westminster has secured more than $190 million in funding from senior levels of government (as of 2026). This is a significant external investment that helps advance City priorities, deliver important projects, and reduce reliance on municipal taxpayers to fund community improvements.

But the work doesn't stop there. Our return on investment is measured not only in dollars secured but also in the additional capacity, opportunities, and tangible benefits created for New Westminster.

Our work helps deliver:

• Greater financial leverage: Attracting external investment and making municipal dollars go further.
• Infrastructure that supports growth: Advancing transportation, housing-supporting infrastructure, recreation and essential services.
• A more livable community: Supporting safer neighbourhoods, accessible public spaces and stronger community connections.
• A stronger regional voice: Ensuring New Westminster's interests are represented in decisions that shape our future.
• Greater capacity to deliver: Connecting the City with external expertise, resources and partners to accelerate results.

Let's Build Together.

New Westminster is ready to connect, collaborate and explore new opportunities.

Whether you represent a government ministry, First Nation, municipality, business, regional agency or community organization, we welcome your ideas, proposals and partnership opportunities.

Have a project to advance, funding to leverage or an opportunity to explore? Let's talk.

Together, we can turn shared priorities into investment, action and lasting benefits for New Westminster.

Denise A. Tambellini 
Manager Intergovernmental Relations 
dtambellini@newwestcity.ca 
604-340-9373