Phase One Findings On May 4, 2026 the results of Phase One of the Economic Development Update project were presented to Council. In this Phase, we examined New Westminster's local economy by looking at population trends, regional growth, and industry and market conditions.
Small Business Focus Group & Interest Holder Workshops Thank you to those who participated in our Small Business Focus Group and Interest Holder Workshops in April!
We are currently reviewing feedback and will be reporting back on what we heard through these events and all of our other engagement activities, in Summer 2026. This report will be posted to our our Be Heard New West page and this webpage so check back for updates.
Online Surveys & Community Pop-Ups Thank you to all those who participated in our February 2026 online surveys and community pop-ups! We are currently reviewing feedback and will be reporting back on what we heard in late Spring 2026. Check out our Be Heard New West page for updates.
Economic Development Plan Update
The Economic Development Plan sets New Westminster’s economic vision, goals, strategies and actions, with the ultimate intention of fostering a supportive local environment for business and investment.
The City is working to update the current Economic Development Plan, which concluded in 2023. The update will provide an opportunity to assess the current local economic environment, re-evaluate priority areas of focus, and collaborate with those who live, work, and do business in New Westminster. The Plan will provide an overarching framework for the City’s economic development activities, as well as focus and direction to the Economic Development Office over the next five years.
The updated plan is anticipated to focus on the following areas:
Identification of New Westminster’s local economic opportunities and challenges
Retention and expansion of existing businesses
Attraction of new businesses, sectors, and investment
Increasing overall livability and affordability
Connecting people, businesses, organizations and investors
Showcasing New Westminster’s competitive advantages
“Local economic development” is all of the ways that the City government and community members work to develop good jobs, help businesses thrive, support non-profit organizations and institutions (like hospitals and schools), and attract new community investment in New Westminster. At its core, this work aims to raise the standard of living for residents, and make New Westminster’s economy sustainable by building the resilience needed to handle the ups and downs of bigger provincial, national, and global economies.
The City’s Economic Development Office focuses on attracting, retaining, and supporting local businesses and investment, fostering economic growth, and identifying opportunities for collaboration with internal and external partners. Find out more about what we do here.
Community Engagement
Development of the updated Plan will be underpinned by engagement with local residents, the business community, and key interest holders.
The following community engagement activities were completed as part of the development of the Economic Development Plan Update:
Online surveys
Community Survey - those who live, work, and go to school in New Westminster (but not business owners)
Business & Community Organization Survey - owners and managers of businesses and community organizations
Community Pop-ups - meet the project team in person to learn more about the Economic Development Plan and share ideas
Saturday, February 7, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at Anvil Centre (Love New West)
Thursday, February 12, 4:00 – 7:00 pm at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre
Wednesday, February 18, 2:30 – 4:30 pm at Queensborough Community Centre
Saturday, February 28, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm at Royal City Centre
Douglas College career fair pop-up
Interest holder workshops with members of the business community (please note that workshops were invitation only)
April 14: Local Business Vibrancy and Support
April 15: Tourism, Arts, Culture and Entertainment
April 17: Industrial Lands
Small Business Focus Group
Tuesday, April 14, 6:00 – 8:00 pm at City Hall Limited to 25 participants who represent a cross-section of our small business community.
Workshop with the Arts, Culture, and Economic Development Advisory Committee
Presentation to WINS Local Immigration Partnership
Health and education sector interviews
Knowledge sharing with urban Indigenous community members
Presentation to the Urban Development Institute
Expert interviews
Timeline
Phase One – Background Research, Data Gathering and Analysis
Winter 2025
Phase Two – Community Engagement
Winter and Spring 2026
Phase Three – Economic Development Plan Finalization
Summer 2026 to Winter 2027
Background research on economic trends, such as the changing ways that we work and shop
Gathering and analysis of local economy data
Research on the approximate amount of new space New Westminster will need to accommodate jobs for our growing population
