CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
October 2025 Update
Construction of the Uptown Plaza on Belmont Street and the Sixth Street Public Realm Improvements is nearing completion. We are now working to complete finishing touches such as the bus stop between Princess Street and Sixth Avenue, as well as remaining sidewalks and repairs. We anticipate this to be completed late November, weather permitting.
On behalf of the project team, the City thanks residents, visitors, and businesses for their patience through the construction process.
February 2025 Update
Construction of the permanent Uptown Plaza on Belmont Street and the Sixth Street Public Realm Improvements will begin the week of February 24, 2025. The project is expected to take approximately six months, weather permitting.
Work will occur on Sixth Street between Belmont Street and Sixth Avenue, and on Belmont Street between Sixth and Seventh Streets.
Construction hours are Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturdays (if needed), 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS
We thank you for your patience during this necessary work. We will endeavor to minimize disruptions; however, given the nature of the work, some disruption is inevitable to allow safe movement of pedestrians, cyclists, transit, and vehicles and to ensure the safety of construction crews.
Please note that the southbound bus stop at the Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue intersection (Stop ID 52420) will be relocated to the Sixth Street and Princess Street intersection to accommodate construction.
Please continue to follow parking signs and directions from traffic control personnel. Work is weather dependent and subject to change.
The interim Uptown Plaza will remain closed during construction.
Traffic impact updates can be found on the Roadworks & Construction page.
BACKGROUND
This project transforms Sixth Street and the Uptown Plaza into a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming space for everyone, fulfilling the vision outlined in the Uptown Streetscape Vision (2020).
Key improvements include:
- Expanded pedestrian areas
- Improved accessibility
- Pedestrian "rooms" with seating, amenities, and flexible space for parking and events
- 26 new trees in a healthier growing environment
- A permanent Uptown Plaza on Belmont Street with ample seating, shade, greenery, lighting, and event provisions
This project aligns with the City's Master Transportation Plan and Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action. Community input from 2021-2023, including feedback from the interim plaza, has been essential in shaping the final design.
For more information about the engagement work, visit the project page at Be Heard New West.
TREES
To ensure a healthy and vibrant urban forest, 26 new trees will be planted as part of this project. An arborist assessment found that the existing 21 trees are nearing the end of their lifespan and would not survive the construction. The new trees are better adapted to climate change and urban conditions, and improved soil and growing conditions will help them thrive.
FAQ
What is going on with the empty lot and the fence surrounding it?
The lot adjacent the plaza is privately owned. The site remains enclosed by fencing that will be replaced to ensure it is secure and maintained in good condition.
The previous fence was at the end of its useful life.
Signalization at this crosswalk is not necessitated given the site conditions. The crossing is located along a roadway with a posted speed limit of 30km/hr and within close proximity to a nearby signalized intersection at Sixth Avenue, and in a dense commercial area, where pedestrian activity is expected and vehicle speeds are relatively low. The location also benefits from abundant street lighting and clear sightlines in both directions, which support pedestrian visibility and driver awareness. The existing crosswalk treatment is considered appropriate for this environment. The City will continue to monitor the conditions at this location and may review additional measures in the future should conditions change.
When will parking spaces be made available?
Once construction activities no longer require the use of the curb space and the parking meters have been installed, the bollards will be repositioned to open up the curbside parking spaces to the public.
Will the water fountain and misting station be available?
The drinking fountain, which is freeze-resistant, will remain turned on. Staff will turn off the misting station during the winter months to prevent damage to the plumbing and mechanical components. This helps ensure the facilities can be safely and reliably reopened in the spring.
What else is planned for this space?
We will work with community groups such as the Uptown Business Association to coordinate events to activate the space throughout the year.
How are the bus stop locations chosen?
Bus stop locations are determined based on a number of technical factors including but not limited to stop spacing (distance between stops), proximity to transit connections, proximity to pedestrian crossing facilities, proximity to major origins/destinations, and other geometric requirements (e.g. width, grade, sightlines, etc.). This is done in coordination with Coast Mountain Bus Company and TransLink, and consistent with TransLink’s Bus Infrastructure Design Guidelines.
What is being done about litter in the area?
To help keep the area clean and pleasant for everyone, garbage bins with attached cigarette butt disposal containers have been placed throughout the project area. We ask everyone to be considerate of others when smoking and to abide by the Smoking Control Bylaw, which prohibits smoking within 7.5 meters of doors, windows, and air intakes of buildings. To report a complaint, please contact New Westminster Health Protection Office at 604-777-6740.
What will be done about social issues in the plaza?
Belmont Plaza, like all public spaces in the city, is available to all members of the community. The City is committed to fostering safe, welcoming, and inclusive public spaces for everyone. As part of the Crises Response Pilot Project, resources are available to address crises related to homelessness, mental health, or substance use. Contact the City’s Community Support Line at 604-527-4502 for assistance.
FORMER INTERIM UPTOWN PLAZA
The Interim Uptown Plaza that was installed on Belmont Street in 2023 is now closed. Visit the completed Projects on the Go page for more information.