Response and Reopening Plan

New Westminster City Council has approved the implementation of the City’s recovery plan, which will guide the gradual reopening of civic facilities and the restoration of programs and services that were closed or suspended as a result the COVID-19 pandemic.

CLICK HERE TO SEE AN OVERVIEW OF THE FACILITY OPENING SCHEDULE.

Reopened Facilities

• City Hall
  Click here for more information on City Hall protocols and procedures. 
   
• New Westminster Public Library
   
• Select Parks & Recreation Facilities
  • Canada Games Upstairs Fitness Centre
  • Centennial Community Centre
  • Century House
  • New West Youth Centre
  • Queen's Park Arena
  • Queensborough Community Centre
  • Moody Park Arena
  • Queen's Park Sportsplex
    
    NOTE: In response to the new Public Health Orders issued on November 19, 2020, some indoor sports and fitness programs are suspended until further notice. Please visit the Parks and Recreation page for details on affected programs. 

• Anvil Centre
  • Conference Centre (private event bookings, less than 50 people)
  • Museum & Archives (appointment only)

Facility Closures

Some facilities remain closed at this time; however, most will soon be reopening in a modified capacity. Please refer to the facility opening schedule for anticipated reopening times.

ONLINE SERVICES

While many facility are closed, residents are encouraged to utilize the City’s e-government services. This includes online payments, permit applications, and account status information. 

For more information, please visit our online services page.

Reopening Plan

The reopening of facilities and the restoration of services will be done gradually in alignment with Public Health Orders and in accordance with BC’s Restart Plan, WorkSafeBC, and industry-specific guidelines. The restoration of services will also be dependent on the City’s ability to ensure all appropriate safety protocols are maintained, projected cash flow models, coordination with neighbouring municipalities, and alignment with the principles and values established by New Westminster City Council.

The reopening of additional facilities for in-person services, including community centres, City Hall, public library branches for general access, New Media Gallery, and cultural facilities is anticipated for fall 2020. While physical access may be limited at City facilities, various virtual programming and access is already available with more programs and services to come. Community members are encouraged to check facility websites for more information and updates.

Recovery Plan Principles

City Council has identified the following Recovery Plan Principles, which were applied in developing the City's Recovery Plan. These principles are based on balancing three key aspects: Health and Safety; Economic Impacts and Recovery (both City finances and local economy); Community Need. 

1. Prioritize highest the health and safety of the public and employees under COVID-19
2. Maintain the City’s ability to be responsive to Provincial health orders 
3. Prioritize recovery/resumption efforts that align with our cost saving measures 
4. Deviate from cost saving measures only where resulting community benefits are high 
5. Align or reconcile with priorities set out within the COVID Response Task Forces 
6. Prioritize programs and services that can meet the needs of more than one user group 
7. Prioritize facilities that provide some form of respite for vulnerable groups 
8. Ensure recovery plan reflects seasonal realities and opportunities 
9. Be empowered to find visionary, innovative ways to move forward without being constrained by previous practices