Why did the City of New West add a virtual waiting room for program registrations?
The virtual waiting room helps manage high volumes of online traffic on those busy registration days, making the experience more reliable and pleasant for everyone, while ensuring fairness and transparency.
Will New Westminster residents still get priority registration access?
Yes. New Westminster residents still receive early access to aquatics programs and general program registration, one week prior to opening to everyone else.
When will I be put into the virtual waiting room?
During high-traffic seasonal registration opening days for specific programs and general programs. Other registrations, such as drop-in classes, may use a waiting room if online traffic is high.
When should I log in to the system on registration day?
To join the waiting room, visit the registration site between 9:50 - 9:59 am on registration day. You'll see a holding screen, and at 10:00 am, you'll be randomly assigned a place in line along with an estimated wait time.
There is no advantage to visiting the registration site before 9:50 am — if you do, you'll need to refresh your browser after 9:50 am to enter the waiting room.
Arriving after 10:00 am? You'll be added to the line in the order you arrive and will see your place in line and estimated wait time.
Will everyone see the waiting room?
During peak registration periods, users entering online registration will first pass through the virtual waiting room before accessing the registration system. Wait times may vary depending on traffic levels.
What does the waiting room look like?
If the waiting room is active, you’ll see a screen confirming that you’re in line to enter registration.
- a message confirming you are in line
- queue position or progress indicator
- estimated wait time
- instructions to stay on the page
You don’t need to take any action. Entry into registration will happen automatically when it’s your turn.
How long will I have to wait?
Wait times depend on how many people are using the system at the same time. Some people may enter immediately, while others may experience a short wait during peak periods. If an estimated wait time is shown, it is only an estimate and may change as traffic levels update.
Does arriving early give me a better spot?
No. Queue placement is randomized for everyone waiting before registration officially opens. Joining earlier does not guarantee a better place in line.
Will I be able to see my place in line?
Before registration begins you will see a countdown. After 10:00 am you will see your position in the line and estimated wait time in real time. No guessing or refreshing needed!
What should I do if I’m in the waiting room?
Stay on the page and wait for your turn. Entry into registration will happen automatically. Please do not refresh the page or open multiple tabs/windows.
Will I lose my spot if I refresh or leave the page?
Possibly. Refreshing, leaving the page, or opening multiple tabs/windows may impact your place in line.
What happens if I close my browser while waiting?
If you close your browser anytime between 9:50 am and 9:59 am, you will need to navigate back to the registration site to re-enter the waiting room. Once registration opens at 10:00 am and you're in line or on the registration site, do not close your browser or navigate away during checkout, or you may have to re-enter and go back to the end of the line.
Can I sign in on multiple browser windows for extra chances to get in more quickly?
No. The system will only let you have one place in line per device, so there is no point in logging in on multiple windows.
Can I still search for programs when the waiting room is active?
No you cannot search for programs when you are in the waiting room. Have a list of course IDs ready.
What can I do to prepare for a smooth registration?
- Browse programs in advance and make a list of your desired course ID numbers. Have a backup course in case your program is full.
- Don’t close the waiting room tab on your browser.
- Use Google Chrome for the best experience.
- Avoid opening other apps — especially social media — as they can cause your browser to refresh and potentially lose your place in line.
What do I need to do when it’s my turn to register?
When your wait is over and you get into the registration system, add all your programs to your cart and check out in one visit. Act quickly — others may be registering for the same programs at the same time and spaces aren't confirmed until checkout is complete. To speed things up, browse programs before the registration day and have a list of your course ID numbers ready. If you need to go back and register for more programs after you’ve checked out, you'll need to wait in line again.
Does entering registration guarantee a spot in my program?
No. Entry into the registration system does not guarantee a spot in a program or activity.
Programs may still fill quickly due to high demand. We recommend having backup choices ready and completing registration promptly once admitted.
What device and browser should I use for registration?
For the best experience, use Google Chrome on a fully charged computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
What if I don't get into my desired program?
Join the waitlist right away. If a spot opens we will contact waitlisted individuals in the order they signed up.
Can I register in person instead of online?
Self-registering online with a Parks and Recreation Account is the fastest way to register. This will give you the best chance of getting into the programs and activities you want. However, you can also register in person at any recreation facility or by phone.
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