New Westminster

General Description

New Westminster is the oldest incorporated city in British Columbia. It was the capital city of the province until Vancouver Island joined with B.C. in year 1866, at which time the capital of the was relocated to Victoria. Located on the north bank of the Fraser River, 20 km east of Vancouver, the city is the geographical centre of the Lower Mainland with a population of approximately 59,000(2006 census). Immediate neighbors are Burnaby, Richmond and Coquitlam.

Economy

Also known as the Royal City, New Westminster’s historic evolution from pioneer settlement as a point of stop and supply along the route to the gold rush, to stately Victorian town, is reflected in the fine period architecture of commercial, residential and institutional buildings. It was also a port for the lumber that was harvested from its immediate vicinity. This port is now mainly a housing complex, The Westminster Quay. Redevelopment interest has accelerated and New Westminster is the focus of major investment in residential, institutional and commercial projects. The city’s planned development as a regional town centre is on target. Projects already completed include Begbie Square (a beautiful urban plaza); a downtown campus for Douglas College; extensive re-paving, widening and revitalizing of major streets, especially the main artery, Columbia St. and a new $23 million shopping centre on Columbia St. known as Columbia Square. The Clarkson Place at 681 Columbia St., a commercial-residential complex has been completed.

Housing & Real Estate

The jewel in the crown of the redevelopment of the waterfront and downtown is Westminster Quay, a 14-hectare development extending 2 km along the Fraser River. The 1,323-unit Westminster Landing or Quay project, 66,000 sq. ft. of office space, and a 126 room hotel, ‘Inn at the Quay’.  The Quay Market is an attempt to establish a public market of over 70,000 sq. ft. and it is going through a renewal period as the previous modus operandi was not functional.

The Queensborough area has new waterfront and affordable housing development offering a range of detached homes, townhomes and condos.  It is supported by easy access to supermarkets, brand name stores in a large shopping centre, Queensborough Landing. The Starlight Casino is the newest addition to the entertainment and restaurant hotspot for this area.

The Quay, A scenic riverfront esplanade with plants, view areas and plazas will extend 6 km along the water’s edge up to Fraserview Park when completed.  The B.C. Penitentiary, built on prime view land overlooking the Fraser River, has been dismantled and redeveloped for residential use, which includes Fraserview Park and Glenbrooke South. New Westminster features many lovely, older executive homes (some are registered as historic homes), such as those adjacent to Queen’s Park, which has 30 hectares of parkland. You can be sure that many parties and balls were held in these quarters in the days of yore.  The city also prides itself on newer prestige homes such as those in Victory Heights.

Recreation

Some of the many recreations to enjoy include; historic museums, Queens Park, New West Minister Quay, and the Hyack Festival in May. The Hyack Parade is now the largest on-street parade in Western Canada. The Canada Games pool is an Olympic size pool for the enjoyment of all the residents.

Education and Health Care

Douglas College is one of the largest colleges in the Lower Mainland serving 14,000 credit students and 7,000 full time students each year.  These facilities have led to the creation of a professional support sector and jobs within the community.  It offers full degree programs, career programs, diploma programs, and continue education.  For more information the web link is:  www.douglas.bc.ca

The Royal Columbian Hospital, third largest in the Lower Mainland, plays a crucial role within the Fraser Health system. It is one of the busiest hospitals serving residents from Burnaby to Hope. It is a major referral centre specializing in trauma, obstetrical, neurosurgery, open heart surgery and critical care.

Transportation

The city is connected to downtown Vancouver and Surrey by the sky train (rapid transit), with 3 stations in New Westminster, which makes it most convenient for getting to work. A transportation hub, New Westminster is connected to the municipalities of Surrey, Richmond and Delta by the newly constructed Alex Fraser bridge, Patullo and Queensborough bridges. The Pacific Stage lines and Greyhound coaches serves the out of town travellers (also to the airport) with the depot at Braid St. and Brunette Ave close to the Coquitlam border.

Community Information