GROWING OUR LOCAL ECONOMY ARTS | CULTURE | TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION | HEALTH CARE
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Rustic. Modern. Italian. In 1917, one of our forefathers, Giuseppe (Joe) Piva emigrated from northern Italy to interior BC. He spent the next five decades farming cattle, sheep, poultry, fruits and vegetables. Although he did not make his own wine, he grew grapes & provided them to close friends for their own bacchanalian pursuits. Piva honors Joe’s passion for farm fresh ingredients, traditional Italian cooking and exceptionally prepared food and drink with a modern approach. Our chef works hard, right before your eyes, using consciously sourced ingredients from local farms and artisans. Our wine list features many wines by the glass and carefully selected labels featuring the best of BC and Italy.
LINGUINE CARBONARA
787 COLUMBIA STREET NEW WESTMINSTER
™ PROUD SUPPORTER OF NEW WESTMINSTER’S CONTINUED GROWTH Wesgroup is proudly one of Canada’s largest private real estate organizations with humble roots of a family run company. With over 50 years of commercial and residential development, we are proud to be an active part of New Westminster’s continued growth with Sapperton’s Brewery District which comprises of over 715,000 sq.ft. of retail and office space, and 750 new residential homes.
THE BREWERY DISTRICT - SAPPERTON NEIGHBOURHOOOD
INSIDE
REVITALIZING OUR RIVERFRONT
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Q+A WITH DAVID SARRAF
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EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
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Publisher: Lara Graham Editor: Michelle Hopkins Art Director: Matt Blair This publication is produced by The New Westminster Record and is the exclusive property of Glacier Media Inc., copyright 2018.
ARTS + CULTURE
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EDUCATION + HEALTH CARE
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REVITALIZING OUR RIVERFRONT Over the last two decades, New Westminster has completed significant work to transform historic Front Street and its celebrated riverfront. The city’s vision to connect neighbourhoods to the river through a pedestrian-friendly system of parks and greenways continues to take shape.
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NEW WEST LIVING, THE STAGE IS SET 204 modern homes set in an architectural landmark
Stage 8 Sky Club
Urban convenience
Uncompromised design
Dedicated green space
4,400+ sq ft of rooftop amenities including an outdoor hot tub, green space, lounge and dining areas, chefinspired kitchen, and fitness centre.
In the heart of downtown, located across the street from New Westminster Skytrain station, providing ease of access to transit.
Liveable homes that have been carefully considered, putting functionality at the forefront.
A pocket park adjacent to the building for the local community to enjoy.
1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Homes COMING SOON Renderings are artist conceptual drawing. The developer reserves the right to modify the information contained herein without notice. This is not an offering for sale and such an offering can only be made after filing a disclosure statement. E.&O.E
REGISTER NOW
OvationNewWest.com
T
he riverfront is our greatest asset,” says Mayor Jonathan Coté. “For too long our city had turned its back on this important amenity.”
Coté went on to say that New Westminster has likewise had a longstanding vision to revitalize the downtown core. “The past 10 years have seen a significant number of changes, including several large-scale housing projects,” says Coté. “The city has also invested heavily in public amenities such as the Anvil Centre, Westminster Pier Park and Front Street Mews.” The Mayor goes on to praise the renaissance of Front Street, a pedestrian-friendly retail street, noting that removing the old parkade “brought daylight to an area of town which was long forgotten for decades.” When New Westminster removed half of the downtown parkade, they replaced it with Front Street Mews - giving rise to a vibrant gathering place, complete with street furniture, lighting, trees, planters and angled parking, encouraging people to enjoy a historic part of one of New Westminster’s oldest neighbourhoods. “It’s becoming a real meeting place for people, residents and visitors,” adds Coté. “Downtown has become a fun place for the whole family, with several festivals and events like the Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest, Music by the River, Fridays on Front, and the New West Grand Prix.” A growing number of developers have turned their attention to New Westminster for opportunities, where prices and housing demand are strong, and the economy is doing well - developers like DOMUS Homes and Bosa, to name just two prominent builders.
New Westminster is one of the hottest areas in the Lower Mainland for young families and creative types RICHARD WITTSTOCK Principal DOMUS Homes
“The promise and potential I saw here in 1991 has been fulfilled by the city. Since then, New Westminster has created a walkable, urban feel here that is exciting to be part of,” adds Wittstock. In the heart of historic Downtown, DOMUS Homes presents Ovation New Westminster – a soaring 32-storey tower featuring 204 homes. Set to become an architectural landmark, Ovation is a nod to the city’s rich history of supporting the arts and culture scene. “No longer is New Westminster seen as a second choice,” notes Wittstock, adding Ovation will offer a selection of one, two, and threebedroom flats and city homes. “New Westminster is on everyone’s radar now. It’s a walkable city with a great urban feel.” FALL 2018 | INVEST NEW WEST | 9
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• New West Salmonbellies Lacrosse Team
New Westminster has so much to offer! • Arts Council of New Westminster It’s constant growth welcomes new businesses, • New West Youth Ambassador Society families, and opportunities in this neighbourly • KidSport Let us help you find a home in environment. • Fraser River Middle School our community!
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LAdvantage ET US GUIDE YOU HOME Realty Let Us Guide You Home RBC Dominion Securities Inc.
Michelle Nicholson, CFP®, FCSI® Investment Advisor & Financial Planner Vice-President & Branch Manager Stephen Kamachi is pleased to announce that Michelle Nicholson and Min Hong have joined the New Westminster office of RBC Dominion Securities.
Michelle Nicholson, Investment Advisor & Financial Planner 604-717-2379
Michelle and Min work with an industry-leading team of specialists at RBC Wealth Management to provide personalized solutions that encompass the full spectrum of wealth services, including financial planning, insurance, estate planning, retirement planning, investment management, business succession planning, education savings, tax minimization and charitable giving.
Michelle is welcoming new clients. Contact her today to schedule an investment and wealth review or visit her website at www.rbcds.com/michelle.nicholson.
Min Hong Associate 778-327-9272 Insurance products are offered through RBC Wealth Management Financial Services Inc. (“RBC WMFS”), a subsidiary of RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* RBC WMFS is licensed as a financial services firm in the province of Quebec. RBC Dominion Securities Inc., RBC WMFS and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. and RBC WMFS are member companies of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © 2018 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All rights reserved. 18_90806_TMX_002
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In keeping with its commitment to the arts, DOMUS partnered with PAL - an acronym for Performing Arts Lodges, which provides affordable housing for Vancouver’s veterans of the arts scene. “In addition, Victoria Street frontage of the building will celebrate the adjacent park to be constructed, with a massive mural and suspended lighting strung across the street,” explains Wittstock. “The podium will provide a large white glazed brick wall that will act as a projection screen for movies or video art overlooking the corner civic plaza.” Nestled between River Market, Fraser River Discovery Centre, Westminster Pier Park and the city’s celebrated waterfront boardwalk, Bosa Development’s Pier West is also set to become yet another iconic landmark in the heart of New Westminster. Pier West’s anchor 53-storey condominium skyscraper will be the tallest waterfront property in the Lower Mainland. A second 43-storey tower and a three-storey commercial building will complete this massive 665home project.
“Smart projects have the power to transform cities and change the way people experience life,” says Ryan Bosa, president of Bosa Development. “We are excited to bring to the city Pier West, a vibrant, mixed-use, walkable community that will bring residents to an area that is evolving into an active waterfront destination.” More than half of Pier West has been dedicated back to the city as an extension to the Westminster Pier Park. This green oasis consisting of pathways, green space and verdant landscaping will be an appealing destination for the community. “Revitilization efforts and new developments have really transformed New Westminster’s downtown over the past decade,” says Blair Fryer, New Westminster Manager of Economic Development, Communications and Public Engagement. “The growth has brought new residents, along with new business opportunities, as entrepreneurs discover what a great place this city is to invest, thrive and grow.” New Westminster has emerged as a city that has reinvented itself on every level, attracting young and old to its shores.
We are excited to bring to the city Pier West, a vibrant, mixed-use, walkable community that will bring residents to an area that is evolving into an active waterfront destination. RYAN BOSA President of Bosa Development
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Q+A with
DAVID SARRAF
B
orn in Israel, David Sarraf immigrated to Montreal in 1974 with the promise of a warehouse job. Within five years, he very quickly rose up the ranks from labourer to sales. Sarraf found he had a real knack for it. In 1979, he moved to Vancouver to work for the now defunct Liberty Home Products. By the time he was 27, he was the company’s vice president. Ten years later, Sarraf was ready to flex his entrepreneurial muscle. He founded the first of eight Kitchen Corner stores across the Lower Mainland. Sarraf eventually closed all except for the flagship store on West 4th, Vancouver, because he didn’t have the time to manage them anymore. Sarraf began investing in New Westminster’s heritage buildings in 2010. Fast forward to today, he has amassed a portfolio of 62 buildings across Greater Vancouver, including 15 in New Westminster, such as the Paramount Theatre and the Sposa wedding store building next door.
A man with a passion for sales, entrepreneurship and a love of historic buildings
Restoring historic buildings to their former glory soon became a passion project. Sarraf prefers restoration, preservation and conservation of historically and culturally significant buildings and buildings rather than tearing them down for modern edifices or parking lots. Invest New West sat down with Sarraf for a candid Q&A.
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Stokholm Insurance Services Ltd.
All your Insurance and Financial solutions in one place
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hether it’s home, auto, and life insurance or even investments, understanding what product best meets your needs can be difficult and the choices can be overwhelming. You want security for the future, but you also need to balance your risk.
How do you decide what’s best for you? Stokholm Insurance can help.
“My focus is to help people see the value of insurance and understand what product will best serve their needs,” says Solvi Stokholm, a Co-operators Financial Advisor since 2009 and a 20-year veteran of the insurance industry. “When there’s a claim situation, people should know right away if they are insured. You never want to find yourself wondering if you’re covered!” The Co-operators has been helping Canadians with their insurance needs for more than 70 years. The company started in the Prairies helping farmers and today protects over one million Canadians. According to Solvi, it’s The Co-operators commitment to personalized service that has made them so successful—a commitment she shares. “I’m a real people person,” she says. “I take my time with my clients to make sure they walk out feeling good about whatever coverage they’ve chosen. I’m not the pushy type. I simply say, ‘Here are your options. What’s your budget?’ and we go from there.” While many people question the cost of insurance, Stokholm says the real value is knowing you’re covered. “Taking care of the people you love is a good feeling,” says Solvi. “With the right insurance, you can protect what you’ve worked so hard for and safeguard your family’s future against any unforeseen events.” Even if you already have insurance, Solvi suggests you review it at least once every two years to ensure your coverage still meets your needs.
To find out more about Stokholm Insurance, visit Stokholm Insurance at 506 Sixth Ave in New Westminster, visit cooperators.ca/en/stokholm-insurance-services, call 604-525-6633 or email solvi_stokholm@cooperators.ca. 14 | INVEST NEW WEST | FALL 2018
Why did you choose New Westminster? Eight years ago, a realtor I knew told me about a historic building in New Westminster that was up for sale. I’d never been to the City up to that point, but I was intrigued. From the very first moment I purchased that first building on Columbia Street, I was hooked. At the time, downtown New Westminster was really rundown … people were living on the streets and many buildings showed neglect. It was terrible. Today, I’m so proud of the City’s vision and the way it is emerging – beautiful and proud.
What is it like to work with the city’s planning department and heritage staff? When I started seriously looking into buying that first property, I called city hall with a few questions. To my utter surprise, the head planner at the time, Lisa Spitale (now the city’s CAO), called me back on a Friday at 5 p.m. I couldn’t believe someone from any city would call back so quickly and that late on a Friday. When I met with Lisa the following Monday, I was so impressed with the way she reacted positively to my vision, and how she showed me what the city wanted to accomplish, and all the changes they had planned, I thought, I’m in.
I have buildings in 16 cities, but I’m telling you honestly New Westminster is the best city to deal with. You make a call, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible, often the same day. Everyone wants to see you succeed. Needless to say, the city’s vision is the same as mine.
What drew you to preservation of historic buildings? I love history and most notably older buildings. For me, it is about exposing their past, their beauty and the stories they tell us about the city’s early pioneers. When I expose the old brick walls that have survived the Great Fire of 1898, or the wiring, or the old doors … I am just moved to preserve the past.
How has the community received your restoration efforts? The community has embraced it. Whether it is the City, the heritage planners, the development department, my lessees or people coming up to me on the streets, almost everyone says they love and appreciate what I’m doing for New Westminster. It’s part of this city’s rich past and for that matter the province itself.
How do you find the balance between livable, modern amenities and historical accuracy and character? My first concern is always what can I preserve from the past. Then, whatever I can modernize, I do. In many of these old buildings, I need to paint, add new wiring, new windows on the inside; (while keeping the original exterior frames), restore the wood floors; and renovate bathrooms. The end result is often a beautiful contemporary/industrial look with a nod to the past.
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Sponsored by
Time to downsize?
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From small, intimate functions to conferences, meetings and banquets for up to 400 people, Anvil Centre’s full service conference centre and theatre space can accommodate virtually any special event.
The only venue located in the centre of Metro Vancouver. 16 | INVEST NEW WEST | FALL 2018
Contact us for more information: T 604 515 3815 | E anvilcentre@newwestcity.ca
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EMERGING TECHNOLOGY New Westminster’s BridgeNet fibre network makes the city a very attractive choice
Y
.A.G. Inc. is trying to solve the world’s housing problems using sophisticated technology as well as steel rather than wood to frame walls and create studs for the construction industry.
According to the company’s CEO Daniel St-Gelais, the technology Y.A.G. is using is the fastest in the world. “In a 10-hour day, we can take a three-ton roll of steel and manufacture 8 to 12,000 studs,” he explains. “For the framing process, we feed the computer the architect’s drawings and then the machine produces all the walls, roof trusses, floor joists, and numbers them so when they are shipped to the site they can be assembled, in most cases, in less than a week.” For that reason, St-Gelais says New Westminster’s BridgeNet fibre network made the city a very attractive choice.
In addition to the city finding us a warehouse close to the highway, they helped us get the power we needed for our computerized machines, which require three-phase power. From the mayor down, this city is really open for business. DANIEL ST-GELAIS CEO at Y.A.G. Inc.
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PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE VIBRANT ROYAL CITY!
Peter Julian,
MP New Westminster-Burnaby #110-888 Carnarvon Street New Westminster, BC V3M 0C6 604-775-5707 peter.julian.c1@parl.gc.ca www.peterjulian.ca 18 | INVEST NEW WEST | FALL 2018
Judy Darcy,
MLA New Westminster 301-625 Fifth Avenue New Westminster, BC V3M 1X4 604-775-2101 judy.darcy.mla@leg.bc.ca www.judydarcy.ca
Since the city began looking into developing its own fibre optics in 2012, it has attracted high-tech businesses, like VFX, a school that teaches special effects, while retaining large companies such as CG Masters 3D School of Animation. It is also slated to attract medical technology startups with its future health sciences hub around the expanding Royal Columbian Hospital. BridgeNet is already available in the business district, office buildings and high-density residential developments, as well as the Justice Institute, Douglas College and Royal Columbian Hospital. City councillor Bill Harper says its high-speed fibre network, which allows data to travel up to 1 gigabyte per second over fibre optic, is a resounding success. “We are in the process of building the dark fiber backbone, to bring services to more businesses and residents of the city,” says Harper, adding the backbone is currently being built into Queensborough. “BridgeNet now has 10 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) under contract, of whom some are providing either internet, telephone and cable services.”
That kind of speed was certainly a consideration for a couple of gamers. What began as a hobby for Will Stahl and game producer Norbert Rothermel morphed into Offworld Industries – a video game company founded in 2014. It now boasts more than one million customers, of which more than 30,000 are active, regular players worldwide.
CL Simplex is another company that chose New Westminster for its headquarters. It is a web and technology company that assists organizations, non-profits and public and private companies with any of their web and IT solutions. The IT company was created in 2015 by New Westminster native Levon Zadravec-Powell and business partner Charles Moolin. What makes CL Simplex different than other web designers is that they own their web servers, which means they don’t host web projects with third parties. “We are truly a one-stop shop for all web solutions,” says ZadravecPowell, who says the company recently moved into a building on Columbia Street to accommodate the company’s growth and to access BridgeNet. The city’s open-access fibre optic network is a real bonus for CL Simplex. “We are very excited to have this kind of pipeline,” adds ZadravecPowell. “It really helps us with our large-scale projects.” For MUGO Web, a team of web designers who has developed sites for an award-winning news publication, a major US network TV show, New York’s famous American Museum of Natural History, and an evaluation APP for the doctors at Royal Columbian Hospital, to name a few, moving to New Westminster was a no-brainer. First off, managing director and co-founder, Peter Keung, says the city was extremely easy to work with and really listened to their needs.
Their game, Squad, is a lifelike military game that pits 80 players from all over the world against each other in virtual battle. “Technology has allowed us to reach a wider audience,” says Rothermel. “The engines that exist now allow us to create our own technology, with more realistic graphics … even with a small team of us.” On June 1st, the studio moved from its Burnaby location into a much larger space on Columbia Street. “The city of New Westminster has been great in supporting us in whatever we need,” says Rothermel.
We also decided to leave Yaletown for New West because it is so central, and the riverfront building we are in is on SkyTrain route. Although BridgeNet wasn’t necessarily a game-changer for us, it is a key ingredient in building a technology-based sector, where likeminded people can network. PETER KEUNG Managing Director & Co-founder at MUGO Web
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20 | INVEST NEW WEST | FALL 2018
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EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
INTRODUCING
SOLO CAR
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hen Leona Green saw a guy riding around in a one-seater electric car, the owner of Greens and Beans Deli Café was so smitten, she knew she had to have one. “It was so cute that I started chatting with the owner, Jerry Kroll, who I found out was actually the CEO of Electra Meccanica SOLO,” says Green. Last summer, Green became the company’s first North American buyer. The SOLO is a single-user, three-wheeled vehicle produced at the company’s factory in New Westminster’s Braid industrial area. Green’s zippy electric vehicle has a range of 160 kilometres and a top speed of 130 kilometres per hour. Besides being environmentally friendly, which fits into Green’s ethos, not having to fill up at gas stations is great. It costs her about $15 per month to charge up the car. “My car gets a lot of attention around town,” Green quips. “I stop at a red light and people start speaking to me … I even carry info cards, so people can check it out online for themselves.”
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ARTS CULTURE Inspiring a sense of wonder and pride in the community
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F doors.
our years ago, New Westminster took another step in establishing itself as an important centre for the arts when the New Media Gallery at the Anvil Centre opened its
“There is no other civic gallery in the province that is totally focused on digital and new media,” says Sarah Joyce, director/curator. “It was very brave and unique for New Westminster to embrace this.” By showcasing acclaimed international artists that push the boundaries of what one might generally expect from a civic gallery show, the New Media Gallery is inspiring a sense of wonder and pride in the community. But that’s not all. What makes this gallery especially unique is that both curators, Sarah Joyce and Gordon Duggan, are hands-on. Joyce and Duggan, along with the centre’s staff and volunteers, bring to life each art exhibit through meaningful conversation about issues of relevance to the world in a way that everyone can understand.
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B a s e d i n N e w We s t m i n s t e r s e r v i n g p u b l i c s e c t o r, p r i v a t e s e c t o r, a n d N G O c l i e n t s i n M e t r o Va n c o u v e r, British Columbia, and Beyond.
*Suhail Doshi, CEO, Mixpanel 24 | INVEST NEW WEST | FALL 2018
Through sound and light, Floralume captures the imagination of the community and brings a sense of play to a revitalized part of downtown New Westminster, the Front Street Mews. STEPHEN O’SHEA Executive Director | Arts Council of New Westminster
“WOW Westminster was created through a partnership with the Vancouver Biennale. This commanding piece placed right on our riverfront is a bold statement of New Westminster’s renewed prominence in the region,” adds O’Shea. When it comes to the performing arts, the city boasts the oldest community theatre in British Columbia - the Vagabond Players roots go back to 1922. In 1950, the City provided the Vagabond Players with its current home in the Bernie Legge Theatre. Throughout its 96-year history, the playhouse has put on more than 350 productions, including many classics and premieres of locally written plays. In October, this award-winning theatre troupe will feature The Haunting of Hill House, followed by the beloved classic, Little Red Riding Hood. For art to flourish in the city, it takes city officials and residents with a collective desire to keep and exhibit it. New Westminster can take pride in knowing it has achieved that and more.
“The gallery gives visitors a forum in which to discuss and comment on technology … it has become a community hub, one that is exciting and very interactive,” notes Joyce. “In each show, artists investigate how the world operates creatively and scientifically, while being critical of technology.” Already home to a thriving art scene with museums, archives, the Massey, Bernie Legge and Anvil Centre theatres, and a healthy public art installations program, the city’s art scene has truly come to life. New Westminster has nearly 30 public art installations across the city, including the most iconic piece in the collection, WOW Westminster. Recently, the city unveiled its newest piece, Floralume on Front Street.
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FOODIE PARADISE Walk down many New West streets and you’re almost guaranteed to start feeling hungry.
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here’s an exciting new energy arising in the Royal City. That’s because nothing quite defines a city like a thriving culinary scene. When it comes to diverse gastronomic experiences, New Westminster is fast becoming known as a foodie destination.
Railway building (which sat empty for years after the Keg vacated), this Irish-themed pub offers a good dose of traditional Irish fare, such as prime rib Yorkies, Shepherd’s pie and Celtic chicken, as well as the best of west coast fare, such as fish tacos, Asian chili prawns and flatbreads.
Walk down many of downtown New West streets and you’re almost guaranteed to start feeling hungry.
On East Columbia Street in Sapperton is where you’ll find the Sapperton District Taphouse. Home to 33 local handcrafted beers on tap and elevated pub menu, you won’t be disappointed. This modern gastro-pub fare presents beloved classics along with lots of healthy options. Its signature dishes include the ahi tuna bite salad, decadent panko-crusted mac and cheese balls, and Taphouse prawns in a mango chipotle marinade. If you are looking for pub food like burgers, beef dips and nachos, they have them too.
Columbia and Front streets alone offer several great options. Tucked away on the historic Front Street is the funky, eclectic Old Crow Coffee (655 Front St.). Co-founded by California native Stephanie Vu, it features monthly art exhibits and live music to go with its ultra-cool vibe. This coffee house features fabulous organic brews and handcrafted teas that pair well with its light fare, like the avocado toast with pickled onions or any one of its nutritious, tasty salads. Beside Anvil Centre is one of the city’s most touted new fine dining options on Columbia St. - Piva Modern Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar. Piva’s elegant, industrial chic décor is showcased by soaring ceilings, elements of brass, white Italian marble, rich wood, and plush leather seating. But it’s the Italian cuisine that will have you coming back. Any one of the fresh pastas or its gourmet pizzas baked in a Napoli-style wood oven – the same kind used by notable chefs such as the celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck - are showstoppers. Another noted newcomer on Columbia Street is Kelly O’Bryan’s/ Carlos O’Bryan’s. Housed in the former 1898 Canadian Pacific
Craft beer aficionados might just froth at the mouth for Steel & Oak Brewing Co.’s selection of easy drinking pilsners, lagers, wheat ales and more. A short walk from the bustling River Market, New Westminster’s first and favourite local craft brewery is also awardwinning - bringing home a silver medal at the Canadian Brewing Awards held in Halifax recently. The River Market is not your average food court. This vibrant riverside market features the celebrated Wild Rice Market Bistro, Freebird Chicken Shack by noted, award-winning executive chef Angus An, Pamola Bakery & Deli, Re-Up BBQ, and the landmark Paddlewheeler Pub, to name a few. You will not leave hungry. Come and discover why New West truly offers a wonderful epicurean adventure.
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EDUCATION HEALTH CARE The future is bright for New West on the health and education front
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hat makes for a livable city? Obviously, a strong local economy plays a substantial part in a city’s wellbeing, but equally important is access to great health care and education. In both respects, New Westminster is thriving. The Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) opened its doors in 1862 with one doctor and a single ward. Today, RCH is one of the province’s top critical care hospitals, serving more than 1.8 million people from across B.C. In response to the anticipated growth in health care and technology, RCH is undergoing a major three-phase, $1.35-billion upgrade, becoming a world-class, state-of-the-art hospital and learning nucleus.
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“The government recognises the importance of this hospital and what it means to the province and the community,” says Tom Sparrow, RCH’s redevelopment chief project officer. “When you invest in world-class facilities, you attract the best surgeons from all over the world.” Phase one consists of the first provincial mental health and substance use wellness centre, with 75 beds (an increase from the current 30) as well as a new, more efficient energy plant and an advanced fibre-optic network. Combining health and education, another major development is IDEA Centre – an acronym for Innovation, Discovery, Education and Advancement. “IDEA Centre is still in the incubator stage, but it will be an opportunity for Fraser Health, UBC and the City of New Westminster to develop a first-rate research centre,” says Sparrow. “It will firmly establish Sapperton as a health hub for the whole province, bringing together some of the best research minds in the world.”
Meanwhile, New Westminster has a robust education sector. It is home to five post-secondary institutions - CG Masters School of 3D Animation, Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, West Coast College of Massage Therapy, as well as two well-established schools, Douglas College and the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC). Douglas College has much to be proud of as it approaches its milestone anniversary – 50 years of excellence in education. Founded in 1970, it is the largest degree-granting college in the province. The College offers bachelor’s degrees, university transfers, certificates, diplomas, and post-degree programs for more than 18,000 students each year, including more 1,500 international students. To accommodate its projected growth over the next four to six years, Douglas College has expanded with the opening of its second New Westminster campus and a business school in the Anvil Centre Office Tower.
This September, our business students moved into our new 66,000 square feet of space in the Anvil Centre Office Tower. The campus includes 21 new classrooms on four floors, offering more collaboration spaces for students and faculty, as well as a simulation lab. Catherine Williams Director Business Development at Douglas College
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Besides its business school, Douglas College supports several disciplines, including Aboriginal child, family and community studies, hospitality, technology, and occupational programs; covering everything from health and sciences to commerce and business administration, to name just a few. “Our nursing Bachelor of Science degree has a two-year wait list,” says Williams. “Our nurses’ rate higher than any others on the national nursing exam.” “The College has been intricately woven into the fabric of New Westminster for five decades, a fact we are extremely proud of,” Williams says.
In May, the JIBC commemorated its 40th anniversary. Dubbed the “school of heroes” the Justice Institute has grown exponentially over the decades. Its president and CEO, Michel Tarko, says on average 25,000 to 35,000 students from all over the globe attend its programs every year. Founded in 1978, the JIBC is Canada’s leading public safety educator. The institute began with five fields of learning – the Police Academy, Corrections Division, Courts Academy, Fire Academy and Educational Services. Today, the JIBC offers both non-credential courses and those culminating in certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, baccalaureate degrees and graduate programs. “We deliver leading-edge public safety and justice education and training in B.C., Canada, and internationally,” says Tarko. “We also have a continuing education curriculum and customized contract training with both the public and private sectors worldwide.” The JIBC is at the forefront of intelligence analysis - a relatively new field in Canada, with three online graduate certificates - intelligence analysis, cyber crime and tactical criminal analysis. “We have partnered with the Canterbury Christ Church University in England for our two-year cyber crime program, the only one of its kind in Canada,” Tarko says. As of January 2019, the JIBC will present a new four-year online bachelor’s degree combining emergency management and security studies with a foundation in business.
This is the first of its kind in Canada. JIBC is leading the way in our applied learning model, which includes theory and concept simulation through actors and technology. Michel Tarko CEO at JIBC
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KENDRA JOHNSTON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DOWNTOWN NEW WEST BIA
1 What are your economic initiatives this year?
We promote businesses via various marketing efforts (events, promotions, advertising, digital marketing), and advocate for our members on important issues that impact local businesses. We beautify our Downtown with lighting, banners, general cleanup initiatives and provide grants to businesses to encourage improvement of storefronts and building facades.
2 What makes Downtown New West special?
Downtown New West has grown significantly in recent years with an influx of new residents and businesses. We all have cultivated a very special sense of community in New West, and are fiercely loyal, welcoming, involved and engaged.
TWO QUESTIONS
with some of the city’s influential business movers and shakers
RNOLD SMITH
NEW WEST CHAMBER BOARD PRESIDENT
1 What are your economic initiatives this year?
As the new President of the chamber board, my focus is making the biggest difference possible for the community we serve. My focus is squarely on helping our businesses be more successful. We will do this by focusing on three I’s: Inspiration, Insights and Introductions.
2 What makes New West special?
The New Westminster business community is filled with passionate people who are committed to making a difference for the community. You will often hear the leaders of our most successful companies talking about how important the support of the community was to their success. When you become part of the New Westminster business community, you have access to a wonderful team of people willing to support you to achieve your goals. FALL 2018 | INVEST NEW WEST | 35
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THESE STARS SHINE FOR ROYAL COLUMBIAN HOSPITAL. OUR TIME IS NOW. Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation is honoured to
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When it’s critical, it’s Royal Columbian. rchfoundation.com/critical
36 | INVEST NEW WEST | FALL 2018
GORD HOBBIS
SAPPERTON BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
1 What does your organization do?
The Sapperton Business Association is a volunteer, ad hoc group of anyone who has a business in the Sapperton area, and we will meet when there is an issue in the business community that needs addressing.
2 What makes New West special?
The fact that we have the heritage is something we’re using in our marketing and rebranding, so heritage is something we can draw from in our city.
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38 | INVEST NEW WEST | FALL 2018
SUSAN CARTWRIGHT-COATES
UPTOWN BIA PRESIDENT
1 What are your economic initiatives this year?
In the coming year, we will expand our community reach and hold the 2019 Uptown Live festival. Our advocacy work will centre on mitigating development impacts and supporting park spaces. We are working with City Hall on the “Great Streets” programme to renew Sixth Street sidewalks and fixtures.
2 What makes Uptown New West special?
Uptown New Westminster is a unique, vibrant living and working community. It is walkable, accessible, central and offers a complete shopping and service experience. The UBA is proud of our neighbourhood and doesn’t view other neighbourhoods as competition – we all offer something special.
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Q+A with
BLAIR FRYER City of New Westminster’s Manager of Economic Development, Communications and Public Engagement
W
hat initiatives are you working on that will have the biggest impact on business in New West?
We recently completed our new economic development plan. The plan was developed with a clear purpose to both support and foster business growth and sets out comprehensive goals and measurable actions to guide the efforts of the Economic Development Office over the next five years. You can see the whole plan at investnewwest.ca
What’s the one thing you would want prospective businesses to know about doing business in New West? We understand that time is money for business. We also know that while the success of local entrepreneurs and businesses is credited to their hard work and perseverance, City Hall has a vital role to play by fostering an environment that meets the needs of both existing and new business while enabling continued local economic growth. The Economic Development Office works hard with our colleagues in other departments such as business licensing and planning to cultivate an entrepreneur-friendly spirit and positive business environment/ experience. In fact, one of our key roles in the Economic Development Office is advocating for New Westminster business by acting as their voice at City Hall. FALL 2018 | INVEST NEW WEST | 41
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Working for New West business at City Hall: (from left to right) Harry Gill, Business License Coordinator; Carolyn Armanini, Economic Development Planner; Blair Fryer, Economic Development, Communications & Public Engagement Manager
What role does technology have in shaping New West’s economic future?
How does New West compare with other municipalities as a place for business?
Innovation and technology are rapidly changing the face of business and how businesses interact with the City. How we respond to this constant evolution is key to ensuring we are poised to capitalize on the positive impact technology has on the local economy.
New West is unique in our heritage assets, central location, riverfront and SkyTrain accessibility. We also have an open City Hall and a supportive community that takes pride in local business and wants to see business succeed. These qualities and a solid commitment to collaboration with New Westminster’s business stakeholders makes us an ideal place to locate, invest and grow.
Our Intelligent New West initiative is driving a culture of continuous innovation by leveraging BridgeNet (the City of New Westminster’s open access fibre network) and an open government philosophy to ensure we can embrace opportunities in the digital economy. BLAIR FRYER City of New Westminster’s Manager of Economic Development, Communications and Public Engagement
FALL 2018 | INVEST NEW WEST | 43
THE CENTRE OF OUR CITY New Westminster’s Uptown neighbourhood is located in the heart of the city, centred at 6th Street and 6th Avenue. Bordered by beautiful Queens Park, historic Moody Park, and stretching from Massey Theatre to City Hall, Uptown New West offers something for everyone. With an assortment of family run restaurants and boutiques, grocery stores and retail chains, recreation activities and professional services, it’s easy to see why Uptown is where the locals go to get things done in New Westminster.
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MyUptown.ca The Centre of it All. 44 | INVEST NEW WEST | FALL 2018
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QUEENSPARKDENTAL.CA 604-522-5242 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR BLOG POSTS, PRIZES AND MORE… FACEBOOK.COM/QUEENSPARKDENTAL 46 | INVEST NEW WEST | FALL 2018
FALL 2018 | INVEST NEW WEST | 47
What makes our students stand out? Applied learning.
Our Bachelor of Business Administration students complete 500 hours of hands-on work experience in their chosen field before graduating. Hiring a Douglas degree grad means you’ll get an employee who can hit the ground running.
LOOKING TO HIRE? douglascollege.ca/hire
18-101
DOUGLA
DOUGLAS MEANS BUSINESS