Should all multi-unit buildings be required to have a plan in place to ensure the safety of residents during extreme heat? That’s something the City of NewWestminster may explore
At its April 24 meeting, council received an update on its 2023 heat response. New Westminster was one of the deadliest cities in B C during the heat dome of 2021, with at least 28 resident deaths as a result of temperatures that soared past 40 C
In an update to council, the city’s emergency management office (EMO) said its work has focused on updating the city’s existing plans to respond to extreme hot weather, with an emphasis on preventative
Continued on page 3
If extreme temperatures return,NewWest will have plans in place
But,with most of that money covering wage increases,how far will it really go?Trustees are facing that question now
JulieMacLellan jmaclellan@newwestrecord caThe NewWestminster school district will get significantly more money from the province for its operations in 2023-24 to the tune of $9 2 million more than last year
But, as trustees grapple with a host of budget requests from staff, students and parents, it remains to be seen how far those dollars will go School District 40’s provincial funding will rise from $70 6 million in 2022-23 to $79 8 million in 2023-24
The bump in funding is two-fold, stemming from
both enrolment growth and an increase in the B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care’s per-student grants. Per-student allocations are going up 9.4 per cent, for a total of $8,625 per student.
SD40 secretary-treasurer Bettina Ketcham said most of that extra funding will be used to cover the costs of labour settlements that were provincially negotiated early this year.
“There’s really not a lot of room there that was contemplated outside of those wage settlements to reflect the pace of inflation, for example,” she told trustees at their April 11 operations committee
meeting.
Right now, the district is working with a base budget for 2023-24 that shows a surplus of $178,000, assuming it keeps its operations essentially the same as in 2022-23.
As part of its budget process, the district seeks feedback from staff, parents and students.
At their April 25 board meeting, trustees heard presentations from the district parent advisory council and staff groups (the NewWestminsterTeachers’ Union, CUPE Local 409 and the NewWest-
SAFE SPACES: Students gather outside New Westminster Secondary School for a rally protesting sexual harassment at the school in May 2022. Issues around safety at the high school are in the spotlight again as the school district considers its 2023-24 budget.
minster Principals and Vice-Principals Association) about budget priorities for 2023-24
Tops among those priorities were requests relat-
ed to staffing, with custodians, education assistants and counsellors all being high on priority lists
Issues around safety at NewWestminster Second-
ary School including surveillance cameras, vape detectors, frosting for glass classroom walls and solutions for drug-related activities were also cited as important.
Still other requests centred on supplies and equipment, including appliances for the life skills program at the high school, new Chromebooks for student use, and increased school budgets for supplies to keep up with inflationary costs.
SD40 superintendent Karim Hachlaf will bring his budget recommendations to trustees at their May 2 operations committee meeting.
The board is expected to approve the 2023-24 budget at its May 23 board meeting.
Continued from page 1
messaging and collaboration within the community. An air conditioner loan pilot program, an outdoor cooling strategy, and outreach (including direct contact with property managers) are among the city’s plans.
“The EMO will continue to monitor the forecasted weather and focus our efforts in finalizing our heat response updates for the summer season with internal city departments and outside agencies,” said a staff report to council. “The EMO will also continue to mobilize and pro-
vide outreach to vulnerable populations, residents, faith-based and non-profit organizations and provide information on ways the community can become more resilient during an emergency”
During Emergency PreparednessWeek, which runs from May 7 to 13, the Emergency Management Office will be encouraging NewWest residents to reach out to their neighbours and friends to create an internal social network that can better support one
another in an emergency or even in day-to-day life Two pop-up “get prepared” events will be held in NewWest: Friday, May 5: Queensborough Community Centre – 2:30 to 4 p m ; andTuesday, May 9: Royal City Centre – 9 a m to noon
Brad Davie, assistant deputy chief with New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services, said messages about extreme heat will be sent out to the general public, as well as targeted messages to people in high-risk buildings, in advance of extreme heat
In regards to the air con-
ditioner loan program, Davie told council staff are working with Fraser Health to identify high-risk buildings that have the appropriate infrastructure to be part of that initiative
Through an outdoor cooling strategy, the city will provide information about places where residents can cool off, including indoor cooling centres, water stations, outdoor pools, misting stations, spray parks, and parks and natural areas with mature trees/forested areas that create cool shade.
A new “outdoor cooling map” will show where
the city will install up to 15 temporary misting stations by June 30
Mayor Patrick Johnstone suggested the city may need to explore regulatory changes that would allow the city to be even more proactive about heat response.
Johnstone said multiunit residential buildings are required to have fire response plans, fire alarms and sprinklers, and the city has staff who verify those life-saving measures are in place and can respond to those types of emergencies.
He’d like to see heat response plans required in the same way.
“The heat dome demonstrated to us that heat events are a real risk to the lives of residents,” he said.
Johnstone said he’s unsure if the city has the tools right now to do that, or if it would require advocacy to senior governments to require every multi-unit building in the city to have a heat plan.
Council directed staff to look into what would be required to ensure that all mulit-unit buildings have a heat plan in place.
PHOTO JULIE MACLELLAN/RECORD FILESThe City is supporting a donation drive this spring for the Don’t Go Hungry Food Program. Every Saturday, this food hamper program serves 1,300 people in New Westminster and south Burnaby who can’t access weekday food programs due to work hours. Many of those accessing the program are new arrivals to Canada, and two-thirds are families, including over 400 children.
Donation bins will be available until May 31, 2023, at Anvil Centre and the Glenbrook and Queensborough Fire Halls. The following items are in high demand:
• Canned proteins: e.g. nut butters, canned meat (tuna, salmon, etc.), beans, and chili
• Chunky-style canned soup
• Children's snacks: e.g. applesauce, fruit cups, fruit gummies/bars, snack-size crackers or cookies, and granola bars
• Personal care products: e g toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, feminine hygiene products, shaving cream and razors, toilet paper, diapers (especially size 5 and 6), deodorant, and soap
• Dish soap and laundry soap
For more information, visit newwestcity.ca/dgh-spring2023
Whereas the City Council of the Corporation of the City of New Westminster wishes to lease 4100 sq. m. (more or less) area of land, described as 710 Eighth Street, New Westminster, BC, and which land is not available to the public for acquisition; therefore, the Corporation of the City of New Westminster hereby gives notice subject to Section 26(3) and 94 of the Community Charter:
(a) The land is more particularly described as: Parcel Identifier: 014-891-620
Legal Description: THAT PORTION MARKED "MOODY SQUARE" PLAN 2620
(b) The City proposes to lease the above described property to: New Westminster Lawn Bowling Club
(c) The nature of the disposition: 1 year lease from February 28, 2023 to March 1, 2024
(d) The consideration for which the Purchaser shall pay to the city: The sum of $30 00
For more information concerning this lease, please contact:
Christy Mereigh, Manager, Strategic Projects 604-527-4502
Thursday, April 27 5:00 pm
Curl Mapped: Artist Talk and Opening Reception Anvil Centre and online
Saturday, April 29 10:00 am
Glenbrook Ravine Restoration Centre of Glenbrook Ravine Park
Monday, May 1 No Council Meeting
May 1 - 7
Youth Week newwestyouth.ca/youthweek
Friday, May 5 3:00 pm
Red Dress Day Hyack Square
S.T.E.P. INTO EMPLOYMENT! APPLICATIONS CLOSE MAY 7
The New Westminster Scholarship Training Employment Program (S.T.E.P.) for Swim Instructors and Lifeguards is now accepting applications. Successful S.T.E.P candidates receive the required training for their future positions, all paid for by the City! newwestcity.ca/STEP
Whereas the City Council of the Corporation of the City of New Westminster wishes to license a 560 m2 (more or less) area of the Bernie Legge Theatre, which land is not available to the public for acquisition (license) therefore, the Corporation of the City of New Westminster hereby gives notice subject to Section 26(3) and 94 of the Community Charter:
(a) The land is more particularly described as: Parcel Identifier: Queens Park Legal Description: NWD Group 1 Plan 2620
(b) The City proposes to license the above described property to: Vagabond Players.
(c) The nature of the disposition: a license for one year from April 1, 2023 to April 1, 2024
(d) The consideration for which the Purchaser shall pay to the city: The sum of $3,600 00 per annum ($300 00 per month) plus a four month renewal
For more information concerning this lease, please contact:
Christy Mereigh, Manager, Strategic Projects 604-527-4502Lisa Spitale Acting Corporate Officer
Lisa Spitale Acting Corporate OfficerINLINE SKATING LESSONS - LEARN THE BASICS ANY AGE!
Learn the basics of inline skating including stopping, gliding, and road safety Must have your own equipment, including: inline skates, helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Registration fee is $30 00 / 4 classes Call 604.525.5301 or register online at newwestcity.ca/register
• Beginner Preschool: 4:00 - 4:45 pm (ID# 175030) or 5:00 - 5:45 pm (ID# 175032)
• Beginner Youth/Adult: 5:00 - 5:45 pm (ID# 175078)
YOUTH WEEK
Youth Week is an eagerly anticipated annual event held throughout BC during the first week of May, celebrating the remarkable contributions of young people to our communities. At the City of New Westminster, we're proud to be part of this provincewide celebration, recognizing the positive impact that our youth make all year round. Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our youth and foster a vibrant, thriving community for all with fun and engaging events and activities all week: newwestyouth.ca/youthweek
TOTS ON WHEELS - INDOORS ON THE DRY FLOOR!
Moody Park Arena | Tuesday & Wednesday, 9:30 - 11:00 am; Sundays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, Children (0 - 5 years) can practice riding their tricycle, bicycle, strider bike, roller blades, or scooter in a safe controlled dry-floor environment. A recreation leader will be on hand for extra assistance and to set up fun obstacle courses! $2 for 0-5 years. Program runs weekly until June 14; no Sunday session on May 14 and 21, or June 4 For details call Moody Park Arena, 604.525.5301.
TREE CARE AND PRUNING
It's spring gardening season! While you're planning out your garden beds, make sure you're also thinking about the trees on your property Per City bylaws, it is the responsibility of the property owner/occupant to properly care for and maintain private protected trees, which includes:
1) Adhering to industry standards (American National Standards Institute Publication A300) and best management practices of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA),
2) Only hiring tree contractors who are ISA-certified arborist and licensed to operate in New Westminster, and
3) Ensuring trees growing close to City streets are not impeding vehicle or pedestrian traffic and sight lines. However, DO NOT prune or alter any City-owned trees or hedges, including City boulevard trees. If you wish to get involved with caring for our urban forest canopy, you can help water newly planted trees through the Adopt-A-Street Tree program. For more information about the relevant bylaws, your responsibilities as a property owner/ occupant, tips to keep your trees healthy, and City trees, visit: newwestcity.ca/trees2023
THE LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS IN OUR CITY
NEW WESTMINSTER YOUTH FIREFIGHTER PROGRAM
The New Westminster Youth Firefighter program invites motivated and passionate youth (grade 10 - 12) to apply for this fun learning experience. The program places students in a Fire Academy situation featuring classroom review, workplace experience, and live-fire combat!
The application deadline is Friday, May 26 at 9:00 pm. Applications are available inperson at the Youth Centre, 620 Eighth Street, or online at newwestyouth ca For more info contact Paolo Zenone at pzenone@newwestcity.ca or 604.515.3801.
CHANGES TO PROGRAM REGISTRATION DATES AND TIME
Starting this summer, registration start times are changing from 8:30 am to 10:00 am. In addition, day camps and seasonal programs will now have separate registration start dates. Upcoming dates to know:
• Summer Day Camps - May 11 @ 10:00 am for New Westminster residents, and May 12 for everyone.
• Summer Programs - June 8 @ 10:00 am for New Westminster residents, and June 9 for everyone
For information about why this change has been made please visit newwestcity.ca/rec.
RED DRESS CAMPAIGN IN MAY
Red Dress Day on May 5 honours the memory and lives of missing and murdered
Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people across Canada and the US Started in 2010 by Métis artist Jaime Black, the day has grown into a movement to educate and create awareness and calls to action for systemic change The City will be recognizing this important movement throughout the month of May with displays, learning opportunities, and a community event Find out more at: newwestcity.ca/reddress
WATERING RESTRICTIONS START MAY 1
Stage 1 watering restrictions are in effect May 1 to October 15, regardless of weather. These restrictions help prepare for potential water shortages during the warmer months The intent is for watering to take place in the early morning hours, when demand is low and evaporation is minimal. The policy affects both residential and non-residential areas. Watering outside the allowed times requires a permit Visit newwestcity.ca/lawnwatering for details on when you’re permitted to water your lawn and garden, and how to apply for a permit
Anew statistic associated with the steady rise of seemingly random incidents of street crime and violence in this province was released last week, and it is an alarming one.
Preliminary data compiled by the BC Prosecution Service shows that more than half of the attempts by prosecutors to seek detention of violent offenders are being rejected by the courts
That information was released by Premier David Eby after a virtual meeting between all premiers and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police It is also included in a letter Attorney General Niki Sharma sent the same day to federal Justice Minister David Lametti on the issue of much-needed bail reform
Sharma’s letter said the data covered two time periods: from Nov 7 to Dec 11 last year, and Feb. 27 to March 12 of this year In her letter, Sharma notes the Crown seeks detention of offenders only in certain circumstances
“It is important to note that Crown prosecutors only seek pre-trial detention of the accused at a bail hearing because they are not satisfied that the risk to public safety posed by the accused’s release can be reduced to an acceptable level by bail conditions,” she wrote.
Sharma said the fact that more than half of the accused that fit into this category were released on bail over the Crown’s objections is “deeply concerning ”
I’ll say.
But while it is a disturbing finding, it is not altogether a surprising one.
The dominant issue in the B C legislature for months now has been the broad issue of public safety, often focusing on chronic violent offenders having dozens of interactions with police and yet still routinely being released on bail.
A major reason for this appears to lie in amendments made to the Criminal Code in 2019, contained in Bill C-75 That legislation emphasizes the “principle of restraint” when it comes to incarcerating accused people.
Then there is a 2017 judgment by the Supreme Court of Canada that called Section 11 of the Charter of Rights (it
stipulates everyone has the right “not to be denied reasonable bail without just cause”) “an essential element of an enlightened criminal justice system ”
I suppose this was all done with the best of intentions, but the word “enlightened” is not one I would use to describe our criminal justice system in the past couple of years.
All the premiers are calling for action, as chronic violent offenders are making many Canadian cities unsafe as they have ever been.
The premiers and provincial justice officials are correct. Ottawa needs to act, and act fast
Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC
Editor: I find it difficult to believe that people who have lived in this town for many years when housing was available for most working people are told that if they don’t like the massive development that has taken place, they can leave town. Really?!
Yes, the average citizen like me, who has lived and paid taxes here for well over 40 years, may find the changes in livability somewhat overwhelming and negative Did we cause a less livable community because of greater population growth with more crowding, traffic and amenities? No! Did we cause the lack of affordable housing? No!
What is needed, in my opinion, is not lack of public discourse or difference of opinion, but to find answers to the questions of differing opinions on why Why did the federal government bring in over one million people last year, when we do not have adequate housing for those already here? Why do we allow rich foreign investors, many of whom do not live
here, to buy up housing, which has played a role in the ridiculous increase in housing prices to the point that many citizens, including my own children and grandchildren, have no hope of owning a home?
There are many questions that need answers What we do not need is to point fingers at each other for problems that have been foisted upon us by lack of action and lack of planning by senior governments That, in the opinion of many people including myself, is where the responsibility belongs and where the answers lie in the hands that govern us
Bill Zander
Editor: Re: Old-timers need to stop ‘gatekeeping’ New West, Letters to the editor, April 20 I wanted to take a moment and give a hearty pat on the back to brave letter writer James Plett on his absolute master class in educating people on the real issue with our housing crisis and who is truly to blame: the
Elderly Illuminati and the gatekeeping!
The sheer power these seniors wield in the Lower Mainland, and especially New Westminster, is terrifying, and the housing market has fallen victim to their evil plans, of retirement and living out the last few years of life with a modicum of dignity after contributing years of tax dollars into the system The bastards
Now I know what you’re thinking: “Steve, isn’t some of this bad policy and government inaction?” To this I say: nonsense
What, you want the NDP majority government in B C to get on top of things like zoning restrictions and building costs? Crazy talk! The Elderly Illuminati won’t have it Next you’ll be suggesting that our NDP-affiliated, -sponsored and -endorsed council could use that relationship to perhaps one-time leverage some new policy and/or plans in New West, right?
But has anyone given any thought to how our Community First majority council can advance their own political careers if they’re always bothering the NDP with silly concerns like “housing” and “doing what’s best for their citizens”? No, of course you haven’t, you only think about yourselves
No, no, James cracked this case wide open. It’s old people to blame, and James saw right through the façade of government failure and called out those truly responsible.
Steve Yeung
Editor: New Westminster city council should get a real life.
In reality, do they ever think about low-income seniors and people in poverty struggling with the day-to-day cost of living, homeowners constantly selling their homes or whatever they have to do to survive, even some missing meals every day because of the cost of living, or seniors and other pensioners with disabilities working fast food establishments even if they’re not healthy but have no choice?
Thank you, New Westminster city hall, for your undivided attention
PS Port Coquitlam this year is not charging for public swimming pools.
Gary Prokovich
A neighbourhood that rallied against infill housing while the city was updating the official community plan had little to say about a proposed infill townhouse development in Glenbrooke North
On Monday, council held a public hearing regarding 10 side-by-side infill townhouse units in two buildings at 102 and 104 Eighth Ave and 728 First St
Wendee Lang, a development planner, said the city considered the infill townhouse land-use designation for the site when updating the official community plan (OCP) After
receiving petitions about plans being proposed for the neighbourhood, she said the city decided the area would remain designated for detached and semi-detached homes in the OCP.
The city’s land use and planning committee received a preliminary application for an infill townhouse project on the site in 2021, and the applicant submitted the current formal application to the city in June 2022.
According to Lang, community feedback to the project has been “largely positive” but the developer did make a few minor changes to the plan in response to public input.
Tara Gronlund, a long-
4 4 31 31
time NewWest resident and the project’s architect, said Glenbrooke Row is a “thoughtfully designed development” that will help transform the sites from the older, lower-density housing to something that provides more housing options for the neighbourhood
“The site is located within a short walk of all levels of schools,Terry Hughes and Queen’s parks, shops and services, and the upcoming təməsewtxʷ Aquatic Centre.The project is located along transit routes and is close to the Rotary Crosstown Greenway,” she said.
“Careful consideration has been given to minimizing the impact of the develop-
ment on the neighbours ”
NewWest resident Larry Church expressed concern that the proposal is contrary to the wishes expressed by many residents during the OCP process,
when they urged the city to remove the proposed townhouse designation (Council approved the OCP in 2017 )
“It’s this process that I’m really concerned
about,” he said. “What’s the point of going through an OCP renewal?”
In response to residents’ concerns, in the spring of 2017, council approved a
Continued on page 10
‘Missing middle’: Council has approved bylaws allowing a 10-unit infill townhouse development to be built at Eighth Avenue and First Street. photo city of new westMinster
Continued from page 9
staff recommendation to designate Glenbrooke North properties on Eighth Avenue, First Street and Colborne Street as residential-detached and semidetached housing. While some council members supported the recommendation as a way of moving forward with the OCP update, others preferred a land-use designation that allowed for infill housing in the area as a means of providing more housing choice.
At that time, staff said the city had received three petitions covering different aspects of the neighbourhood, with each petition supporting a different land use one preferring townhouses, one wanting single-family homes and duplexes, and another supporting ground-oriented infill housing.
Following Monday night’s public hearing, council unanimously voted in favour of third reading to the official community plan amendment bylaw and the zoning amendment bylaw.
“We know that we have a shortage of townhouses
in our community, and there’s many people who are looking for this housing tenure and this housing form,” said Coun. Nadine Nakagawa. “I think it’s the right place for it because I think it is connected to the kind of amenities that we want people to have access to.”
Mayor Patrick Johnstone said the city sees a lot of this type of housing being built in Queensborough, but not on the mainland. He said the construction of three-bedroom, family-friendly, ground-oriented housing will help fill a gap in the city’s housing stock.
“I think this is the kind of infill missing middle that is really an impor-
tant gap in our housing supply in NewWestminster,” he said “It’s a really high-amenity neighbourhood, walkable to schools, walkable to stores ”
Coun Jaimie McEvoy added his support
“It’s a kind of housing I’ve supported before in NewWestminster, and I know we have a shortage of it,” he said. “So, I’m looking forward to seeing that.”
Coun. Daniel Fontaine said he supports the creation of “missing middle housing” and has heard from countless individuals in the community who are interested in this type of housing. He noted the “lack of community opposition” to the project.
FRIDAY, APRIL 28
I HEART NEW WEST
Enjoy a Meet the Artists night at NewWest Artists’ I Heart NewWest exhibition in the new community space at Columbia Square. Mingle with the artists and browse the paintings, photography, drawings and cards on display and go home with a new original artwork by a local artist Artists will be on hand from 5 to 8 p m You can take in the show for its final weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 11 a m and 5 p m
WHEN: Friday, April 28, 5 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: I Heart New West community space, Columbia Square (Unit 103-78 10th St.)
sATURDAY, APRIL 29
FLOWERS FOR MOM
Here’s a way to show your mom how much she means to you arrange a pot full of flowers that’ll never wilt Join La Petite Fleur’s flower arrangement workshop this weekend to get a guided, hands-on experience on arranging a flower pot with preserved flowers, hydrangea and foliage, and create a beautiful piece of decor that reflects your love. Feel free to explore creative ways to spruce up your gift with LED lights or a greeting card, maybe? Registration fee starts at $69 48; all materials will be provided
WHEN: Saturday, April 29, 3 to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Gallery at Queen’s Park
INFO: www.tinyurl.com/ MothersDayFlowerWorkshop
sATURDAY, APRIL 29
EVENING PEACE
Take a moment to slow down and enjoy an evening of choral music by the Amabilis Singers. Called Evening Peace, the concert presents a vast repertoire that journeys over time and genres from works byVictoria and Brahms to modern classics by Lauridsen, Childs, Aguila andTate, and more. Let the chorus of voices melt your
Find more events online: newwestrecord ca/local-events
Please send your information for inclusion on to calendar@newwestrecord.ca
The Royal City MusicalTheatre’s new musical, Crazy ForYou, is for all those who are crazy about romcoms, live theatre and American legend George Gershwin’s tunes. The light-hearted script follows the story of a banker and a postmistress (played by the real-life couple ofTodd and RabeccaTalbot), who both have a deep love for theatre and team up to save a run-down theatre
With humour, tap dancing, and high-energy orchestra music, the play is onstage in NewWest after being put on hold for three years due to COVID.The show is directed byValerie Easton, with musical direction by James Bryson.
WHEN: Thursday, April 27 to Sunday, May 14. Evening shows Thursdays through Sundays, 7:30 p.m.; weekend matinees (April 30, May 6, 7, 13 and 14) at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
TICKETS: $29/$37/$45; buy online through www ticketsnw.ca or see more information at www royalcitymusicaltheatre.com.
stress away and fill you in with peace
WHEN: Saturday, April 29, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave., Burnaby
INFO: www.amabilissingers.org
sATURDAY, APRIL 29 INDIE
Kinder Books, a children’s bookstore at River Market, is celebrating Indie Bookstore Day on April 29, with a lineup of activities for kids such as a guided workshop by illustrator Nicholas Brancati on how to design a book cover using collage, and a chance to meet with the author of The
Adventures of Julian and Captain:The Cookie Cure, Dominic Polubinski, plus gifts and an ongoing contest. At Groove Cat Books and Records, uptown, you can also get in on the fun with treats, prize draws and free colouring books for kids, plus live music from 3:30 to 4:45 p m
WHERE AND WHEN: Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kinder Books 101-810 Quayside Dr. (in River Market); 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Groove Cat (775 Sixth St.)
INFO: kinderbooks.ca and www.groovecatbooks. com
Compiled by Naveena Vijayan
PHOTO: David Cooper, courtesy Royal City Musical Theatre Todd Talbot stars in the Royal City Musical Theatre production of Crazy for You, starting tonight (Thursday) at Massey Theatre
TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca
A new rental development in uptown NewWest will be providing affordable homes for a number of seniors.
On April 17, PC Urban Properties Corp. broke ground on a 29-storey, concrete tower with 338 purpose-built rental homes.The building will include 10 units of affordable housing, which will be operated by the NewWestbased Seniors Services Society of B.C.
“We are delighted to be working with PC Urban and their team on this project. Given the current
housing challenges, older adults are the one demographic that have been impacted the most,” Alison Silgardo, CEO of Senior Services Society of B.C., told the Record. “The 10 units of below-market housing at the new building is an ideal location, with units located at the lower levels, surrounded by everything an older adult would need to live independently, including transit, retail, a community centre and medical supports.”
Located on a 0.8-acre site at 616 to 640 Sixth St., the project will include street-level retail and 500 square feet of below-mar-
ket commercial space for a charitable organization
According to PC Urban, the new tower will provide a significant addition of new purpose-built rental to NewWestminster which a press release from the developer noted has the highest percentage of renters in MetroVancouver, with the lowest vacancy rates.
Fewer than 100 rental units have been created in the uptown neighbourhood in the last 10 years, said the press release.
“We are excited to expand our purpose-built residential portfolio with this new concrete tower and to help boost the rental options in this area,”
said Brent Sawchyn, CEO of PC Urban Properties
“We are proud to integrate the affordable seniors’ rental into the building so that this is a complete community We recognize the need for more rental housing options in New West, and we believe everyone deserves a home ”
Construction is now underway, with completion and occupancy expected in late 2025
“The City of NewWestminster is pleased to support PC Urban Properties, and the first major new residential development in uptown in a decade,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone.
“With the long-term
commitment to market rental and walkable commercial space, this new project will meet the housing needs of our growing community and bring
a refreshed streetscape to uptown.This project has a well-integrated and accessible design that aligns with the city’s official
Continued on page 13
New homes: A new 29-storey rental tower in uptown New West will include 10 units of affordable housing for seniors. IMAGE PC URBAN
Continued from page 12
community plan and will be a great addition to the neighbourhood ”
The project has garnered its share of headlines during its journey through the approval process at city hall
In 2019, the project’s original applicant, Orr Development Corp, proposed a mixed-use building that included strata and rental units (and separate amenities and entrances for owners and renters) A revamped proposal put forward at a later date proposed construction of an
all-rental building
PC Urban is now building the project on the uptown site that was formerly
home to a variety of commercial businesses, including theWaffle House and the NewWest Cobbler
TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca
There will be gardening giveaways galore at the launch of this year’s Plant a Row-Grow a Row program.
Each summer, the Plant a Row-Grow a Row program collects fresh produce and donations for two local charities. In celebration of this year’s program, it’s giving away all kinds of goodies at a drive-thru event on Sunday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the St.Thomas More Collegiate parking lot at 7450 12th Ave., just across the border in Burnaby.
Attendees will simply drive into the school parking lot, keep to the right and then pull up to the curbside next to the gym, where volunteers will be giving out vegetable transplants, seeds to grow in the garden and much more.
Claude LeDoux, who founded the local program, said there will be some “amazing” giveaways at this year’s launch event
Seeds and seedlings, garden décor, planter boxes, containers, potting soil and other great gardening items have been donated by Brian Minter, the Compost Council of Canada, GardenWorks, Premium Society, LeDoux, volunteers and local horticultural suppliers Items will be distributed on a first-come first-
served basis.
“Bring the children.There are always special presents for the children coming through the drive-thru event,” he said. “We want to make sure that we are building our future gardeners and nature lovers.We are trying to get them to come and join the parents in the event.”
LeDoux said there’s been an increased interest in growing vegetables since the beginning of the pandemic Rising grocery prices have also contributed to the increased interest in gardening
“It’s become popular,” he said “People are learning that it is not difficult, and ‘I can do this ’”
Gardening information, such as what to plant and how to maintain it, is available from seed suppliers and local garden centres, as well as onYouTube, LeDoux noted
At the drive-thru event, Plant A Row-Grow a Row volunteers will be collecting donations of non-perishable food items for Ryan’s Rainbow Emergency Food Outreach in Burnaby and the Union Gospel Mission in NewWest Cash donations are also accepted
Starting June 11, volunteers will be collecting fresh and nonperishable food donations every Sunday morning from 8:30 to 9:15 a m at the front entrance to
“We had 2,500 pounds of homegrown produce last year,” LeDoux said. “That’s just people coming on Sunday.They come and drop off.”
Some folks bring a little handful of veggies, while others bring more.The donations are split between the two organizations, who are grateful for the support.
“They are thrilled,” LeDoux said. “UGM is using it for cooking, and also to teach in Dan’s Legacy they use it for their (cooking) students to learn.That is working beautifully. Ryan’s Rainbow, they put it in the boxes that are given to families.”
Some folks also bring non-perishable food items and cash donations to the Sunday morning collection events. Others have brought items like socks that get donated to the local nonprofits.
“We thank them so much for their support.We really appreciate this,” LeDoux said. “The people in the community are always thanking us – it’s really about who supported us that really needs to be thanked.”
LeDoux is thrilled to see that a new Plant a Row For Us program is being launched this spring in Chilliwack, in support of the Salvation Army’s food bank program in that community. He’ll be one of the speakers at that program’s kickoff event.
GARDENER
HanDyperson
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