New Westminster City Council votes to lift the freeze on HRA applications in Queen’s Park Heritage Conservation Area

September 16, 2023

Dear Friends of Heritage

We need your help

In a surprise move on September 11, City Council voted to lift the freeze on Heritage Revitalization Agreement (HRA) applications in the Queen’s Park Heritage Conservation Area (QPHCA). This decision was made without notice to the public or any (much promised) consultation with the Queen’s Park Residents Association or Heritage New West.  For everyone concerned with the conservation of our built heritage and the development of our neighbourhoods in general, this is an alarm bell ringing loudly.

Council cited the lack of resources to complete the HRA policy review as their reason for lifting the freeze. If this is the case, where is their plan to secure the necessary resources to address the complexities of HRA applications and their real and permanent impacts on our community?

It is further distressing that several new council members, obviously unfamiliar with the concerns that led to the freeze, chose to make this decision without seeking essential information or community input.

Despite the fact that there are already generous variance and floor space ratio (FSR) bonuses for homeowners in the QPHCA, there are those who will exploit the current HRA policy to gain further advantage, now and in the future. History shows us that when there are no clear policies in place, Queen’s Park becomes a prime target for unsympathetic development.

If you oppose the premature lifting of the freeze on HRA applications in the City’s only protected heritage area, we strongly encourage you to make your voice heard. Contact your City Councillor directly or send an email to Mayor and Council at clerks@newwestcity.ca.

We believe in the power of collective action. By uniting our voices, we can work towards a more transparent and equitable decision-making process for Heritage Revitalization Agreement applications, not only in Queen’s Park but in every neighbourhood in our city.

Sincerely,

Deane Gurney, President

Heritage New West 

newwestheritage@gmail.com

Update

Heritage New West urging council to reconsider freeze on applications

by Theresa McManus 21October2023