Ask the Mayoral Candidates - 2026
Recently, Heritage New West sent a list of questions relating to heritage conservation in New Westminster to our mayoral candidates, Daniel Fontaine, New West Progressives, and Patrick Johnstone, Community First. We will publish the responses to the questions listed below prior to October 17, Election Day.
First, the City's statement on Heritage:
"Heritage conservation is a key contributor to sustainable communities, connecting to each of the environmental, cultural, social and economic pillars of sustainable development. In New Westminster, heritage buildings and homes are valued for their contribution to unique, characterful neighbourhoods, connections to community histories, and opportunities for economic development. They reflect the forces that shape a community and are the tangible elements of the past that help make this community unique.” – City of New Westminster |
Heritage New West has been the voice of heritage advocacy in New Westminster for over 45 years. Given New West's remarkable built heritage and the cultural, educational, economic and intangible benefits it provides, we believe this rich and irreplaceable legacy is a collective community asset. We want to understand how the candidates would prioritize heritage conservation and what actions they would take to protect and support these assets over the next four years.
We invite the mayoral candidates to respond to these questions:
1. New Westminster’s Strategic Priorities Plan* identifies five areas of focus. The conservation of our built heritage – considered to be among the richest architectural legacies in the province – is not included. Do you support the conservation of our architectural heritage as a strategic priority for the City, and if so, how would you incorporate it into the Strategic Plan?
2. Cities throughout BC offer grant programs that aid the owners with the exterior maintenance of their designated heritage homes. Do you support a City-funded grant program for owners of designated heritage homes in New Westminster and, if so, what program or process would you undertake to implement it?
3. Most of New Westminster’s iconic heritage architecture is privately owned. These are the heritage homes, buildings and streetscapes that are a magnet to the film industry, bringing significant revenue to City Hall. In 2025, film permits alone generated more than $1.18 million for the City, not to mention spin-off benefits for our local economy. This revenue helps deliver City services to all New Westminster residents. How will you capitalize on and enhance the benefits of these heritage assets and the public benefits they provide?
* New Westminster’s Strategic Priorities Plan
1. Community Belonging and Connecting
2. Homes and Housing Options
3. People Centred Economy
4. Safe Movement of People
5. Asset Management and Infrastructure
