City to proceed with Heritage Review -- but will not cancel Street Light Replacement contract
June 24, 2025: At the June 23 New Westminster City Council meeting, staff recommendations to cancel the Massey Victory Heights street light replacement contract and proceed with a heritage review and consultation were partially adopted. The City will continue with the construction contract for Areas 1 and 2, while also undertaking a heritage assessment and engaging with the community.
Watch HNW President Deane Gurney's June 16, 2025 presentation and Council discussion.
While Council approved moving ahead with a formal heritage review and community consultation, they did not agree to cancel the construction contract at this time, as recommended by City staff.
Council endorsed one of two staff recommendation from the June 23, 2025 report.
"THAT Community Services staff be directed to conduct the research and community consultation required to complete a heritage assessment of the street light standards in the Massey Victory Heights area and share the findings with Council and the community."
The other staff recommendation to cancel the construction contract for Areas 1 and 2 was not approved. It was replaced with:
"THAT Engineering Services staff proceed with Phases 1 and 2 while working with the Heritage Assessment and the community to protect and preserve existing light poles as decorative elements where possible and in a way that celebrates the neighbourhood’s unique history."
This is the City's MVH Street Lights Improvement Project Map.
This outcome is a partial win for the Massey Victory Heights Residents Association (MVHRA) and Heritage New West, who worked together to advocate for preservation of the neighbourhood’s distinctive mid-century capped-top street lights. A petition organized by Heritage New West gathered 153 signatures and helped bring this issue to Council’s attention.
The City's heritage assessment process—expected to take 3–4 months—will include archival research, resident engagement, and a Statement of Significance to evaluate the cultural and historical value of the existing lamp standards.
Heritage New West remains committed to supporting the MVHRA and participating in the consultation process. We thank City staff for acknowledging the importance of heritage in this project and encourage continued community involvement as the review proceeds.
Still concerned about this issue? Here’s what you can do:
If you support preserving the heritage-style street lights in the Massey Victory Heights neighbourhood, email City of New Westminster Mayor and Council at: mayorandcouncillors@newwestcity.ca or present your views to Council.
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