Heritage Protection and Incentives

New Westminster has several tools to help protect and conserve properties with heritage value. Some provide legal protection, while others offer incentives that can help make conservation and appropriate change more viable.

The information below summarizes the City of New Westminster’s current heritage protection and development tools. For the most current requirements and to confirm what applies to a specific property, please refer to the City’s Heritage Protection and Development webpage.

Queen’s Park Heritage Conservation Area

The Queen’s Park Heritage Conservation Area (QPHCA) was established in 2017 to help retain the neighbourhood’s heritage character while allowing for appropriate change. The HCA places particular emphasis on protecting the character of the streetscape and ensuring that major design elements of new construction and alterations are compatible with the neighbourhood.

The HCA grew out of a community-led process. In 2013, Heritage New West and the Queen’s Park Residents’ Association brought concerns about the demolition of historic homes to City Council, helping spark the Queen’s Park Neighbourhood Heritage Study. A City-appointed Working Group of local residents, including representatives from both organizations, subsequently helped guide the study and development of the HCA. The City adopted the Queen’s Park Heritage Conservation Area in June 2017.

Today, homes within the HCA are classified as Protected or Non-protected, with different requirements applying to each category. Depending on the property's protection level, a Heritage Alteration Permit may be required for certain renovations, demolition, new construction or laneway and carriage houses. The City also provides an incentives program for Protected properties.

The QPHCA provides an example of how heritage conservation can be approached in other New Westminster neighbourhoods, where historic homes and distinctive streetscapes contribute to the character of our city.

Incentives for Protected Properties

According to the City, Protected properties are eligible for a number of benefits, including:

The City also offers meetings with Planning staff for owners and residents of Protected properties in Queen’s Park. These meetings can help clarify heritage requirements and options for buying, selling, building or renovating a property.

Queen’s Park Heritage Conservation Area – City of New Westminster

Building or Renovating in Queen’s Park – City of New Westminster

What Does “Protected” Mean?

The level of heritage protection affects what approvals may be required for renovations, additions, new construction and demolition.

For example, the City requires a Heritage Alteration Permit (HAP) for certain exterior changes to Protected homes that are visible from the street. Standard maintenance and some work at the rear of a home or inside the property do not require a HAP.

The City’s Heritage Protection Map and Queen’s Park property lists can help determine whether a property is Protected or Non-protected. The City recommends contacting the Planning Division to confirm a property's status.

Can a Non-protected Home Become Protected?

Yes. Owners of Non-protected properties in the Queen’s Park HCA who believe their home has heritage value can apply to have it added to the City’s Heritage Register.

If the application is successful, the property becomes part of the Protected category and is eligible for the incentives available to Protected properties. There is no fee to apply.

Heritage Revitalization Agreements

A Heritage Revitalization Agreement (HRA) is another way to conserve a heritage property. It is a voluntary agreement negotiated between a property owner and the City in exchange for retaining and restoring the heritage building and providing long-term legal protection through Heritage Designation.

HRAs can provide non-financial development incentives tailored to the property and circumstances. Each agreement is unique and must ultimately be approved by Council.

Heritage Revitalization Agreements – City of New Westminster

Other Heritage Protection Tools

The City recognizes several forms of heritage protection, including:

It also uses development tools such as Heritage Revitalization Agreements and Heritage Alteration Permits to manage change to protected properties.

Heritage Grants

As of 2026, the City of New Westminster is in the process of developing a new approach to funding its grant program for designated heritage homes.