Home: New Westminster Community
New Westminster is the oldest municipality in the Lower Mainland, and was once the provincial capital. Its downtown is vibrant, though somewhat seedy. An the city nicely combines post-war suburbia with the Queen’s Park heritage neighbourhood. New Westminster has three SkyTrain stations integrating it into the Lower Mainland and providing quick commuter access to Vancouver (the downside is that there is much through-traffic and an influx of crime). Commuting time to Vancouver is typically 45 minutes, though only 27 by SkyTrain. Westminster Quay, a 14-hectare riverfront development featuring a public market adds character and charm to the community.
Homes
Homes in New Westminster run $505-574,000; and condos can cost $281-295,000.
ew Westminster has a nice mix of housing styles ranging from Victorians through Arts & Crafts bungalows particularly around the downtown Queens Park. There are also a number of new high-rise developments around the Quay. There is a lot of redevelopment at the site of the historic 1878 BC Penitentiary, along the Fraser River, including Fraservew Park and Glenbrooke South. In Queensborough, on Lulu Island (which is mostly part of Richmond), there is the new 24 hectare Port Royal development. Some of the more prestigious neighbourhoods is Victory Heights. The central neighbourhoods of Uptown and Brow of the Hill, around 6th Avenue between Queens Park and Moody Park, are mostly apartments and condos.
Schools
New Westminster has 45 elementary, a huge junior-secondary school complex, and has several French immersion opportunities. The downtown campus of Douglas College offers two year programs as well as one or two-year university transfer programs. The new Justice Institute of BC offers training for police, fire, ambulance, court and corrections personnel. Simon Fraser University in neighbouring Burnaby offers business and arts degrees. BC Institute of Technology on Willingdon offers a variety of technical programs.
Shopping
New Westminster shopping has much variety, including the Westminster Quay and the Farmers Market, the new Columbia Square shopping centre, and Royal Square. For a destination shopping experience, many locals head to Burnaby’s 500 store Metrotown.
Recreation
New Westminster has lots of parks a short distance from everybody. Moody and Queen’s are urban oases, and Hume Park on the Brunette River provides a more nature-oriented escape. There are several swimming pools (including the impressive Canada Games Pool), ice arenas, a stadium, even a Childrens’ Zoo. The community’s history also provides a number of museums.
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Community Map
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