New Westminster Environmental Almanac (2917 ... - Douglas College

New Westminster
Environmental
Almanac
By Greg Norton
Cover graphics and design by Zuleika Gedeon
Douglas College Institute of Urban Ecology

Acknowledgments
There are many people that must be thanked that have helped to
produce this almanac. The entire process started with Val Schaefer who
believed that New Westminster would benefit from such a resource and
supervised the project. I would like to thank many people from the City
of New Westminster, in particular Mary De-Paoli and Mary Pynenburg
whose ideas, information and assistance were invaluable to this process.
The contributions of Renee Chadwick, Travis Deeter, Archie and Dale
Miller, Joyce Murray, Mary De-Paoli, Nadine Pinnell, and Becky Smith
were all greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank the following for
their thoughtful comments on the early drafts of this almanac: Peter
Abley, Pat Connolly, Mary De-Paoli, Mary Pynenburg, Val Schaefer,
Stephen Scheving, Paul Skydt, and Jamie Umpleby. Funding for the
almanac was provided by the Georgia Bsin Ecosystem Initiative.
ISBN: 1-896019-21-8

Table of Contents
Foreword 1
Introduction and Overview 2
Brief History of New Westminster 3
Status of Original Ecosystems Prior to
Development 5
Historical Land Use 10
Parks and Greenspaces 24
Waterway Profiles 39
Other Environmental Concerns 45
Stewardship Groups in New Westminster 49
City of New Westminster Stewardship
Initiatives 54
Community and Industry Initiatives 59
Environmental Citizenship 64
Other Resources – Websites 73
Bibliography 75

Foreword
Dear Royal City Residents:
By The Honourable Joyce Murray,
Minister of Water, Land, and Air Protection
and MLA for New Westminster
www.joycemurraymla.bc.ca
I invite you to enjoy, learn from, be inspired by, this Environmental Almanac. It
demonstrates how members of our community are involved in an astonishing
variety of constructive, practical and effective activities to improve the quality of
our urban environment.
What makes New Westminster a great place to live? Things like access to
hospitals and colleges; well-functioning emergency services; a range of jobs and
economic opportunities; networks of people and organizations supporting those
in need. A healthy, physical environment adds to this quality of life.
By connecting the people of the Royal City to groups and ideas, the New
Westminster Environmental Almanac makes a substantial contribution to
maintaining and improving the physical environment and liveability of our city.
The Almanac provides you with wealth of interesting information about the
Royal City, and about the many dimensions of our urban ecology.
Reading the Almanac will inspire people to take care of nature in their urban
setting, and encourage a sense of optimism about the wide range of practical
solutions. Whether your interest is protecting natural areas, restoring fish
habitat, or creating a community garden, the Almanac provides you with
opportunities and contacts.
So I encourage you, not only to read New Westminster’s Environmental
Almanac, but to put its practical suggestions into action. Individuals making wise
choices in their everyday lives can and will make New Westminster a more
sustainable and liveable city for all its residents.
1

Introduction & Overview
Introduction and Overview
New Westminster has had a long and rich history in the province of
British Columbia. Its beginning as the capital city for the colony of BC,
its location along the banks of the Fraser River, and today as the hub of
the Greater Vancouver Regional District, has made and maintains New
Westminster as a key municipality in this province. New Westminster
was once thought of as a “frontier town”, surrounded by the dense and
vast wilderness of Western Canada. In the last one hundred and twenty
years the great forests that enclosed New Westminster were transformed
into the neighbouring communities of Burnaby and Coquitlam,
Richmond and Surrey.
New Westminster has not escaped the rapid growth of our region.
However, unlike other municipalities, there is very little undeveloped
land onto which the population can expand. This growth puts a heavy
pressure on the environmental health of the community and even more so
in an urban centre like New Westminster, where green space and natural
areas are at a premium.
This book addresses the existing natural environment of New
Westminster, how to maintain the city’s environment, as well as the
initiatives that are in motion to maintain and improve environmental
quality and quantity.
New Westminster, 1865
2
New Westminster Public Library

Brief History of New Westminster
Prior to European settlement, there were a number of First Nation sites
located within the present day City boundaries. According to the Stol:o –
Coast Salish Historical Atlas and the Indian Communities and Natural
Resources of the Early Lower Mainland map, produced by the
Vancouver Sun, most settlements were seasonal gathering places. People
of the Sto:lo Nation would gather along the banks of the Fraser each year
to fish for salmon or gather berries. The best-known site is probably the
fishing village of Statelew (also know as Skaiametl), located along
Glenbrooke Creek, downriver from the present day former BC
Penitentiary grounds. The Schechi:les settlement was also located along
Glenbrooke Creek but upriver from the former Penitentiary grounds.
Another fishing camp may have existed across from Poplar Island in the
North Arm of the Fraser River. Poplar Island was actually used as a
smallpox quarantine area in the 1800’s, where there is believed to be a
number of unmarked graves of smallpox victims. The only year-round
village located near New Westminster was the Skwekwte’xwqen site at
the mouth of the Brunette River.
The first definite account of European explorers at near New
Westminster was Simon Fraser in 1808. At the time Fraser was working
for the Northwest Fur Company and believed he was traveling down the
Columbia River in search of an overland route to the Pacific. When
Simon Fraser drifted past in his canoes, the site of today’s New
Westminster was the site of one permanent and a number of seasonal
First Nation fishing villages. It was not until 1827 that the Hudson’s Bay
Company erected a fur-trading post at Fort Langley, 20 km upriver from
present day New Westminster. Other than an HBC trading post, no other
European settlements existed within the Fraser Valley until 30 years later
with the discovery of gold in the Thompson and Fraser River basins.
The discovery of gold in the interior of British Columbia, then known as
“New Caledonia”, brought thousands of prospectors north from the
recently spent California Gold Rush with 27 000 prospectors arriving in
1858 alone. From Victoria, James Douglas, Governor of Vancouver
Island, became worried that American expansion would accompany the
influx of prospectors into the sparsely defended British territory. He
therefore requested from Queen Victoria that a new mainland colony be
3
History of New Westminster

History of New Westminster
created and a new capital city be built. Queen Victoria agreed, naming
the colony British Columbia and sending a company of the Royal
Engineers, headed by Colonel R.C. Moody, to survey and build the
capital for the new colony.
Colonel Moody’s main selection criterion for the location of the capital
was that it must be easily defendable to an American invasion. His first
choice was at the junction of the Pitt, Coquitlam and Fraser Rivers,
however, before clearing began he decided to move the site downstream
to allow for access by deep-sea ships. The final location was settled upon
because; it was the first high ground from the mouth of the Fraser; it was
accessible to deep-sea ships; and, the wide expanse of the Fraser River to
the south acted as a natural barrier to invasion.
The first site cleared was just north of the present day former BC
Penitentiary grounds and was used as a camp for the Royal Engineers
while they worked on building the rest of the city. The Royal Engineers
were a busy, not only were they responsible for clearing the dense west
coast wilderness and building a capital city, but they also had the
responsibility of surveying the area, creating and publishing maps,
building roads and trails, and providing law and order to the new colony.
It has been remarked that the Royal Engineers accomplished more for
British Columbia than any other group.
The original name of the capital was Queensborough, named by Colonel
Moody. However, Governor Douglas was unhappy with this name and
wanted it changed. The disagreement was sent to Queen Victoria to
resolve and she replied by naming the new capital New Westminster.
In 1859, New Westminster became the first capital city of the mainland
colony of British Columbia and in 1860 became the first “City” west of
the Great Lakes. However, in 1868 the capital was moved to Victoria.
4

Status of Original Ecosystems Prior to
Development
Prior to European colonization and development, the original area of
New Westminster would have been a slope covered by dense forests
extending down to lush wetlands along the foreshore of an unpolluted
vast river.
Forests
When Colonel Moody chose the site of New Westminster for the capital
city of BC, the area was described as nothing more than a steep hill
covered in dense forest. New Westminster lies in the Coastal Western
Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone. Biogeoclimatic zones are based upon
what plant species will ultimately dominate the area. This implies that
given enough time, forests in this area will end up being dominated by
Hemlock. In reality the coastal rainforest that covered the area now
known as New Westminster was most likely a mix of Hemlock, Western
Red Cedar and Douglas Fir. The common understory plants would have
been shade tolerant shrubs such as, Salal, Dull Oregon Grape, Red and
Evergreen Huckleberry, and various fern species. Deciduous trees such
as alder and black cottonwood would probably have covered areas such
as around the esges of Poplar Island and the Sapperton Middle Grounds,
similar to today. The reason for this is that these two areas are frequently
disturbed by flooding during spring and by erosion due to the natural
flow of the river. Alder and cottonwood are very fast growing species so
they tend to colonize areas soon after a disturbance. However, they
cannot compete over time with the slower growing conifers such as
Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar.
5
Status of Original Ecosystems

Status of Original Ecosystems
Wetlands
Wetlands are any area of land that is covered by shallow water for at
least part of the year. This includes saltwater and freshwater marshes,
which are dominated by grasses and sedges, swamps, which are
dominated by trees, and bogs. Swamps are characteristic of tropical
environments while marshes and bogs generally occur in more temperate
areas. Within the Lower Mainland, both bogs and marshes can be found.
Prior to European colonization, marshes would have lined both banks of
the Fraser River far upriver of New Westminster. Historically, marshes
have been thought of as waste lands difficult to develop because of their
water content. Many have been dyked, drained, and filled in to
accommodate agricultural and urban developments. The marshes of the
Fraser have not escaped this pattern. The best remaining example of
marshes today can be found in west Delta,
around the Westham Island Bird
Sanctuary, and off Lulu Island in
Richmond.
Around New Westminster, most of the
Fraser foreshore would have been
marshes. Today the only remnants of the
once widespread marshes are around
Poplar Island and the south bank of
Queensborough (Lulu Island) in the
Annacis Channel. Fortunately, the value of
marshes is generally recognized now and
there has been a great deal pressure to preserve what marshland there is
left. In fact due to initiatives such as the Fraser River Estuary
Management Program there has been a net gain of marshland in the
Fraser Estuary of 215, 965m 2 between 1986 and 2000.
Marshes are extremely productive ecosystems, especially when located
in the already rich estuary environment. Cattails, sedges, and rushes
dominate the typical marsh. Many types of wildlife thrive in the
productive and protective environment of a marsh. Water in marshes is
generally slow moving allowing for a build up of nutrient rich organic
matter, which fuels a large and complex food web. Today over 2 million
6
GVRD

irds use the marshes of the Fraser either as permanent habitat or as a
stop over point along the Pacific Flyway. The Marsh Wren and American
Coot build their nests amongst cattails, while the Great Blue Heron and
birds of prey such as Bald Eagle and Marsh Hawk hunt for fish and
amphibians in the shallow water of marshes. The Snow Goose, famous
for its flocks of tens of thousands of birds, is an annual visitor to the
Fraser River delta, relying on the marshes to provide food throughout the
winter. Many juvenile fish, including salmon, use the sheltered water
among the reeds and cattails as a rearing area; other fish will spend all
their lives in or near a marsh. Adult salmon, returning from the ocean,
congregate here before moving up the Fraser to spawn. Also, mammals
such as raccoons, muskrats, shrews, weasels, and opossums may all be
found in marshes.
Bogs are the second type of wetland found in the Lower Mainland.
Burns Bog is the largest remaining bog in the lower mainland and is the
largest undeveloped urban landmass in North America. Bogs used to be
found throughout the Lower Mainland, one still exists in Richmond, in
the Richmond Nature Park. This bog used to cover a much larger area of
Lulu Island and extended into the Queensborough area.
Marsh along Annacis Island
7
Status of Original Ecosystems
GVRD

Status of Original Ecosystems
Fraser River and the Delta
The Fraser has been flowing into
the Pacific for at the least the last
ten thousand years, since the end
of the last ice age. However, as
the sea level rose due to melting
ice sheets, the mouth of the Fraser
River valley was flooded.
The mainland portion of New
Westminster remained dry, as it
was located on higher ground. At this time, the land where
Queensborough is located did not exist and Point Roberts was an island
off the coast.
Over time the Fraser River
continuously deposited its
sediment load as the river
released from the confines of the
Fraser Canyon. Gradually, the
sediment formed into islands at
the mouth of the river. Some of
these islands were only
temporary, others continued to
grow and meld into one another to
create larger islands and form a recognizable delta. During spring
freshet, the increased water flow due to the melting snow pack, the river
would often breach its channels and redistribute previously deposited
sediment. The main channels of
the river used to creep across the
face of the delta, constantly
looking for the easiest route to the
ocean.
In the 1800s and early 1900s
people began to dyke the shores
of the River to drain land for
agricultural use and reduce
flooding, confining the channels
to their present locations.
8
Growth of the Fraser River Delta
10 000 years ago
5 000 years ago
Today
Natural Resources Canada
Natural Resources Canada
Natural Resources Canada

Lost Streams
Originally, there were many small streams flowing into the Fraser River.
Although today streams are considered to be an asset to the natural
environment of a city, for many years they were often seen as hindrances
to development. In the Lower Mainland, most streams have been filled in
or placed in culverts over the past century and more. Vancouver, Burnaby
and Richmond have seen the greatest loss of their original stream
networks. New Westminster has lost most of its streams as well. The
most significant is the loss of the upper part of Glen Creek, which at one
point extended up to 10 Avenue near New Westminster Secondary
School (see Glenbrook Creek). A few smaller streams used to empty into
the Fraser near the Patullo Bridge and between Eight Street and Fourth
Street. There were numerous streams of which no record was made and
are now lost to memory.
9
Status of Original Ecosystems

Historical Land Use
Historical Land Use
An Overview of Industrial Development in the Royal City
By Archie and Dale Miller of A Sense
of History Research Services Inc.
New Westminster was founded in 1859 as the result of the discovery of
gold along the Fraser River. The influx of prospectors and others created
a need for a mainland centre for government services, communications,
law and order, taxation, and so on, throughout the Colony. New
Westminster rapidly grew to become the mercantile centre of the
Mainland, retaining this position for many years even after the founding
of Vancouver.
In many communities, the waterfront, if there was one, became the focus
of industry. There were several reasons for this: ease of both incoming
and outgoing transportation, less expensive land which could be covered
with decking and wharves, and the water which provided an efficient
industrial waste disposal site. This was especially true if the industry was
situated on a river or tidal water. Industry and business controlled most
of early New Westminster’s waterfront, and it wasn’t until the mid 1980s
that the focus began to change and residential, community, and ancillary
uses changed the City’s riverfront.
The community’s industrial heritage can be easily outlined, starting at
the City’s upriver boundary and proceeding downstream. The area from
the mouth of the Brunette River to the Coquitlam border, has had
industrial uses since the community’s earliest days. The primary
industrial uses included, among many others, lumber mills and the wood
industry, foundries, a glass factory, a slaughterhouse. Just inland from
this site there has been a brewery for many years and there used to be a
distillery as well. This has always been a heavily used industrial area.
From the mouth of the Brunette River to the bridges, except for the large
area in front of the Royal Engineers’ Camp/BC Penitentiary site, now
Sapperton Landing, has had a number of industrial enterprises as well. A
couple of small fish canneries, a small saw mill, and a major cannery
specializing in fruit and vegetables, were in this stretch of waterfront.
Prior to the new park, but after the Pen closed in 1980, a number of small
businesses occupied this area.
10

New Westminster’s shoreline downriver from the bridges (rail, Pattullo,
and SkyBridge), all the way to the Burnaby border near the
Queensborough Bridge, was home to light and heavy industrial
businesses from the early days of the City to the mid 1980s. Major
enterprises included lumber mills, a paper mill, a chemical plant, gravel
and rock supply, foundries and iron/metal work, railroad, and fish
canneries.
Other business in the same area included shipping and storage, docking
facilities, ice making and cold storage, a woollen mill, an evaporator
plant, grain and feed supply, minor boat works, a Public Works
Fraser Mills , 1905
Department wharf, and railway storage area. It is also important to
remember that the Queensborough side of the river had a major
concentration of mills, canneries, foundries, pipe manufacturers, boat
and shipbuilding, an aircraft repair site, and an array of smaller activities.
Note also that Poplar Island was used as a shipbuilding site during World
War I.
Just inland from this waterfront area of industry and associated
businesses, a number of other industrial sites of various sizes operated
for many years. These included streetcar manufacturing, foundry and
metal work, a gas works and an electric plant, a tannery, shipping and
cartage, and blacksmith shops, as well as City markets, cigar
11
Historical Land Use
New Westminster Public Library

Historical Land Use
manufacturers, and large institutions such as an “insane asylum”, a
penitentiary and jail, and two hospitals.
There was a tremendous amount of industrial activity in New
Westminster, most of it centred along the waterfront. There is still lots of
commerce in the City but it has changed a great deal over the years and
its hold on the river’s edge has diminished substantially. You can still
find lumber, paper, shipping, and shipbuilding along the river, but times
have changed. Little of the industrial past of this City is clearly visible,
but what is evident is the effect that all that business had on the City, its
evolution and development.
The City’s waterfront was strongly work oriented, with a huge range of
businesses. As the needs of businesses, and of industry in particular have
changed, the focus has moved away from the easy access of a waterfront
to other locations, and the City has begun to reclaim, as other cities
around the world have done, its river heritage and access. All this being
said, it is important to remember that the businesses and industries
mentioned here, many now only distant memories, did much to establish
the City and to create its community base, population, identity and
prosperity.
New Westminster’s waterfront, 1907
12
New Westminster Public Library

Land Use Today
The population of New Westminster has had an overall rising
trend to the current population of 54 656 people. This trend can
be seen all over the Greater Vancouver Regional District. As
populations have increased in the region so has the development
of natural areas. To deal with the increased population and
development, municipal and regional governments have created
plans to deal with community structure in the future. During the
1970’s the GVRD began working on a Liveable Region Strategic
Plan, which concentrated on regional land use and transportation.
The plan is intended to control urban sprawl and pollution caused
by motor vehicle use. The goal is to create more complete and
compact communities, known as Regional Town Centres. This
involves concentrating high-density homes close to retail outlets,
places of employment, established transit routes and
greenspaces. The idea is to construct compact communities that
have lower auto dependency, but have a dense enough
population that a transit system, walkways and bike paths would
be feasible options to fill those requirements.
New Westminster was named as one of the GVRD’s Regional Town
Centres and has adopted its own Official Community Plan that is
consistent with the Liveable Region Strategic Plan but outlines local
policies and goals. Today, New Westminster can be viewed as a
good example of the Liveable Region Strategic Plan vision:
Over the past 20 years the percentage of single-family
dwellings has decreased while the percentage of all forms of higher
density homes have increased.
The percentage of New Westminster residents using transit (18.9%)
is almost double that of the entire GVRD (10.3%).
New bike and trail systems have become a priority for the
City, including the Cross-Town Greenway and
Queensborough Perimeter Trail.
99% of homes are within 0.5 km of a park
13
Land Use Today

Weather in New Westminster: temperature
Due to New Westminster’s
location next to the Pacific
Ocean, the city’s temperature is
mild in relation to most other
parts of Canada.
New Westminster statistical areas
D = Downtown
Q = Queensborough
S = Sapperton
U = Uptown
W = Westend
14
Lowest and highest daily average
temperatures from around Canada
* All temperature data for New Westminster
taken from Surrey-Newton weather station, as it
is the closest active weather station to New Westminster with temperature data.

Mean Daily
Temperature*
(celsius)
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov
15

Land Use Today
Housing
Downtown
(Including the neighbourhood of Downtown and small portions of
Brow of the Hill, Queen’s Park, and Uptown)
The downtown area, bounded on by Queen’s Ave to the north, the Fraser
River to the south and west and Mcbride Blvd to the east, has historically
been the commercial and industrial centre of the city. In the past 15
years, the focus of this community has shifted from industrial/
commercial to residential commercial, especially along the waterfront.
The Westminster Quay commercial and residential projects have had a
major role in this shift. The majority of the residential property in the
Downtown area is in the form of multiple-family housing, either
apartments or townhouses. In 2001, only 1% of the household units were
single-family dwellings, while 80% the household units were either
apartment suites or townhouses complexes.
Queensborough
Queensborough is located on the eastern tip of Lulu Island, adjacent to
Richmond. This area is the least developed of the major areas of New
Westminster and therefore has been the community where most low rise/
low-density housing has been added in the past 10 years. In 2001, 42%
of the household units were single-family dwellings and only 6% were
either apartments or townhouses. This community is focused on lowdensity
and medium density housing. The ideas of compact settlement
and the placement of transit stops, sidewalks, and bike paths to
encourage environmentally friendly transportation are still present in the
community’s planning policies (see Port Royal, page 17).
16
New Westminster Planning Department

Port Royal
Port Royal is a relatively new development on the eastern tip of
Queensborough that is an example of the direction communities will
be planned and built in the future.
The main theme of Port Royal is a community with various housing
types and a riverfront atmosphere. There exists a mixture of low-rise
apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. The next phase of
this development will feature row housing and cluster homes, one of
the first of its kind in the Lower Mainland.. These forms of singlefamily
dwellings are very land efficient and are found extensively in
Eastern North America, but new to the Lower Mainland.
To compensate for small or absent garden space the Queensborough
community has established a community garden in Port Royal. The
community garden has individual plots that can be rented by
residents who wish to grow fruits or vegetables but are unable to on
their own property (see Port Royal Community Garden, page 62).
Extensive walking and bike paths promote non-motorized transport.
A community green, extensive viewpoints, and access to the Fraser
River help this development remain as environmentally friendly as
possible.
Port Royal
17
Land Use Today
New Westminster Planning Department

Land Use Today
Sapperton
(Including the neighbourhoods of Brunette Creek, Glenbrooke
South, Sapperton, and Victory Heights)
Sapperton is the entire area south of Tenth Ave and east of McBride
Boulevard to the Brunette River. Housing in Sapperton is highly mixed.
In 2002, the proportion of single-family dwellings (34%) was about
equal to the proportion of apartment units (33%). However, there are also
a significant number of buildings that have been converted into multiple
units and townhouse complexes (23%). These ratios will soon change
with the planned development of the Woodlands lands. The development
will include 1270 medium and high-density housing units, such as
apartments and townhouse complexes as well as 280 non-market housing
units. Sapperton is also the location of the majority of the City’s
institutional units, which includes hospital and intensive care beds.
Future rendition of the Fraserview lands
18
Janusz Malysz, Architectura for BCBC

Fraserview - contains Woodlands and former BC Penitentiary site
Much of New Westminster’s early history took place on the present day
Fraserview lands. Even before Colonel Moody arrived, the Statelew Indian
village was located along the banks of the Glen River (Glenbrooke Ravine).
The Royal Engineers originally landed just below the Woodlands property.
The first clearing made by the Royal Engineers was made just east of the
former BC Penitentiary and was the camp for the sappers that would end up
clearing the rest of the original New Westminster town site. As parrt of the
terms for the entry of British Columbia in the Canadian Confederation, the
Federal Government promised to build a penitentiary and mental hospital.
The area around Glenbrooke Ravine became the home for both of these
institutions until 1981 when the BC Penitentiary was closed. In 1996,
Woodlands hospital also closed.
Besides its historical value, Woodlands is also a valuable natural asset to the
City. Due to its steep slopes the Gleenbrook Ravine has been left relatively
undisturbed and is perhaps the City’s most “natural” area. Over 90 species
of plants have been found in the Ravine providing habitat for a diversity of
wildlife ranging from Black-capped Chickadees to cabbage white butterflies
to coyotes.
Both the historical and environmental aspects of Woodlands were major
influences on the planning for the future development of the lands. The new
Woodlands community will include a number of the original buildings that
will be upgraded and renovated. This will help retain some of the historic
character of the area. By recycling some of the buildings construction waste
will be reduced along with the amount of resources required to construct
new buildings. There will also be a Hope Centre providing medical
services, a small commercial centre, an art gallery, and potentially a small
school. All new residential buildings have been rezoned at either medium
density or high density (townhouses and apartments) in accordance with the
Official Community Plan.
Some 9.1 hectares (22.5 acres) of the 26.3 hectare (65 acres) site will be
reserved as greenspace. This will increase the City’s present greenspace
inventory by 8%. The greenspaces will include 5.54 hectares of ravine land
(in addition to Glenbrooke Ravine Park), a Front Lawn, a Centre Park, and
two greenways. The parks as well as all other developments have been
planned to accommodate the retention of large, healthy trees as well as
heritage trees. Some existing parking lots will be converted to
landscaped greenspaces and the existing trail system will be improved
and expanded to encourage walking and 19biking.

Land Use Today
Uptown
(Including the neighbourhoods of Glenbrooke North, Kelvin, and
most of Brow of the Hill, Queens Park, and Uptown)
Uptown refers to the area east of Twelfth Street, west of McBride Blvd,
north of Queen’s Ave, and south of Tenth Ave. The eastern portion of
Uptown was the original suburban neighbourhood of New Westminster
and was mainly single-family dwellings. During World War II however,
application of zoning bylaws were suspended so many of the singlefamily
dwellings were converted to multiple units. There were also many
heritage homes in this area that were converted to two, three, or more
units. Today, single-family dwellings constitute only 14% of housing
units, while apartments and townhouses make up 70% of the total
housing units in the Uptown area.
West End
(Including the neighbourhoods of Connaught Heights, North Arm
North, West End, and a small portion of Brow of the Hill)
The West End is considered to be the area west of Twelfth St to Fenwick
Ave and bounded by the North Arm of the Fraser and Tenth Ave
including the neighbourhoods of Connaught Heights, West End, North
Arm North, and a small portion of Brow of the Hill. This area is
Weather in New Westminster: precipitation
The Coast Mountains force
wet air arriving from the ocean
upwards. As the air rises it
cools and releases its moisture.
For this reason, New
Westminster has a much
wetter climate than other
major cities in Canada.
Lowest and highest average monthly
precipitation from around Canada
* All precipitation data for New Westminster taken from Coquitlam Como Lake Ave
weather station as it is the closest active weather station to New Westminster.
20

dominated by low-density housing. Single-family houses and houses
converted to two units comprise 63% of the total housing units in the
area. Apartments and townhouses account for only 23% of the areas
housing units. As outlined in the Official Community Plan, future
development of this area will be focused towards a medium density,
pedestrian friendly neighbourhood taking advantage of the 22 nd St
SkyTrain station.
Health Care
As the “hub” of the Greater Vancouver Regional District, New
Westminster is an important centre for medical services to the region.
Currently there are two major hospitals and one care centre located
within New Westminster: Royal Columbian Hopsital and Saint Mary’s
Hospital, as well as the Queen’s Park Care Centre. However, the future
of St. Mary’s Hospital is uncertain due to recent plans by the Provincial
government to withdraw funding support. Hospitals provide a sense of
security and importance to the community as well as providing many
jobs. Royal Columbian Hospital is the largest employer in New
Westminster, with over 3000 employees. Both Saint Mary’s and Queen’s
Park Care Centre are also among the top ten employers in the City.
Average monthly
precipitation*
(mm)
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov
21
Land Use Today

Land Use Today
Education
New Westminster has a diversity of educational institutions ranging from
elementary to post-secondary. Currently there are nine elementary
schools, one middle school, and one junior/senior secondary school
constituting School District #40. Another middle school will be added in
Queensborough by January 2003. The School Board is the second largest
employer in New Westminster with 900 employees. Schools in New
Westminster are also the site of many parks and playing fields adding
13.1 hectares (32.4 acres) of greenspace to the City.
Higher-level education institutions include the New Westminster
campus of Douglas College, the BC Justice Institute, Boucher Institute of
Naturopathic Medicine, Sprott-Shaw Community College, and the West
Coast College of Massage Therapists.
Industry
The are occupied by industry in New Westminster, especially in
Downtown and Uptown, has been declining for the last couple of
decades. The fact that historically industrial areas of the City now have
high residential or commercial value as well as the fact that other
municipalities have larger tracts of land available for industry has
attracted some industry elsewhere. Today, most industry is concentrated
along the water front areas of Sapperton, in the Brunette Creek district,
and both the Queensborough and mainland banks of the Fraser’s North
Arm. Warehousing and storage along with wood and paper
manufacturing facilities account for 66% of the City’s industrial floor
space.
Agriculture
Today, the only agricultural areas left in the City are located in
Queensborough. The farms include a poplar tree farm and a small fruit
and vegetable farm and market.
22

New Westminster
Population: 54 656 (2002)
Land Area: 1530 hectares
23 New Westminster Planning Department

Parks and Greenspaces
Parks and Greenspaces
For a highly developed city, New Westminster has significant amount of
parks or greenspace. There are a total of 142 hectares (350.18 acres) of
parks and greenspaces in the City, which equals close to 10% of the total
City area. This includes city parks, community parks, neighbourhood
parks, natural areas, traffic islands, trails, school grounds, and village
greens. Most people agree that greenspaces are desirable and key
components of any community. Whether it is a warm, sunny summer
afternoon with bright flowers and full green leaves or it is a crisp,
blustery fall morning and the trees are decorated in sombre orange,
yellow and burgundy; it is a pleasure for most of us just to look upon a
park. Parks, however, serve purposes other than just breaking up the
concrete of an urban area. For people, parks:
Provide recreation space
Improve neighbourhood appearance
Remove air pollutants
Increase economic value of surrounding areas
Act as noise barriers
Promote neighbourliness
New Westminster is a relatively small City bounded on three sides by
other municipalities and on the fourth side by the Fraser River. Because
of this, there is very little undeveloped natural land that other cities in the
GVRD have the fortune to possess. The result of this is that New
Westminster, in particular, must rely heavily on its parks to provide
environmental benefits.
Plant Habitat – Vegetation is the foundation for most terrestrial food
webs and therefore is the key component of wildlife habitat. The larger
and more diverse the vegetative biomass of an area is, the greater the
amount and diversity of wildlife that area can support.
Wildlife Habitat – The various types of vegetation found in parks provide
food and shelter for all types of wildlife. Because of the space, parks are
able to support larger populations and a greater diversity of species than
is possible in smaller green areas, such as backyards. This helps to
maintain robust natural communities that can withstand disturbance, a
key characteristic for wildlife in the urban setting.
24

25
Parks and Greenspaces
Habitat Connectivity – Parks provide opportunities for wildlife to travel
to other greenspaces outside New Westminster. This improves their food
supply and breeding opportunities.
Protection for Streams and Rivers – Streams and rivers drain excess
surface water as well as support fish populations. New Westminster has
already lost almost all streams to development. The vegetative cover in
parks helps maintain low water temperature as well as stabilize banks
and reduce erosion of sediment into the water.
Pervious Surfaces – Much of New Westminster’s surfaces are concrete
or asphalt. Precipitation runs off into the storm drain system (not all are
connected to a waste water treatment plant) carrying away any
contaminants that were on the concrete or asphalt. Parks provide
pervious ground surfaces that allow precipitation to enter the
groundwater system, which acts as a filter and storage for excess water.
The amount of parks and greenspaces in New Westminster has increased
significantly over the past 40 years. Since 1960, 36 hectares (90 acres)
has been added to the City’s inventory, which is a 50% increase. Another
8% will be added with the proposed development of the Woodlands
property (see Fraserview, page 19).

Parks and Greenspaces
Parks, green space, and trails of New Westminster
26

27
Parks and Greenspaces

Parks and Greenspaces
Queens Park
(30.35 hectares, 75.00 acres)
Bordered on its four sides by First Street, Sixth Ave, McBride
Boulevard, and Royal Ave, Queen’s Park is the largest greenspace in
New Westminster. At 30.35 hectares, it comprises almost 30% of the
City’s total parkland.
The land for the park was offered to the City by the provincial
government in 1886 and was designated for public use as a park in 1888.
The annual Royal Agriculture and Industrial Society Exhibition was held
here from 1890 until 1929 when a fire destroyed all but one of the
buildings. The only structure to survive that fire was the Vagabond
Theatre, now known as the Bernie Legge Theatre but was originally
constructed in 1909 as a Fisheries building. Today’s petting zoo is just a
reminder of an older zoo built in the park in 1905 that enclosed bear,
wolves, coyotes, deer, and tropical birds. The present zoo opened 45
years after the closure of the original zoo.
Today, Queens Park is known for its variety of excellent recreational and
sport facilities as well as the diversity of its numerous large trees.
Queens Park is home to many plant and animal species. At least 42 plant
species can be found in the Park, including both native and non-native
vegetation. Some of the more notable tree species are:
Douglas Fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii – a native to the west coast
Douglas Fir can grow to be 90m tall and over 1000 years old. Its
thick corky bark is an adaptation to protect it from forest fires.
Western Red Cedar, Thuja plicata – a native to the west coast, was
used extensively by the coastal First Nations to make dugout canoes,
totem poles, clothing and many other items. The wood is naturally
resistant to rotting.
Western Larch (or Western Tamarack), Larix occidentalis – a
native to the west coast is one of the few deciduous coniferous trees.
It loses all its needles during the winter to conserve water.
28

Coastal Redwood, Sequoia sempervirens – a native of northern
California but grows very well in the moist climate of the Lower
Mainland. Coastal Redwoods are even larger than our native
Douglas Fir reaching heights of over 110m and living for more than
2000 years. The tallest recorded tree in the world is a Coastal
Redwood, standing more than twice as high as Niagara Falls at
112m.
Ginkgo biloba – this is the last remaining species of the Ginkgo
genus; there are believed to be no remaining wild stands of Ginkgo
anywhere in the world, but trees were preserved in Chinese and
Japanese temple gardens. It is now widely used in urban settings
because it is resistant to air pollution.
Wildlife in Queens Park includes a number of bird and small mammals.
The most conspicuous residents of the Park are the native Douglas
squirrel and the grey squirrel, which are native to eastern Canada. Coast
moles are also common but not seen as they spend almost their entire
lives underground but leave noticeable mounds of dirt in the lawns.
Other mammals that can be found in Queen’s Park are the raccoon,
coyote, and striped skunk. Bird life in the Park includes Tree Swallows,
Robins, Starlings, Northwestern Crows, and House Finches. If you are
lucky, you may also find pellets from the Great Horned Owl that is
known to occasionally roost in the Park.
Queen’s Park
29
Parks and Greenspaces
Institute of Urban Ecology

Parks and Greenspaces
Moody Park
(9.62 hectares, 23.78 acres)
The idea to create Moody Park, a park created in honour of Colonel
Moody, was generated in 1863. The park was created at a time when
urban parks were intended for recreational purposes more than for nature
conservation. This is reflected in the number of recreation facilities in
the Park including an outdoor pool, a lawn bowling club, a senior’s
recreation centre, a basketball court, a lacrosse box, tennis courts, and
baseball and softball diamonds. There are still a number of large trees
for people looking to enjoy some nature within the City. Many bird
boxes have been put up in the trees to provide shelter for local birds,
which are frequented by House Finches and Tree Swallows. The Douglas
squirrel and coast mole are also common residents of the park.
Tree species found in Moody Park: Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Big
Leaf Maple, Western Red cedar, Oregon White Oak, Giant Filbert,
Northern White Cedar, Horse Chestnut, American Holly, Monkey
Puzzle, and Red Maple.
A trail in Hume Park
30
Institute of Urban Ecology

Hume Park
(11.12 hectares, 27.47 acres)
In 1912, the City of New Westminster bought the land for Hume Park
from the BC Distillery Company. At the time, City officials realized that
areas within the city needed to be set aside for park space before rapid
urban expansion would consume all undeveloped areas. During the
Depression years, the development of Hume Park was meant to alleviate
unemployment.
Located along the banks of the Brunette River, Hume Park provides a
good mixture of recreational and natural areas. The Park can be split into
three tiers: the upper tier with playing fields and a pool, the middle tier
with nature trails, and the lower tier along the Brunette River.
Although the upper tier of Hume Park is focused on recreational uses,
there are still a number of large trees to admire. The Weeping willow,
European Mountain Ash, Hinds Walnut, California Walnut, California
Boxelder, Laburnum, and Oregon Oak found on the upper tier are all
introduced species to this region while Big Leaf Maple is the only native
tree species.
The trails running through the lower tiers of Hume Park are an excellent
place to enjoy native vegetation. Salal, Bleeding Heart, Salmonberry and
various ferns are all native to this region and can be seen growing under
a canopy of Big Leaf Maple, Douglas Fir, and Western Red Cedar.
The presence of the Brunette River brings wildlife, such as beavers and
muskrats, to Hume Park that is not found in many other New
Westminster parks. On occasion, Great Blue Heron and the Belted
Kingfisher can also been seen in the Park. More common fauna in Hume
Park includes ducks, geese, and squirrels.
31
Parks and Greenspaces

Parks and Greenspaces
Sapperton Landing Park
Sapperton Landing Park is an example of how multiple agencies
including government, business and community group can collaborate
and have a positive impact on the environment. The province wanted
New Westminster to allow a new Skytrain line to be built along the
waterfront in Sapperton to extend Skytrain service into Coquitlam and
the Greater Vancouver Regional District wanted access for a major sewer
line. In exchange for this access New Westminster donated a number of
foreshore lots that the City wanted the GVRD to be developed into a
riverfront park. The City of New Westminster and GVRD designed the
park with input from the Fraserview and McBride/Sapperton Residents
Associations and the Brunette Creek Fisherman’s Warf Society.
New Westminster Planning Department
Sapperton Landing Park, occupying 800m of the Fraser’s foreshore, is
located at the mouth of the Brunette River where it empties into the
Fraser River. The site is bordered to the north by train tracks and prior to
development had been subjected to a hundred years of industrial garbage
and boat traffic litter. Foreshore provides valuable habitat to many
species of fish and invertebrates but urban development has damaged
much of the Fraser’s foreshore in New Westminster. At Sapperton one of
the central features is a tidal channel that was designed specifically to
accommodate juvenile salmon. The terrestrial portion of the park has
been planted with native vegetation that supplies ideal habitat for local
wildlife. Bird boxes, which are being cared for by a local Scout group,
add an extra source of shelter for local birds. Recreational facilities
include a pier and docking facilities. This park is to be a key feature in
the GVRD Brunette – Fraser Greenway.
32
Bird boxes, native
vegetation, pathway,
and lookout at
Sapperton Landing
Park

Greenways
Greenways are trail systems that connect a
significant amount of land through urban
areas, often incorporating parks and other
nature areas. Greenways offer residents and
wildlife a valuable source of refuge and
recreation. Greenways provide an escape
from urban life accessible by more areas of a
city than a single park can generally offer.
Greenways are designed to connect important aspects of the City, such as
schools, recreation centers, commercial centers and the waterfront.
Because of this greenways promote the use of walking, biking and other
modes of transport that reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and
production of air pollution. For local wildlife, some greenways are not
only sources of food and shelter but can also act as protected corridors
for travel between large greenspaces such as parks. For wildlife, parks
are like islands, an isolated area that cannot be left without danger. It is
important to bridge these areas in case of disturbance on one island and
to maintain larger populations with a healthy gene pool.
The City has identified eleven possible greenways, including the Crosstown
Greenway, which has already been completed. A major goal for the
City is to connect greenways within New Westminster to greenways in
neighbouring municipalities. Soon, there will be little excuse not to go
for a walk or bike ride around New Westminster
Cross-town Greenway
33
Parks and Greenspaces
The recently completed Cross-town Greenway is a pilot project of
the City’s Greenway Master Plan and a major part of the City’s
Bicycle Plan. The Greenway stretches more than twenty city
blocks along 7 th Avenue, from 20 th St to Hume Park. The
Greenway links Moody Park, Terry Hughes Park, and Hume Park
as well as the Canada Games Pool and two elementary schools.

Parks and Greenspaces
Brunette – Fraser Greenway
As part of the Livable Region Strategic Plan (1996), the GVRD
outlined the development of a regional greenway system. The
pilot project for this system is to be the Brunette-Fraser
Greenway. As of March 2001, 50% of the Greenway had been
developed. When complete, the Greenway will stretch from
Burnaby Mountain Park south to the Fraser River and across to
the New Westminster Quay Waterfront Esplanade connecting
Burnaby Mountain, Stoney Creek, Burnaby Lake Regional Park,
Hume Park, and Westminster Quay. The Greenway will enter
New West at Hume Park. From here it will follow the Brunette
River to Sapperton Landing Park. Future development along this
portion of the Greenway includes over 3km of new walking and
biking trails, revegetation of riverside areas, and observation
platforms. From Sapperton Landing Park the Greenway will
extend to the Westminster Quay by a combination of a new
boardwalk and shoreline trail.
Street Trees
The benefits of trees are not felt only when in large stands such as in
parks; street trees are also valuable environmental assets to the City.
Benefits of street trees area:
Absorb air pollutants (see table 1)
Reduce storm water run-off
Provide wildlife habitat
Save energy costs in buildings (see table 1)
Enhance neighbourhood appearance
New Westminster has many street trees that have historical or cultural
value. Currently, New Westminster has over 8500 street trees, which
does not include any trees on private property. Many of these trees are
characteristically old and large and therefore provide a significant
amount of the services listed above. The City is currently in the process
of creating a bylaw to protect heritage trees and other significant trees.
34

One green ash
tree-LAI of 5
Trees with
LAI of 8
35
Parks and Greenspaces
Table 1. Air pollution reduction and other benefits to the environment
based on different tree species.
Trees with
LAI of ~ 4.5
Trees with
LAI of ~ 4
Trees with
LAI of ~
3.5
Energy
cooling KWh
savings $201.000 $321.6 $180.9 $160.8 $140.7
Heating Mbtu
savings $8.300 $13.28 $7.47 $6.64 $5.81
PM10 (kg.)* 0.945 1.512 0.8505 0.756 0.6615
Ozone (kg)* 0.297 0.4752 0.2673 0.2376 0.2079
Nitrogen dioxide
(kg)* 0.320 0.5112 0.28755 0.2556 0.22365
Sulfur dioxide
(kg)* 0.806 1.2888 0.72495 0.6444 0.56385
Carbon monoxide
(kg)* 0.072 0.1152 0.0648 0.0576 0.0504
Carbon dioxide
(kg)* 164.250 262.8 147.825 131.4 114.975
Hydrology (litre)** 1125.630 1801.008 1013.067 900.504 787.941
Other Benefits
$US 233.800 374.08 210.42 187.04 163.66
Mature Green ash have a leaf area index (LAI) of 5. Lombardy poplar
have an LAI of 8. Urban trees with an approximate LAI of 4.5 are Norway
maple, little leaf linden, European mountain ash, and horse chestnut.
Black locust, silver maple, lime linden, English oak, sycamore are
trees having an approximate LAI of 4. Common ash, Malus spp., and
white willow are examples of species with an LAI of approximately 3.
(*) amount of pollutant removed from atmosphere per year
(**) amount of runoff avoided and saved per year

Parks and Greenspaces
Other Natural Areas
Poplar Island and the Sapperton Middle Grounds
Poplar Island and the Sapperton Middle Grounds lie off the shore of New
Westminster in the Fraser River but are part of the City. Both are
undeveloped and provide a “green” view to New Westminster residents
looking out over the water.
Poplar Island, north arm of the Fraser River
Poplar Island, 14.0 hectares (34.6 acres), is located just inside of the
North Arm of the Fraser between mainland New Westminster and
Queensborough. The Island is densely vegetated by large cottonwood
trees with a very dense understory of salmonberry and blackberry
bushes. It is the only completely undeveloped land in New Westminster
and perhaps has the only undyked river floodplain in the North Arm of
the Fraser. Other than the use of its northern foreshore as an area for log
storage, the Island is left alone. Ownership of Poplar Island has changed
many times over the years. In the 1860’s Poplar Island was designated as
a First Nations reserve; however, this only lasted until 1888 when the
Island was annexed to New Westminster. Two shipbuilding plants were
constructed on the Island during World War I but were both shut down in
1919. The provincial government owned the island until 1938 when it
was passed to the federal government. In 1940, the island was zoned for
industrial use and sold to the City of New Westminster in 1945. In 1948,
the island was sold to the Alaska Pine Company Limited. Many times the
Island has been threatened by industrial development. The associated
36
New Westminster Planning Department

costs of providing the Island with road access, water, electricity and
sewer have kept it undeveloped for over 80 years. Through the late
1960s the future use of the island as industrial or conservation land
continued to be debated.
New Westminster Public Library
Due to the fact that the island has not been dyked, it regularly floods
during spring freshet, creating a rich floodplain habitat. The island
supports significant populations of Canadian Geese and Great Blue
Heron. The Fraser River Estuary Management Progam has identified the
foreshore around the island as valuable fish habitat. Because of this the
future of the island as a natural conservation area is promising. The
island is currently property of the provincial government.
The Sapperton Middle Grounds are a set of islands in the Fraser River
off of Sapperton. These islands are similar to Poplar Island in that they
are covered by cottonwood trees and flood regularly. As with Poplar
Island, the Sapperton Middle Grounds have been labelled as a valuable
conservation area with limited log storage use along their foreshores.
37
Parks and Greenspaces
Launching of the War
Comox from the
Poplar Island shipyards,
1918.

Parks and Greenspaces
Cemeteries
38
By Nadine Pinnell
Cemeteries do not spring to mind when we think about examples of
urban green spaces. They may be places of peaceful sanctuary for us but
we give little thought to their value for wildlife. However, depending on
its design, a cemetery can provide important habitat for some types of
wildlife. While the manicured lawn areas common in most cemeteries
have little habitat value, flowers and shrubs planted throughout the area
can be excellent habitat for butterflies and bees. This is especially true if
most of the flowers and shrubs are native rather than exotic species.
Older cemeteries may have large trees on their grounds that provide
important nesting habitat for birds. Many cemeteries also have unused
areas that are reserved for future expansion. Since these are often left
unmowed, they provide shelter for small mammals and ground-nesting
birds. Even without larger vegetation, unpaved cemetery lawns allow
rainfall to soak into the ground reducing urban run-off. So despite our
first impression, cemeteries can make important contributions to urban
biodiversity.
St Peter’s Cemetery
There are three active cemeteries in New Westminster, Fraser Cemetery
(7.28 hectares), St Peter’s Catholic Cemetery (1.86 hectares) and Schara
Tzedeck (5.87 hectares). Other cemeteries, no longer receiving
internments, are the Penitentiary Cemetery and Woodlands Cemetery.
Combined the grounds of the three active cemeteries equals 15.01
hectares, an area larger than Poplar Island. Considering all cemeteries are
quite old (Fraser Cemetery dates back to 1869) and have a considerable
amount of mature vegetation, these areas potentially provide a significant
amount of wildlife habitat.
Institute of Urban Ecology

Waterway Profiles
Fraser River
The Fraser is the longest river in British Columbia at 1378 km and the
fifth longest in Canada. It drains 25% of the entire province, in which
60% of the province’s population lives. Over thousands of years,
sediment transported by the Fraser and deposited at its mouth has created
the land that we now live on.
The Fraser River is an important social, economic, and environmental
asset to British Columbia as well as Canada and has had and will have a
major influence on the past, present and future of New Westminster. For
a good portion of BC’s history the Fraser has been the main
transportation and communication
channel to the province’s interior. Even
after the decline of paddlewheelers and
other riverboats on the Fraser, the
railroads that took their place followed
the banks of the Fraser for much of their
routes. Today the Fraser still plays an
essential role in the economy of British
Columbia and New Westminster.
Fifty percent of BC’s agricultural lands lie within the Fraser River
Watershed. The Fraser River is the largest salmon-producing river in the
world. More than 800 million juvenile salmon will migrate down the
river each year, supporting a large portion of the commercial fishing
industry. Around New Westminster the Fraser is a key storage area of
raw logs, protecting them from the Toredo worm, a marine mollusc that
devours wood. The Fraser Port is the largest freshwater port in Canada
and is the destination of hundreds of overseas cargo ships. Annually,
about $9.2 billion worth of cargo pass through the Port every year.
Historically the Fraser attracted many industries to New Westminster and
although industry still thrives here, residential and commercial sites have
started to increase in number. Although development along the Fraser has
greatly helped the City become what it is today, it has come at a cost to
the environment.
39
Waterway Profiles

Waterway Profiles
Fraser River Discovery Centre
Salmon may be the most famous and sought after inhabitant of the river,
but the Fraser is actually home to over 75 species of fish. Other than the
five salmon species (Chinook, Chum, Coho, Pink, and Sockeye),
eulachon, lamprey, sculpin, smelt, stickleback, sturgeon, and trout all live
for at least part of their lives in the Fraser. New Westminster is located
along the banks of the estuarine portion of the Fraser, where fresh and
salt water mix. Estuaries are characteristically high in biodiversity due to
the mixing of the two types of water. This means that the foreshore of
New Westminster is valuable habitat to many species of fish. However,
much of New Westminster’s foreshore has been lost to human
development. Today, most of the remaining viable fish habitat is located
along the south banks of Queensborough in the Annacis Channel, around
Poplar Island and Sapperton Middle Grounds. In the City’s Official
Community Plan, these sites have all been identified as important
conservation areas. In addition to these three sites, Sapperton Landing
has been recently transformed from an industrial waste site to a multi-use
park with valuable fish habitat (see page 32). Due to programs such as
the Fraser River Estuary Management Program (FREMP) and Fraser
River Action Plan, much of the remaining valuable habitat has been
identified and management plans have been put in motion. One of the
40
Map of the Fraser River Basin,
the Fraser River and its main
tributaries

most powerful initiatives, put forth by the Department of Fisheries and
Oceans, is the no net loss initiative. This initiative requires that if any of
the remaining valuable habitats, as designated by FREMP, are developed
they must be replaced two fold by the developer. Due to this initiative,
valuable marsh habitat in the main channels of the lower Fraser has
increased over the last decade.
Another concern facing the Fraser River other than loss of habitat is
water quality. Over the years and continuing today countless amounts of
materials are inputted into the Fraser directly and indirectly due to
actions of humans in the Fraser Watershed. From increased sediment and
nutrient loading due to deforestation, to industrial waste, to household
cleaning products, many of the activities that we are involved in have an
affect on the Fraser. It is important to remember that we are at the mouth
of the Fraser River, which drains 233 000km 2 of land. Water quality in
the Fraser River at New Westminster is directly affected by all upstream
discharges into the river as well as the contributions from urbanization in
and around the New Westminster area. Stormwater runoff can contain an
array of pollutants including organic matter, heavy metals, hydrocarbons,
and nutrients. Local practices can provide improvements to the water
quality discharged into the river from around New Westminster, many of
which can be implemented at the idividual level (see page ##).
41
Waterway Profiles

Waterway Profiles
Brunette River
In New Westminster, we see only a small portion of the Brunette River,
which acts as the City’s eastern boundary and empties into the Fraser
River at Sapperton Landing. North of Hume Park, the river extends into
Burnaby, to Burnaby Lake. The entire watershed is 76 km 2 and
comprises land in Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Moody, Coquitlam and New
Westminster. Although it lies in the middle of an urban area, 20% of the
watershed currently remains as protected parks, undeveloped green
spaces, water bodies and wetlands. The Brunette River is an important
link between fish rearing tributaries of the Brunette River watershed and
the Fraser River.
In New Westminster, Brunette River has been subjected to varying
degrees of development. Starting from Hume Park, the River is relatively
undisturbed with a wide band of vegetation along both banks. This
portion of the river is considered to have relatively valuable habitat. The
overhanging vegetation provides cover for fish and shade, which helps to
maintain cool water temperature. Deep pools and boulders provide
rearing habitat to steelhead trout, chinook and coho salmon. There is also
relatively little human access to this part of the River, which is beneficial
to the wildlife that call the River and riparian (stream banks) area their
home. West of Braid Street the value of the River as fish and wildlife
habitat decreases. Riparian vegetation thins out and the River channel
has been purposely straightened as a flood control measure. These
factors along with poor water quality from commercial and industrial run
off limit the value this section has for fish and wildlife habitat. Besides
steelhead trout and Chinook and coho salmon, carp, northern squawfish,
catfish, goldfish, threespine stickleback, longnose dace, brassy minnow,
sculpin, cutthroat trout, chum and sockeye salmon have all been seen in
the Lower Brunette River (not all species are native to this region).
Water quality is a major concern in the Brunette watershed. Copper, lead,
zinc, organics (eg oil from urban run-off), fecal coliforms and excess
sediment are all a problem. Most of these problems come from storm
water runoff, sewage cross-connections and industrial spills. Burnaby
Lake acts as a contaminant sink for some of these substances but does
not remove all of them before the water reaches New Westminster.
Within the New Westminster section of the Brunette there are 6 City and
42

one GVRD storm outfalls that add additional contaminants to the
Brunette River.
Brunette River
Things are looking up for Brunette Creek though. During a study
conducted by UBC in 2000, a vertical sediment core was taken from
Burnaby. This allows the examination of many sediment layers that have
been deposited continuously over long periods of time. The study found
that sediment deposited on the bottom of Burnaby Lake between 1940
and 1970 had higher concentrations of toxic contaminants such as DDE
(metabolite of DDT) and PCB’s than recently deposited sediment. This is
a reflection of tighter regulations on many contaminants. The Sapperton
Fish and Game Club have been and continue to be heavily involved in
the rehabilitation of the Bruntte River (see Sapperton Fish and Game
Club, page 53).
43
Waterway Profiles
Institute of Urban Ecology

Waterway Profiles
Glenbrook Creek
Glenbrook Creek, also known as Glen Creek, used to be a much larger
stream than the current creek that runs through Glenbrook Ravine. The
Creek once began at the present day New Westminster Senior Secondary
School site and flowed down Glenbrook Ravine to the Fraser River. It
was known as a good fishing stream and was the location of summer
fishing camps of the local First Nation groups.
A portion of the creek was first placed in a culvert in 1913. In 1914, the
majority of the riverbed was used for a major combined sewer. A large
part of the remaining creek runs through the protected Glenbrook Ravine
Park.
Glenbrook Ravine Park
44
New Westminster Planning Department

Other Environmental Concerns
Air Quality
Air quality can be a concern in any urban setting. A major cause of poor
air quality is human activity including motor vehicle use and industry.
Although other factors such as local climate, weather and geographical
setting influence air quality, it can be generally understood that the more
densely populated an area is, the larger the concern for air quality. In
Greater Vancouver, we released 301 000 tonnes of air pollutants to our
atmosphere in 1999. Motor vehicles contributed almost 75% of this
amount, cars accounted for 58% alone. Air quality, monitored by the
GVRD, is reported as the Air Quality Index. The Index is a numerical
scale used to express the three air quality objectives determined by the
federal Canadian Environment Protection Act labelled Maximum
Desirable, Maximum Acceptable, and Maximum Tolerable. The air
quality objectives are determined by the effects that different
concentrations of air pollutants have on humans and the environment.
There are 33 air quality stations in the GVRD, the closest to New
Westminster being in South Burnaby. The Air Quality Index is updated
twice daily during weekdays and daily during weekends, except during
the summer ozone season when the Index is update twice daily every day
of the week. Current readings can be obtained from the GVRD at 604
436 6767 or 1 800 665 1118. The Air Quality Index is published daily in
the Vancouver Sun and Province and is frequently reported on TV and
radio.
Smog can damage lungs, aggravate asthma, and increase
the risk of getting respiratory diseases and certain types of
cancer. Crops, natural vegetation and buildings can also be
damaged by smog.
Conditions are looking clearer though. Since 1985, even with our
continuing population growth, new regulations and regional air quality
plans have resulted in an approximate 40% decline in the amount of
common air contaminants released in the GVRD.
45
Other Environmental Concerns

Other Environmental Concerns
The five most common air contaminants
Carbon Monoxide – Primarily released by the incomplete
combustion of fossil fuels. Gasoline is a major source. Carbon
monoxide can impair reflexes and perception and can cause
unconsciousness or death at extremely high concentrations.
Volatile Organic Compounds – Includes organic gases
such as propane and benzene that can be found in the
vapours of gasoline, solvents, and oil based paints. They are
a main cause of smog.
Nitrogen Oxides – Released by the combustion of fossil
fuels as well as forest fires, lightning and decaying vegetation.
Drinking Water Quality
New Westminster receives its drinking water primarily from the Seymour
and Coquitlam reservoirs. Within the reservoirs, erosion, wildlife
activity, forest health, and forest fires can affect drinking water quality.
Once in the drinking water distribution system water quality can be
compromised by sediment accumulation and bacterial regrowth.
Drinking water quality is regulated by two main legislations, the Safe
Drinking Water Regulation, under the Health Act, and the Drinking
Water Protection Act. Municipalities within the GVRD have been asked
to obtain permits to operate a water distribution system, to agree on a
water sampling and analysis protocol, and to produce an annual report on
water quality. New Westminster obtained a permit to distribute drinking
water in 1996 and is currently conducts a water sampling and analysis
program following a protocol agreed upon with the Medical Health
Officer. Although the GVRD tests water quality at its source, drinking
water is also tested at 13 sample stations throughout the City. GVRD
maintains an additional four sampling stations within the City and one
adjacent to the City, which monitors water entering the New Westminster
water system. Samples are taken weekly from each site and analyzed for
total and fecal coliforms, heterotrophic bacteria, free chlorine, turbidity,
and temperature. According to the Safe Drinking Water Regulation, all
46

samples must comply with the following microbiological standards:
No fecal coliforms detected in 100ml of sample
90% or more of the samples must have zero total coliform per 100ml
of sample
No sample should have more than 10 total coliform per 100ml of
sample
There must be no e-coli detected in 100ml of sample
Drinking water is also tested by the GVRD for chemical contaminants as
well as turbidity. Additionally, the City operates an annual unidirectional
watermain flushing. This removes accumulated sediment and helps to
protect water quality.
Copies of the annual report on drinking water quality can be obtained
from the Engineering Department at New Westminster City Hall or on
the City of New Westminster’s website. To find out about future projects
aimed to maintain and ameliorate water quality within the GVRD, check
www.gvrd.bc.ca/services/water/index.html.
47
Other Environmental Concerns
They have an irritating odour and are another main cause of
smog.
Sulphur Oxides – Released by the combustion of some
fossil fuels. Sulfur dioxide is of particular importance because
it has a bad odour, irritates the upper respiratory tract and
leads to acid rain.
Particulate Matter – Includes dust, soot, ash, and pollen.
Large particles may irritate eyes, nose, and throat. Small
particles can be inhaled and cause respiratory problems

Other Environmental Concerns
Dangerous Animals
Coyotes are the main animals that residents should be wary of in New
Westminster. Coyotes have been spotted in a number of areas including
Queensborough and Woodlands. Coyotes are sly, elusive and intelligent
members of the canine family that have adapted to urban environments.
They are the size of a thin German Shepherd with a sharp nose, pointed
ears, yellow eyes and bushy black tipped tail. They are primarily
carnivorous but will eat whatever is available: mice, rats, squirrels,
raccoons, rabbits, eggs and fruit. Pets, garbage, compost, gardens and
human food will also attract coyotes.
Coyote Precautions
Never feed Coyotes
Keep pets indoors at night
Do not let pets run free or off leash
Only feed pet(s) indoors
Secure garbage, compost and pick up
fallen fruit
If a Coyote approaches, act aggressively by standing, shouting and
waving arms
Remember! Feeding a coyote will habituate it to human contact and
increase the danger to yourself, your pets, your neighbours, and the
coyote.
48
New Westminster Parks Department

Stewardship Groups in New Westminster
Douglas College Institute of Urban Ecology
The Institute of Urban Ecology (IUE), part of the Douglas College
Centre for Environmental Studies and Urban Ecology, is a non-profit
organization based out of the New Westminster Campus of Douglas
College. It has been and is involved in many educational, research, and
habitat restoration projects specifically pertaining to nature within the
city.
The Institute of Urban Ecology has create numerous reports on the
natural environment of New Westminster including: A Nature Guide to
Urban Parks (1987), Queensborough – A Case Study (1993), The
Natural History of New Westminster (1985), Tree Walk of Douglas
College (1994), A Street Tree Walk of the Moody Park Area (1994), Self
Guided Nature Tour for Queen’s Park (in progress), and Fraser River
Walking Tour Booklet (2001, in conjunction with the Fraser River
Discovery Centre).
The IUE works co-operatively with different municipalities,
corporations, and industry to improve our natural environment.
GREENLINKS - a major project that the IUE is involved in in BC Hydro
and BC Gas utility corridors. Corridors are being planted with native
vegetation in the attempt to create wildlife corridors that will link a number
of larger greenspaces so local wildlife can move between those green areas.
CPOP – College and Pit Operators Partnership. The IUE is involved in
planting native plants and establishing bird and owl boxes in a number of
Coquitlam gravel pits.
The Backyard Habitat Enhancement Challenge is an annual event where
local residents are encouraged to provide wildlife habitat in their backyards
by planting native plants and providing water and adequate shelter.
The IUE’s educational workshops cover a wide range of topics including
native birds, bats, amphibians & reptiles, plants, measuring water quality,
healthy streams, and creating backyard habitat. Contact the IUE at 604 527
5522 or www.douglas.bc.ca/iue.
49
Stewardship Groups

Stewardship Groups
Fraser River Discovery Centre Society
The Fraser River Discovery Centre is a not-for-profit society that began
in 1989 with a small kiosk in the New Westminster Quay Market. In
January 2001 the Fraser River Discovery Centre opened its doors to the
public. Located just east of the Quay, only a Preview Centre currently
exists. The current center is to be greatly expanded and will become a
major attraction along the New Westminster waterfront. The goal of the
Society is to create an interpretive center including many interactive
exhibits where people of all ages can learn about the history, culture,
geography, and biology of the Fraser River and its drainage basin.
Another major goal is to become a major center for resource materials
related to the River as well as an arena where people, organizations, and
agencies can meet to discuss topics and issues relevant to the Fraser.
Besides informative displays on various aspects of the Fraser River, the
Fraser River Discovery Centre currently runs a number of educational
workshops intended for students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 and has developed
a signed walking tour along the Waterfront Esplanade. The Discovery
Centre is also host to a number of annual events including Fraser Fest
and Kids World. The Fraser River Discovery Centre Society is always
looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with the educational programs
as well as the operations of the Centre. Contact the Fraser River
Discovery Center at 604 521 4201.
New Westminster Horticultural Society
The Horticultural Society is for anybody interested in gardening and
horticulture. Whether you are a novice or master gardener, the New
Westminster Horticultural Society offers a friendly, social atmosphere to
enhance and share your knowledge and expertise. Activities include
monthly meetings (except January), a Spring Plant Sale, the Annual
Picnic, a Christmas Dinner and several social outings selected to expose
members to unique gardening experiences.
(http://www.hedgerows.com/Canada/clubbrochures/
NewWestHortSoc.htm)
50

Queensborough Special Programs Committee
51
By Mary De Paoli
The Special Programs Committee is a special interest group in the
community of Queensborough. The function of the committee is to
organize special events like the Urban Farmers Fall Fair, Queensborough
Day and Family Dinners throughout the year that friends and neighbours
can participate in. The committee is instrumental in promoting
community spirit in Queensborough and encouraging community
networking. The committee consists of representatives from special
interest groups in Queensborough together with many other community
members. Each year the committee identifies projects that are needed in
the Community Centre and Ryall Park. All of the funds raised by the
committee’s events go toward these projects which have included
playground upgrades (Megan’s Place Tiny Tot Playground), the mural
projects at the Community Centre, new equipment for the Centre,
English as a Second Language summer grant program and children’s
summer programs. The committee also publishes The Queensborough
Times, a quarterly community newsletter distributed to all households in
Queensborough. The Queensborough Special Programs Committee
meets at the Queensborough Community Centre on a monthly basis from
September to June. For more information contact the Queensborough
Comunity Centre.
Young Naturalists’ Club of New Westminster
Stewardship Groups
The Young Naturalists’ Club of New Westminster is a satellite club of
the Young Naturalists’ Club of BC. This club provides an opportunity for
children 5 – 14 years of age and their families to learn about and help the
nature around them. Events organized and attended by the Club include
nature walks; talks and workshops on local wildlife and vegetation, water
quality testing and shoreline clean up of the Fraser River. In the future,
the Club is planning to get involved in a shoreline monitoring program in
White Rock and the Grate Mate Program (installing filters in local storm
drains). The cost of an annual membership is $15 per family. To join
contact Carrie Ross at imcross@telus.net or check the website at
www.naturalhistory.bc.ca/YNC/index.htm.

Stewardship Groups
Residents’ Associations
Residents Associations are groups of neighbours interested in making
and keeping their neighbourhoods safe, crime free, peaceful and
attractive. They receive funding from membership fees.
They meet regularly at a location such as a school or church in the
neighbourhood to discuss matters of concern in the area. They bring in
departmental representatives from the city to assist with matters such as
traffic, zoning, parks initiatives, and social problems such as crime
prevention.
Residents’ Associations are the link between residents and the City. The
City often looks to local resident associations to provide input on new
developments and initiatives as well as to raise concerns about safety,
neighbourhood appearance, and the environment.
Residents’ Associations of New Westminster
Brow of the Hill Residents’ Association
Connaught Heights Residents’ Association
Downtown Residents’ Association
Fraserview-Jamieson Court Ratepayers Coalition
Glenbrooke North Residents’ Association
Kelvin Residents’ Association
McBride-Sapperton Residents’ Association
Quayside Community Association
West End Residents’ Association
Queensborough Residents’ Association – Currently working with
the Evergreen Foundation on a habitat restoration project along the
Annacis Channel, including clean up of a small site and planting
native vegetation. Also coordinating with the Parks & Recreation
Department to erect an arbour fence along highway 91A. Contact
through Queensborough Community Centre.
52

Sapperton Fish and Game Club
53
Stewardship Groups
By Elmer Rudolph
The Sapperton Fish and Game Club was formed in New Westminster in
1961 as a family oriented outdoors recreation club. Early on, the
members decided to take on the job of restoring salmon to the Brunette
River, which drains Burnaby Lake and flows for 6 kilometres before
emptying into the Fraser River at Sapperton Landing Park.
The river’s salmon run had been extinct since 1955 and it was described
by on municipal official as an “open sewer”. Its restoration to salmon
was considered by knowledgeable people to be impossible.
Not taking “no!” for an answer, the club persevered, the federal
Department of Fisheries and Oceans lent assistance, and with eventual
help of government agencies, industrial polluters were confronted. By
1979, after ten years of effort, the Brunette River water quality was
pronounced “adequate” and juvenile salmon were released into its
waters.
In 1984 the club’s dreams were realized when 300 coho salmon returned
to spawn, the first in 30 years. Members have continued their work to
restore spawning areas, improve water quality, and rebuild fish ladders,
waterfalls, pools and natural vegetation along its banks.
The club was also instrumental in persuading the GVRD to change its
mind about using chloramines to disinfect our drinking water, since the
chemical is deadly to all aquatic life if it is accidentally released into the
environment. After a two year lobbying effort, the GVRD relented in
1993.
The club’s members have been presented with numerous local, regional
and provincial awards for their environmental accomplishments. The
Sapperton Fish and Game Club continues to work within the community
by serving on environmental advisory committees, educating the public
about the care and appreciation of our urban streams, and providing
firearms training and safety courses. For more information contact
Elmer Rudolph at 604 521 3346.

City of New Westminster Initiatives
City of New Westminster Stewardship Initiatives
Combined Sewer Overflow Facility
The former Doman Forest Products property will soon be the site of a
new 20 000m 3 combined sewer overflow storage facility, pump station
and waterfront park. The storage facility will receive combined sewer
and storm-drain overflow during periods of high rainfall that would
otherwise empty untreated into the environment. The new facility will
reduce overflow into the environment by 66%. A 7.5 acre water front
park will be built above and around the concrete storage facility
increasing the city’s greenspace inventory. A small housing site will also
be created. Funds to build the new facility and park will be contributed
by the Federal and Provincial governments, as well as the GVRD and the
City of New Westminster. Doman Forest Products will be paying for the
remediation and clean-up of the currently contaminated industrial site.
Green Municipal Enabling Fund
The City of New Westminster was one of three BC municipalities in BC
awarded a Green Municipal Enabling Fund from the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities. The grant was worth $13 000 and funded a
“Green Review” of the new Fire Fall #1 project. At the corner of Sixth
Avenue and McBride Boulevard, Fire Hall #1 is the new main fire hall
and location of the Fire and Rescue Services administrative centre. The
“Green Review” was meant to identify practical and cost effective
measures in development of the new facility that will maximize resource
conservation, habitat protection, and environmental sustainability. The
study also provided recommendations on how the new facility will
operate in an energy efficient manner into the future. The ideas and
concepts that came out of the “Green Review” will be applied to other
new developments in New Westminster.
54

Heritage Protection
Heritage Protection, as the name implies, is the attempt to preserve and
restore the unique historical character of many of New Westminster’s
buildings, places, and trees. Other than creating an individual flavour for
the City, heritage protection has a significant positive outcome on the
environment. It is obvious that by preserving heritage parks and trees, we
are adding to the health of our environment. Additionally, by restoring
historic buildings and structures both the
amount of construction materials used and the
amount of construction waste produced are
reduced. In addition, by restoring and reusing
older buildings in developed centres, new
tenants will be able to make use of already
established transit systems. Equally as
important, the development of previously
undeveloped areas that may be providing
important wildlife habitat is reduced. A study
done by the Greater Vancouver Regional
District found that an older building in a
“green” location (eg in a town centre and near
established transit routes) was 6.5 times more
“environmentally friendly” than a new
building specifically designed to be
environmentally friendly but located in a
“non-green” location (eg away from
established transit). The influential factor in
City of New Westminster Initiatives
this finding is the amount of greenhouse gasses produced by people
commuting to and from work by automobile. The Federal Building on
Columbia Street is a good example of how heritage protection can
accommodate increasing population in a “green manner”. This building
was once a post office and federal office building and is now the new
home of the New Westminster Police Department as well as 45
apartment and condominium units above the police station. The re-use of
this building has located over 100 full time employees and many
residents within the City centre near to many amenities and two
SkyTrain stations without adding to urban sprawl. Other major heritage
protection projects include the Burr Theatre on Columbia Street and
numerous buildings on the Woodlands property.
55
The original home that is now
the BC Crime Prevention
Centre.
New Westminster Planning Department

City of New Westminster Initiatives
Liquid Waste Management
By Pat Connolly, Director, New
Westminster Engineering Department
The Greater Vancouver Regional District Liquid Waste Management
Plan (LWMP) received Ministerial approval in the summer of 2002. The
LWMP identifies the strategy in the management of liquid waste by
establishing policies in various management areas and commitments to
attain the policy directive. For New Westminster, the issues of combined
sewer overflows (CSO’s) has the greatest implications for the city in the
LWMP. Due to the age of our infrastructure and the practices of the day,
New Westminster’s storm drainage and sanitary sewage flows are
combined in one pipe (“combined sewer system). During wet weather,
the City’s combined sewer system overflows and spills into the Fraser
River. Combined sewer systems exist in Vancouver and in Burnaby as
well.
The City has committed to reduce CSO’s at a level which meets or
exceeds 1% per year by means of sewer separation in the Lower
Columbia catchment, as well as by other means such as detention storage
and source control.
The City has been advised that it will be receiving $6.7 million in
funding through the Canada-British Columbia Infrastructure Grant
Program for the construction of a 20 000 cubic meter underground CSO
detention storage facility. This facility will reduce CSO’s by
approximately 30% on a City-wide basis and will greatly accelerate the
city’s commitment to CSO abatement.
Solid Waste Management
By Pat Connolly, Director, New Westminster
Engineering Department
New Westminster has for many years provided solid waste collection
services for all single family residences and portions of the multi family
and commercial sectors. Curbside recycling with the blue box program
has been available for the single family sector since the 1980’s (see page
56

Smart Growth BC
City of New Westminster Initiatives
66). This service has been expanded in 2002 to include the multi-family
sector. In 2003 full implementation of this program will be in effect and
over 16 600 multi-family residences will be participating in the program.
With the expansion of the recycling program, it has been determined that
the city will exceed the mandate set out in the GVRD Solid Waste
Management Plan, which has established a commitment to reduce the
amount of solid waste disposed to 50% of 1995 levels.
Additionally, the city operates a recycling depot for the collection
of all items accepted in the blue box program as well as automotive
batteries, oil and filters, white goods and “clean green” yard
waste (see page 67).
Smart Growth BC is a provincial non-governmental agency that
advocates urban development strategies that reduce urban sprawl by
planning more “complete” communities. This includes more compact
developments, development patterns that encourage the use of nonmotorized
transport and transit, and the preservation and creation of
parks and recreation areas. New Westminster is one of three local
municipalities that have joined Smart Growth’s Community Assistance
Program (CAP). As a member of the CAP, New Westminster will receive
research and support services on “smart growth” practices, policies,
tools, and standards.
In January 2002, Smart Growth released a BC Sprawl Report that looked
at the growth patterns of 26 municipalities throughout BC. The report
identified that New Westminster is already applying many of the Smart
Growth strategies. In comparison to the other municipalities supporting
Smart Growth, New Westminster was highly ranked in a number of
categories pertaining to efficient land use, transportation and liveability.
57

City of New Westminster Initiatives
Traffic Signal Light Upgrade Program
Working with BC Hydro, New Westminster will be replacing the
majority of the City’s existing incandescent traffic signal lights with light
emitting diode (LED) signal lights. LEDs do not create light through the
production of heat and create coloured light directly.
Current iridescent lights must be filtered to create a single
colour, wasting most of the energy created. Compared to
the current incandescent lights, LED lights use 85% less
energy, last 5 – 8 years longer, are more visible in all
weather conditions (therefore safer) and are more
reliable. Besides saving an estimated $50 000 per year on
energy costs, the City will be helping to reduce the
pressures on BC’s river systems as an energy source. Lights that can be
replaced with LED lights include, green, amber, and red traffic lights as
well as pedestrian walk/don’t walk signals. The project will be
implemented over a two-year period and will include traffic control
systems at 69 intersections.
Urban Oasis New Westminster
The Urban Oasis project is a cooperative effort between New
Westminster Parks and Recreation Department and the Evergreen
Foundation. The purpose of this project is to create a number of diverse
native plant communities that will involve various community groups in
design and stewardship responsibilities. Native plants provide optimal
habitat for local wildlife and require little maintenance. The first site was
planted in the Queen’s Park meadow in Queen’s Park. The site is now the
location of 430 native plants from 15 different species. Additional sites
to be planted in the near future include: the Fraser foreshore at
Thompson’s Landing in Queensborough, along the Brunette River in
Hume Park, and within the BC Hydro right-of-way in Connaught
Heights.
The Evergreen Foundation and the City are working together on
Stewards in the City, a habitat restoration and community stewardship
project. This project will result in an extension of the existing Urban
Oasis site in Queen’s Park, as well as a site at the south end of the
Queensborough Bridge. For more information or to get involved contact
Evergreen at 604 689 0766.
58

Community and Industry Initiatives
Debris Management for Forestry Operations on the
Fraser River
The Coast Forest and Lumber Association
(CFLA) Debris Task Force has developed a
list of Best Management practices for sawmill
and forestry operations on the Fraser River.
The main focus of the report is to minimize
the amount of wood debris released into the
River by the forestry industry. Wood debris
includes; pieces of bark and wood chips
broken off during transit or storage of log
booms, logs and other large wood pieces that
are lost from booms during storage or from
shoreline forestry related operations, garbage
that often gets entrapped in log booms, and
roots, branches and trees that have been
washed into the River naturally. Scott Paper,
Weyerhaeuser, International Forest Products
(Interfor), E.R. Probyn Limited, and Stella
Jones Inc. are members of the CFLA located
in New Westminster.
Fraser River Port Authority
Community & Industry Initiatives
The Fraser River Port Authority is responsible for administrating 100 km
of the Fraser River, upriver from the mouth, and 227 km of associated
shoreline that comprises the Fraser River Port. The Port Authority runs a
variety of environmental programs that manage and compensate for the
impact of human and industrial activities along the Fraser River.
Any new lease or construction application undergoes an
environmental review to assess what and how a habitat will be
impacted and to make sure there is a net gain of habitat during
construction.
59

Community & Industry Initiatives
Environmental assessments are required on all activities within the Port
Authority’s jurisdiction to identify any environmental impacts. Any
impacts must be eliminated or mitigated before the Port Authority
approves the activities.
Over 700 leased areas within the Port undergo environmental audits
every five years to determine whether operations comply with all
environmental regulations.
An Emergency Spill Response Plan has been implemented to reduce
or eliminate the impact of hazardous materials released into the
environment by fuel spills, vessel collisions, natural disasters, or
fires involving hazardous materials.
All tenants must follow Best Management Practises developed by
Environment Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
The Fraser River Port Authority also follows environmental protection
legislation and regulations set by numerous other governmental bodies.
The Port Authority is also involved in actively creating foreshore marsh
habitat to compensate for the impacts of development on productive
habitat elsewhere in the Fraser River. Across the Fraser River from New
Westminster is the Timberland Basin Habitat Area. Started in the 1980’s
the Basin now covers 2.05 hectares of marshland, the second largest
foreshore marsh in the lower Fraser River, and is home to a variety of
bird and aquatic species.
For more information check www.fraserriverport.bc.ca
60

Community & Industry Initiatives
The Fraser Port Authority’s Timberland Basin Habitat Area, located on the south
bank of the Fraser River across from New Westminster.
Healthy & Sustainable Community Indicators Project
The Healthy and Sustainable Community Indicators Project was initiated
by the Provincial Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s
Services in 2000 and is now headed by the New Westminster Community
Development Society. The Project is meant to take an integrated
approach to measuring the prosperity of our City. Rather than
concentrating on just economic prosperity, which is not always an
adequate indicator of overall community health, the Healthy and
Sustainable Indicators Project considers the environmental, social, and
economic health of New Westminster together. The Project has identified
a number of environmental, social, and economic indicators that will
help measure future change in the community, provide information on
current conditions, and raise public awareness of problem areas and how
to correct them.
61
Fraser River Port Authority

Community & Industry Initiatives
In total, there are fourteen indicators, five of which are concerned with
the environment.
Parkways and Greenways
Waste Diverted from Landfills
Transportation Modal Share
Traffic Volume
Drinking Water Quality
The Healthy and Sustainable Community Indicators Projects: 1 st Report
Card was released in 2002. It states that New Westminster is “on the
right track” in relation to the amount of parks and greenspace we have,
our use of transit, and the quality of our drinking water. The amount of
garbage we produce as well as the amount of overall traffic in the City
are both areas that demand additional attention.
The Healthy & Sustainable Community Indicators Project is an
ongoing initiative, hopefully with many report cards to come in the
future. The Healthy and Sustainable Community Indicators
Projects: 1 st Report Card can be obtained from the New
Westminster Community Development Society at 604 517 6145
or www.newwestced.bc.ca.
Port Royal Community Garden
With the trend towards higher density housing there is a resulting trend
to smaller or absent private yards and gardens. The Queensborough
Neighbourhood has made a great step in coping with the trend. Together
with New Westminster Parks and Recreation Department, community
members have been able to create and maintain a community garden
since the spring of 1999. The purpose of the garden is to provide
residents of New Westminster with an opportunity for non-profit,
recreational fruit, flowers and vegetable gardening. They are also
encouraged to grow produce for themselves as well as for community
groups. Community gardens not only give residents without large yards a
chance to pursue a horticultural hobby but also add a pervious surface to
the City and provides potential habitat for wildlife such as birds,
butterflies and bees. Plots of 7’ by 8’ can be leased annually by any New
Westminster resident. All gardeners pay an annual membership fee of
62

$5.00 and a plot lease fee of $25.00. No artificial herbicides, pesticides,
or fertilizers may be used, maintaining the garden as organic. Members
have found that being involved in the Port Royal Community Garden not
only expanded their horticultural knowledge and skills but also gave
them an opportunity to share the passion of gardening with others.
The Parks and Recreation Department support the garden by maintaining
the grounds around the Garden as well as permanent aspects of the
garden such as the water supply system and provide as much information
as possible on the operation of community gardens and horticultural
guidelines. The Port Royal Community Garden is located on Star Cresent
in east Queensborough. For more information contact the
Queensborough Community Centre at 604 525 7388. The City is
interested in working with other communities to organize more
community gardens. If you would like to see a community garden in your
neighbourhood, contact the Claude Ledoux at the City of New
Westminster at 604 527 4627.
Plant A Row Grow A Row
Community & Industry Initiatives
This program encourages local residents
to donate extra vegetables or fruit from
their gardens to the New Westminster
Food Bank where it is reserved for
families with children that require the
Food Bank resources. 2002 was the first
year that the program has been run.
Through the first growing season the
participants in this program donated almost 5000lbs of fresh produce. To
get involved or for more information call 604 526 4914.
63

Environmental Citizenship
Environmental Citizenship
64
By Travis Deeter
It’s no secret that the environment needs help, and it needs it fast. And
with New Westminster leading the way in building innovative new
housing developments, more and more people will be coming here,
increasing the amount of stress on our natural environment and industrial
services. Fortunately, there are many things in people’s lives that with
just a small adjustment can make a huge difference to the environmental
sustainability of our city and region.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Yes, we’ve all heard those three words many times, but their importance
cannot be stressed enough. They are the key to eliminating the solid
waste problem currently facing the Lower Mainland.
Reduce:
First off, we can all reduce the amount of garbage we produce by doing
things like:
buy only as much as we need
select items that avoid excess packaging
buy items in bulk to get the most product with as little packaging
buy detergents in concentrated mixes, allowing for minimal
packaging
use Tupperware or plastic containers to hold lunches and leftovers
instead of plastic wrap or tinfoil.
Reuse:
Secondly, we can reuse products instead of throwing them away after the
first use. Some examples:

purchase non-disposable products like cloth diapers and cloth
shopping bags
donate old clothes to charity organizations or second-hand clothing
stores
give old furniture to charity or theatre companies
donate old computers to the Computers for Schools organization or
other worthy causes
consider repairing old appliances or equipment instead of just
throwing it out
Recycle:
Finally, we can recycle products that can’t be reused. New Westminster
has an extensive recycling pick-up service (see next page). The New
Westminster Recycling Depot will accept many things that are not
collected during the weekly pick-up service (see page 66).
Composting
Another way to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills is by
composting. If you don’t have one, join the more than 122 000
households in the Lower Mainland who are already using their
composting bins. You can compost many types of food trimmings,
leaves, and lawn clippings. And after the compost cycle runs its course
you’ll be left with high quality soil to use in your garden!
Turn off that tap!
Environmental Citizenship
Just as the population increase in the Lower
Mainland puts undue stress on our landfills,
it also puts a high demand on our water
supply. By the year 2022, unless our increase
in water consumption is curbed, the Greater
Vancouver Regional District will spend hundreds of millions of dollars
trying to update our current infrastructure for water supply and delivery.
But there is much we can do to try and conserve our precious resource:
65

Environmental Citizenship
Items accepted by weekly pick-up service
Blue Box Yellow Bag Blue Bag
• Glass bottles
and jars
• Tin and
aluminum
cans
• Plastic bottles
and milk jugs
• Code 1,2,3,4,5
plastics
• Telephone
books and
glossy
magazines
• Flyers and
junk mail
• Cereal and
show boxes
• Paper egg
cartons
• Brown (Kraft)
paper bags
• Bond, ledger
paper and
writing paper
• Third class
mail
• Computer
paper
• Any products
that are made
of 100% paper
(do not
bundle)
Use low-flush toilets, which use as much as 14 litres less per flush
Take showers instead of baths, and use low-flow showerheads
Wait to do laundry or the dishwasher until you have a full load
Turn off the faucet when it’s not being used ie. Brushing teeth and
washing pots and pans
Keep a jug of ice-cold water in the fridge so you don’t run the tap for
cold water
Water your lawn only when it needs it and only for as long as is
necessary. You could save 2600 litres of water by cutting your
watering down by only 2 hours!!
66
• All newspaper
• Newspaper
inserts

Items accepted at the New Westminster Recylcing Depot:
Milk jugs, pop bottles, cleaning solution containers, soap
containers, detergent containers, anti freeze containers
Glass bottles and jars
Newspaper and inserts
Glossy flyers and magazines, catalogues, phone books, paper
boxboard (cereal and show boxes, junk mail, writing paper,
office paper, computer paper, envelopes, paper bags and paper,
egg cartons
Corrugated cardboard
Tin/aluminum cans, aluminum foil, pie plates, cookware, small
paints cans, lawn chair frames (remove plastic webbing) and
mixed metals (brass, copper, lead, etc.)
Large metal items - remove all non-metal attached materials,
remove one end on large containers or drums, remove tap or
valve on pressurized tanks (i.e. propane tanks), bicycle frames,
sheet metal, piping, 45 gallon drums, propane tanks, scrap
metal, automotive and machinery parts, fridges, freezers
Yard and garden waste, grass clippings, tree prunings
Used motor oil (all grades), used oil filters, and used automoblie
batteries
Household Paints which are non-flammable ( phone 604-521-
7244 for clarification)
Aerosols of all types
Varnishes / Wood Finishing Oils / Stains / Shellac
The Recylcing Depot is located at Sixth Ave and McBride Blvd, next to
the Canada Games Pool. The depot is open Wednesdays to Sundays
from 10:00am – 6:00pm. For more details or questions on what the
Recycling Depot will accept call 604-521-7244 or check www.city.newwestminster.bc.ca/cityhall/operations/recycling/index.html
67

Environmental Citizenship
Choose drought tolerant plants to reduce water used for gardening
Try to wash your car only when necessary, and use a bucket of soapy
water instead of a hose
The other side to conserving water is that it decreases the amount of
water that moves through our sewage treatment systems. This could
translate into millions of dollars in savings for the region that could be
put toward other causes.
Antifreeze
Local Canadian Tire
Local Petro Canada station
Appliances (except fridges and freezers)
Delta Recycling Depot
604-946-9828
Household Batteries
Local Canadian Tire
Local Radio Shack
Cars
Places where you can take products the Recycling Depot doesn’t accept:
Kidney Foundation
604-327-CARS
Canadian Council for the Blind
1-800-667-4321
Scrap-it-Program
1-888-655-1000
Computers and computer parts
Computers for Schools
604-431-8616
Delta Recycling Depot
604-946-9828
Concrete
Delta Aggregates
604-272-9321
68
Drywall
New West Gypsum
604-520-6647
Furniture
First Choice Waste Disposal
604-888-6122
Local thrift store
Gasoline
Scott Road Bottle Depot
604-543-0606
Glass
ETL Recycling Services
604-589-4385
Paint and Pesticides
Scott Road Bottle Depot
604-543-0606
Styrofoam
Delta Recycling Depot
604-946-9828
Design in Action
604-574-1927
Tires
Local Canadian Tire
Local Sears Auto Centre

Be Power Smart!
In 1989, BC Hydro started the Power Smart program and today
electricity savings are enough to power 250 000 homes, and the majority
of these savings have come from British
Columbians reducing their energy usage. Many
people believe that because over 90 percent of our
power comes from hydro-electric dams we are using
an environmentally-impact free source of energy.
While it’s true, hydro-electric power is much better
for the environment than coal or nuclear, the effects
on the wildlife and ecosystems can be quite
damaging. How can we help? By reducing our
power usage, we limit the number of dams
necessary to provide our province with electricity. Here are a few easy
things that you can do that will make a difference:
Don’t heat uninsulated areas such as garages or crawlspaces
Lower your thermostat overnight; you can save 10% of your annual
energy bill!
Use double paned windows; they significantly keep in more heat
than single-paned
Look for the ENERGY STARÒ mark on new appliances, these
machines are made to be as energy efficient as possible and can save
you a lot of money!
Keep your fridge away from heat vents and direct sunlight; it will
stay cooler using less energy
Turn off lights in rooms that aren’t being used
Turn off televisions and radios when they aren’t being watched/
listened to
69
Environmental Citizenship

Environmental Citizenship
Set your computer to go to standby instead of leaving it running
continuously; this alone can save you up to 105 dollars per year!
Use compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs;
they use only 25% of the energy an incandescent uses, gives off the
same light, and lasts 8 times as long!
And remember, while you’re helping preserve the environment, you’re
also saving money!
Urban Run-off (from Home Tips for Healthy Streams,
DFO)
It is not necessary to dump a hazardous material directly into a stream or
river for that material to end up in the stream or river. During a storm all
the rain that falls on or houses, roads, and parking lots flow into the
nearest storm drain or waterway, such as the Brunette and Fraser Rivers.
In heavy rains, New Westminster’s storm drain system can overflow and
some may end up being discharged into local waterways without
treatment. This overflow may contain many different household
contaminants including garbage, oil, gasoline, detergents, fertilizers, and
paint. The city is working on reducing the amount of storm water
overflow that enters the rivers around New Westminster (see page 56),
but there are also many oppurtunities for individual residents to improve
the water quality of urban runoff. Here are some tips we can all use to
help keep our creeks and rivers clean.
In the Lawn & Garden
Hand-pull weeds and use insecticidal soap rather than using weed
killers and pesticides
Create wildlife habitat that encourages insect-eating birds and
beneficial insects
70

Take unused paint, used oils, and other harmful substances to proper
disposal sites. Never dump them into storm drains, ditches, streams
or rivers.
If possible direct roof downspouts away from drain tiles or storm
drains and onto permeable surfaces such as grass or gravel.
On the Driveway
Stop oil and transmission leaks and place a drip pan under your car.
Wash cars on gravel or grass, if possible, and use a minimum amount
of soap.
Sweep driveways; hosing will carry garbage, dirt and leaf litter into
the storm drains.
Consider using porous asphalts or paving stones rather than paving
your driveway and patio. This will help reduce urban run-off.
In General
Keep litter, trash, and garden waste out of streams and storm drains.
Keep pets out of streams. Pet waste is pollution and animals can
erode banks and disrupt fish living in the stream.
71
Environmental Citizenship

Environmental Citizenship
Transportation
In the GVRD, the automobile is the most common form of
transportation. Air quality of our region is directly affected by the
emissions of our motor vehicles. In 1999, 58% of all air pollution
emissions came from light duty vehicle exhaust, which includes cars and
small trucks. This is an area of concern that has deservingly received a
lot of attention. Many municipalities have been and continue to provide
and promote alternate forms of transportation. In relation to other
municipalities in the region, New Westminster is well connected to the
local transit system with bus and Skytrain service. Additionally, the city
has made building greenways and multi-use pathways a priority.
However, it is ultimately up to individual residents to make an effort to
minimize the effects of their transportation on the environment.
Walk, bicycle, or use other forms of non-motorized
transportation whenever possible.
Use transit instead of your car on trips that cannot be made
on foot or bicycle.
Carpool as often as possible when not using transit.
Even if you decide to drive there are things that can be considered:
Avoid rush hour whenever possible.
Idle you engine as little as possible when warming up you
car and shut off the engine during short stops.
When buying a car take into account the fuel efficiency.
Here are some useful resources for even more tips on how to keep our
city environmentally friendly:
BC Hydro Website
www.bchydro.com
Douglas College Institute of Urban
Ecology
www.douglas.bc.ca/iue
72
GVRD Website
www.gvrd.bc.ca
New Westminster Recycling
Depot
www.city.new-westminster.bc.ca/
cityhall/operations/recycling/
index.html

Other Resources – Websites
Amazing Environmental Organization Web Directory
www.webdirectory.com
British Columbia Conservation Data Centre
srmwww.gov.bc.ca/cdc
British Columbia Wetlands Society
www.bcwetlands.com
Burns Bog Conservation Society
www.burnsbog.org
City of New Westminster
www.city.new-westminster.bc.ca
Davis Suzuki Foundation
www.daivdsuzuki.org
Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Pacific Region
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society
www.cpaws.org
Environment Canada, The Green Lane
www.ec.gc.ca
Environmental News Network
www.enn.com
Evergreen Foundation
www.evergreen.ca
Fraser River Discovery Centre
www.fraserriverdiscovery.org
Fraser River Estuary Management Program
www.bieapfremp.org
Greater Vancouver Regional District
www.gvrd.bc.ca
Institute of Urban Ecology
www.douglas.bc.ca/iue
Hon. Joyce Murray, MLA for New Westminster
www.joycemurraymla.bc.ca
Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries
www.gov.bc.ca/agf
Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management
www.gov.bc.ca/srm
73
Websites

Websites
Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection
www.gov.bc.ca/wlap
National Pollutant Release Inventory
www.ec.gc.ca/pdb/npri
Naturescape British Columbia
www.hctf.ca/nature.htm
New Westminster Community Development Society
www.newwestced.bc.ca
Pacific Streamkeepers Federation
www.pskf.ca
Pitch-In Canada
www.pitch-in.ca
Rivershed Society of British Columbia
www.rivershed.bc.ca
Smart Growth BC
www.smartgrowth.bc.ca
Society Promoting Environmental Conservation
www.spec.bc.ca
Vancouver Environmental Information Centre
www.spec.bc.ca/environinfoctr/infocentre.html
Vancouver Natural History Society
www.naturalhistory.bc.ca/VNHS/
West Coast Nature Society
www.westcoastnature.com
Young Naturalists Club of BC (& New Westminster)
www.naturalhistory.bc.ca/YNC/index.htm
74

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