Queen’s Park Master Plan charts a bold, community-led future for the city’s beloved urban oasis
After more than a century as New Westminster’s crown jewel, Queen’s Park is set to receive its most ambitious overhaul yet. The recently finalized Queen’s Park Master Plan lays out a comprehensive long-term vision to preserve, improve, and reimagine one of the Lower Mainland’s most cherished green spaces. With a focus on ecological sustainability, heritage preservation, and inclusive recreation, the plan will guide upgrades and development over the coming decades.
A Park with Deep Roots, Ready to Grow
Established in 1887, Queen’s Park is much more than just a city park—it’s a cultural landmark woven into the fabric of New Westminster life. Locals describe it as “a jewel” and “a treasure,” valued for its towering trees, open lawns, and wide array of community amenities. Yet despite its historic charm, years of piecemeal upgrades have left portions of the park feeling disconnected.
Recognizing both the challenges and potential, the City launched its first formal master planning process in 2012. The result is a visionary document designed to reconnect and revitalize the 75-acre park for current and future generations.
From Public Vision to Strategic Action
Community voices were central to the planning process. Through surveys, workshops, and events—like the 2012 Public Ideas Event that drew over 300 attendees—the City gathered extensive feedback. Key themes emerged: protect the mature urban forest, retain open spaces, and upgrade aging infrastructure without compromising the park’s natural beauty and historic identity.
Among the most supported ideas? A second ice rink to meet growing recreational demand, revitalization of Rainbow Playland and its petting zoo, and more integrated pedestrian routes and lighting for safety. A vision emerged: Queen’s Park should serve people in all stages of life and invite exploration through all five senses.
A Phased Blueprint for Transformation
The Master Plan includes 35 Capital Recommendations (CRs) and 11 Operational Recommendations (ORs), ranging from new buildings to forest revitalization to signage upgrades. These are structured across short (1–5 years), medium (6–10 years), and long-term (beyond 10 years) timeframes. Highlights include:
Indoor Facilities Enhancements
Queen’s Park Arena Upgrades and a second ice sheet to meet future demand.
A new conservatory and expanded greenhouse, potentially with a café or educational exhibits.
Replacement of the aging stadium grandstand with a smaller, high-quality facility that respects its historic character.
Outdoor and Ecological Features
A revitalized Rainbow Playland with a redesigned spray park, natural play elements, and upgraded picnic areas.
A discovery walk and eco-zones along McBride Boulevard promoting environmental education.
Rainwater ponds, community gardens, and mature forest restoration using best practices in native vegetation management.
Access, Safety, and Circulation
Redesigned entry roads and parking, improved wayfinding signage, and bike facilities.
Additional lighting in key areas such as the dog enclosure and Millennium Trail to improve safety.
Consideration of a public transit stop within or near the park in collaboration with TransLink.
The plan also encourages small but impactful changes—like interpretive signage sharing the park’s horticultural and cultural history, and increased integration of public art—to enrich every visitor’s experience.
*Photo by City of New Westminster
Implementation: Adaptive, Inclusive, and Ambitious
With a projected long-term investment exceeding $16 million, implementation will unfold in phases based on funding, feasibility, urgency, and community benefit. A flexible "adaptive management" approach will allow the City to update priorities as new needs or opportunities arise.
Key funding sources include municipal capital budgets, Development Cost Charges (DCCs), senior government grants, and community fundraising. The City also encourages partnerships with nonprofits, local businesses, and resident-led initiatives to help bring aspects of the vision to life.
Honouring the Past, Planning for the Future
The Queen’s Park Master Plan is more than a redevelopment blueprint—it’s a promise to future generations. It honours the park’s storied past while responding to the needs of a growing and diversifying city. As the City of New Westminster continues to shape its urban landscape, Queen’s Park is set to remain a timeless retreat and a vibrant community hub.
Curious how this transformation could shape the future of New Westminster’s most iconic park? We’re watching it closely to keep our clients and community informed every step of the way. Want to stay in the loop?
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