The City of New Westminster has laid out a bold and community-driven vision for how people move through its historic and vibrant Downtown with the Downtown Transportation Plan (DTP). Developed over several years of public consultation and urban planning, the DTP aims to transform the core of New West into a safer, greener, and more accessible area for everyone—whether they're walking, biking, riding transit, or driving.
A Multi-Year Effort Rooted in Community Input
Launched in 2017, the DTP was designed to respond to the evolving needs of Downtown New Westminster, one of the region’s most dynamic and densely populated urban centers. With its critical role as an economic, cultural, and transit hub, the area faces unique challenges around traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and multimodal integration. The Plan sets clear targets: 60% of all trips by sustainable modes by 2031, and zero fatalities or serious injuries on local roads.
The planning process was marked by deep community engagement. Two major public workshops—held in 2017 and 2018 at the Anvil Centre—drew strong attendance and revealed a wealth of local insight. Residents called for better walking and biking conditions, improved transit access, and more efficient vehicle circulation. When the COVID-19 pandemic delayed further in-person engagement, the city shifted to digital consultations to complete the plan.
Key Focus Areas: Cycling, Walking, Transit, and Traffic
The DTP is organized around four interconnected transportation networks:
1. Cycling and the Agnes Street Greenway
One of the plan’s cornerstones is the Agnes Street Greenway, a proposed active transportation corridor aimed at enhancing east-west cycling and pedestrian connections. Residents voiced strong support for new bike infrastructure, with particular enthusiasm (64%) for pedestrianizing parts of Carnarvon Street. Feedback highlighted desires for safety improvements, better intersection design, and resolving conflicts between parked vehicles and cyclists.
However, opinions were split on trade-offs like removing parking or changing traffic directions—showcasing the balancing act involved in reimagining Downtown streets.
2. Pedestrian Prioritization and Public Realm Upgrades
Sidewalk upgrades, better lighting, and accessibility enhancements were frequently requested. Areas like Columbia and Eighth Street were identified for immediate attention due to issues like slippery surfaces and overgrown vegetation. Residents also called for more benches, planters, and wayfinding to make walking a more enjoyable experience.
Safety and inclusiveness were central concerns. Suggestions included noise buffers near schools, and new “linger zones” for pedestrians—part of a broader push to humanize Downtown streets.
3. Transit Optimization
Participants called for real-time bus arrival info, improvements to stop infrastructure, and solutions for overcrowded routes like the C3 and C4. A notable proposed change includes rerouting the #106 bus eastbound along Carnarvon Street, a shift aimed at improving speed and reliability without compromising walkability.
4. Managing Vehicle Flow and Parking
Traffic circulation changes and parking adjustments are a sensitive but necessary part of the DTP. Proposals such as one-way conversions on Carnarvon Street and angled parking on Columbia Street sparked debate, with feedback highlighting the need to consider cyclist and pedestrian safety.
The plan doesn’t shy away from suggesting reallocating road space—moving away from a car-dominated model toward a more flexible use of public space that serves a growing and diverse population.
From Vision to Reality: Staged Implementation
Implementation is phased over multiple time horizons—from immediate changes like signage and quick-build traffic calming, to long-term infrastructure aligned with city-wide climate and livability goals. Projects already in motion include improvements along Carnarvon Street and weekend open street pilots on Front Street.
Notably, the Plan builds upon past initiatives like the "Streets for People in 2020" program, integrating pandemic-era lessons about flexible street use and public space priorities.
*Photo by City of New Westminster
Looking Ahead: Transforming How Downtown Moves
As New Westminster continues to grow, the DTP offers a roadmap for turning big-picture sustainability goals into street-level action. By blending data, design innovation, and community feedback, the city is preparing for a future where walking, cycling, and transit become not just viable—but preferred—ways to get around.
Curious how these changes might shape the future of Downtown New Westminster? We’re watching projects like the Agnes Street Greenway and Carnarvon Street redesign closely to help our clients navigate an evolving city. Want to be one of them?
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