One of BC’s most critical healthcare hubs is undergoing a historic transformation—here’s how the redevelopment of Royal Columbian Hospital will shape the future of care in New Westminster and beyond.

A Hospital Reborn: RCH Redevelopment Marks BC’s Largest Health Investment

New Westminster’s Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) is in the midst of a sweeping transformation, as part of a $1.49 billion multi-phase redevelopment that represents the largest government-funded healthcare project in British Columbia’s history. With completion targeted for 2026, this ambitious project is set to reshape not only how healthcare is delivered in the province but also the urban fabric of the Sapperton neighbourhood.

Originally established in 1862, RCH is one of the oldest hospitals in the country. But as patient demand has surged, so too has the need to modernize. Driven by population growth, increased acuity, and aging infrastructure, the redevelopment aims to create a future-ready hospital capable of meeting both regional and provincial healthcare needs for generations.

Phase-by-Phase: A Closer Look at the Hospital’s Major Expansion

Phase One (2015–2020): Building the Foundation

The first phase focused on mental health and infrastructure. It delivered a state-of-the-art Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre, replacing the outdated Sherbrooke Centre. The new facility doubled mental health capacity to 75 beds and introduced Fraser Health's first Older Adult Psychiatric Unit and High Acuity Psychiatric Unit.

The Energy Centre was also upgraded, laying the groundwork for improved site efficiency and supporting integration into New Westminster’s future District Energy System. Underground parking (450 stalls) and a temporary heliport relocation completed this foundational work.

Phase Two (2020–2025): The Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower

Currently under construction and slated for completion in early 2025, Phase Two is the heart of the redevelopment. The new 10-storey Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower will house single-patient rooms, a 75-bay Emergency Department, and a dedicated interventional “superfloor” with advanced cardiology and radiology suites.

Additional upgrades include:

• More operating rooms and MRIs

• A new maternity unit with expanded capacity

• 350+ new underground parking spaces

• A new rooftop heliport and main entrance

• Enhanced medical equipment and technology throughout

Phase Three (2023–2026): Upgrading the Existing Core

Once the new tower opens, the focus will shift to modernizing the existing Health Care Centre and Columbia Tower. This phase will:

• Convert four-bed rooms into single or semi-private ones

• Expand pediatric and neonatal ICU facilities

• Improve ambulatory care, food services, and diagnostic areas

• Centralize maternity and NICU care across two connected buildings

*Photo by City of New Westminster

Why It Matters: RCH’s Central Role in BC Healthcare

RCH isn’t just a local hospital. It’s one of only two Level 1 adult trauma centres in the province and the only one in BC offering trauma, cardiac care, neurosurgery, neonatal intensive care, and acute mental health services—all on one site.

Serving a vast catchment area from Burnaby to Maple Ridge, RCH treats:

• Over 75,000 emergency visits

• 21,000+ inpatients

• 88,000 outpatients annually

It leads the province in open heart surgeries (over 940/year) and supports the most critically ill patients through highly specialized quaternary care services.

The redevelopment is expected to increase bed count by 50%, enabling care for 11,300 additional inpatients annually by 2025. With 80% of rooms transitioning to single-patient layouts, the project prioritizes both patient experience and infection control.

Sapperton on the Rise: Community and Economic Impact

For the City of New Westminster and the Sapperton neighbourhood, the redevelopment brings more than just healthcare upgrades. As RCH continues to be the city’s largest employer, it’s anticipated that the project will draw new medical offices, research facilities, and health-tech businesses to the area.

It will also drive demand for housing, child care, and local amenities, further accelerating Sapperton’s evolution into a vibrant mixed-use district. The City is partnering with Fraser Health to manage growth, enhance urban design, and mitigate construction impacts.

Parking, Access, and Construction Mitigation

New Westminster’s partnership with Fraser Health extends to transportation planning. With the new acute care tower set to add 350+ parking spaces, and SkyTrain access just steps away, patient and staff access is a major focus.

Strict parking rules for construction crews are in place to protect residential streets, and truck activity is carefully managed. A temporary noise bylaw exemption permits Saturday morning work until May 2025, helping to keep the project on schedule.

Looking Ahead

When completed, the RCH Redevelopment Project will represent a once-in-a-generation upgrade to BC’s healthcare infrastructure—both in scale and in impact. From cutting-edge cardiac and trauma care to expanded mental health and neonatal services, the new Royal Columbian will be a provincial cornerstone for critical care.

Curious how this transformation could shape the future of Sapperton and beyond? We’re following every step of the Royal Columbian redevelopment—because community change starts with staying informed.

A new chapter is unfolding on New Westminster’s waterfront. The long-anticipated redevelopment of 660 Quayside Drive—formerly known as 660 Front Street—is set to bring transformative change to the city’s downtown riverfront. Now under the direction of Bosa Development, the landmark project known as Pier West aims to turn this key stretch along the Fraser River into a vibrant, mixed-use destination combining housing, green space, public amenities, and commercial energy.

With its prime riverfront location, rich planning history, and alignment with the City’s ambitious waterfront vision, this development is positioned to become a defining feature of New Westminster’s urban landscape.

From Industrial Past to Dynamic Future

A Site with Deep Roots and Bold Potential

Originally owned by Larco Investments Ltd., the 3.5-hectare site has been earmarked for redevelopment since the mid-1990s. Early plans approved in 1996 and updated in 2005 envisioned five towers and above-grade parking, but shifting priorities, urban design trends, and public input led to a dramatic redesign. Today’s vision is shaped by collaboration between the City of New Westminster, Larco, and design consultants—and now championed by Bosa Development.

Where once there were five towers and a large podium, the current plan consolidates residential density into three elegant towers ranging from 28 to 45 storeys, freeing up space for open parks, public esplanades, and unobstructed river views. The new design reflects a desire for a more human-scale, pedestrian-friendly waterfront while supporting economic vibrancy.

Key Features of the Pier West Concept

Residential Living with a View

Pier West will include approximately 800 residential units, primarily housed in three slender towers. The tallest, Tower 2, will rise 45 storeys and serve as a signature landmark for the city’s skyline. Family-friendly townhomes at the base of Tower 3, with front doors opening to the waterfront esplanade, will ensure active, welcoming street-level spaces.

A Hotel and Commercial Vibrancy

Plans include a 150-room hotel, either in Tower 1 or 2, envisioned as a boost to tourism and a complement to the nearby Anvil Centre. Commercial spaces integrated into the podiums of the western towers will animate the esplanade, support local businesses, and provide services for residents and visitors.

Childcare and Community Amenities

The proposal features a 6,000 sq ft childcare facility adjacent to the expanded Westminster Pier Park, to meet growing demand for early childhood care downtown. This facility, offered at a subsidized rate to a licensed provider, demonstrates a commitment to supporting families and long-term livability.

Green Space and River Access: At the Heart of the Plan

A Major Park Expansion

Perhaps the most notable public benefit is the dedication of approximately two acres of parkland—roughly one-third of the site—to expand Westminster Pier Park. This space, known as Park C, will offer a mix of open lawns, shaded groves, social seating areas, and features like a pavilion, dog run, and water elements. Though a full build-out is estimated to exceed the current budget, a phased implementation plan ensures early access to green space while setting the stage for future enhancements.

Connecting the Waterfront

The development will complete a continuous esplanade linking Westminster Pier Park with the River Market and Fraser River Discovery Centre. This 30-foot-wide multi-modal pathway will provide space for walking, cycling, and leisure, designed to mimic the iconic “saw tooth” edge of the adjacent park.

*Photos by City of New Westminster

Infrastructure, Access, and Environmental Integration

Transportation and Traffic

An integrated circulation plan realigns Quayside Drive into a waterfront loop with a roundabout near the Discovery Centre, while Begbie Street will extend to meet the riverfront. A key traffic study confirmed that the downtown street network can support the proposed development without major disruptions, eliminating the need for an overpass at Sixth Street—a move that also preserves river views and avoids parkland impact.

Underground parking across two levels will accommodate residents, visitors, and 80 public stalls, replacing the once-planned above-grade structure with a flood-resilient design that preserves sightlines and pedestrian experience.

Noise and Rail Interface

Proximity to railway lines is addressed through a series of at-grade crossings, physical safety barriers, and ongoing consultation with the Railway Association of Canada. The City’s goal of achieving whistle cessation in the area aligns with design plans to maintain safety without sacrificing tranquility or aesthetics.

A Community-Shaped Vision

Ongoing Engagement and Feedback

From open houses and public surveys to presentations before advisory panels and community organizations, the Pier West project has been shaped by extensive community consultation. Concerns about density, river views, and public space have informed meaningful revisions to the plan. This collaborative process has yielded a development that honors both urban growth and community values.

Looking Ahead: From Planning to Reality

The Pier West project broke ground in January 2020 and is projected to complete by Spring 2025. Construction is phased west to east, beginning with Tower 1 and the public esplanade. Each phase unlocks new amenities—from commercial spaces and public parking to park improvements and a childcare facility.

This landmark project represents more than just new housing; it is a thoughtful reimagining of New Westminster’s riverfront, rooted in history and rising toward the future.

Curious how Pier West could reshape Downtown New Westminster? We’re following this story closely to keep our clients informed on projects that are shaping the future of our communities. Want to stay in the loop? Let’s connect.