Category Archives: Uncategorized
New Westminster Secondary School Replacement Project Project Timeline and Community Consultation Update
Leave a reply
Project Timeline Update
The target completion date of the new New Westminster Secondary School has been extended to May 2020. The three shortlisted design and construction teams are working hard to complete their submissions by November 2017. The selection committee will then review the proposals and recommend a preferred proponent to the School District in November 2017. The successful design will be presented for public comment in early 2018.
When will the community have an opportunity to provide input?
Previous consultation with the community has informed planning to date and community consultation will continue through all phases of the Project. During Round 1 community consultation which took place from November 7 to December 5, 2016, participants were asked to comment on a series of aspirational statements for our new school. The input was considered, along with technical and financial information, in the development of the Statement of Requirements for our new school. The Consultation Summary Report for Round 1 consultation can be found here.
Round 2 community consultation is being planned now and will take place in early 2018. Students, teachers, parents, and the community will be asked for input on topics related to the design of the new school, as well as construction mitigation measures. Similar to Round 1, this second round of consultation will include a variety of opportunities to participate and provide feedback online, in person and by mail. Participants will be invited to complete a feedback form online or in hard copy, submit written submissions by email or mail and attend consultation meetings. Details about meeting dates, locations, and online opportunities will be provided as soon as they are available.
We continue to engage with First Nations communities, the Chinese Benevolent Association, the Legacy Initiatives Advisory Council, Inclusion BC, and other organizations that represent communities with a history or potential history of ancestral burials on the site. A Memorialization Advisory Committee (MAC) has been struck and held an initial meeting on June 12, 2017 to consider how best to memorialize the dedicated and protected areas of the site that are known to have been used for burials. We will provide updates to the community as the planning progresses on this component of the development.
Contact: New Westminster School District
newnwss@sd40.bc.ca
NW Secondary School Replacement Project
Archaeological Impact Assessment Interim Report Now Available
June 16, 2017 – The Province and the New Westminster School District have committed that no construction for the new NWSS Project will take place on any known burial area. To confirm areas available for construction, Golder Associates, on behalf of the School District, conducted a heritage investigation and archaeological impact assessment of the project site to determine buildable locations for the new school.
Based on both previous and our most recent studies, we are satisfied that there are no known burial areas in the anticipated location of the new school. Similarly, research also confirmed potential buildable locations in the area reviewed next to the anticipated location of the new school for uses such as parking, a maintenance building and playing fields.
Heritage management and archaeological monitoring procedures will remain in place throughout the development of the new school to ensure the proper preservation and management of any discovered archaeological materials.
2016 Heritage Investigation Results
Field investigations in and adjacent to the anticipated location of the new school, led by Golder Associates archaeologists, did not identify any burial areas or historic materials and features associated with past cemetery use.
Archaeological impact assessment activities took place on site between November 14 and December 13, 2016. Field investigations included the monitoring of geotechnical and geo-environmental boreholes located within and immediately adjacent to the archaeological site as well as mechanical testing of potential geophysical anomalies identified in an earlier study conducted from July 13 to August 23, 2016. The purpose of this second phase of work in late 2016 was to determine and locate the presence of any burial areas or historical artifacts.
Golder Associates has developed an interim report which details their archaeological impact assessment work and findings. Heritage investigations of the previously identified locations determined that the geophysical anomalies were typically objects such as boulders, tree stumps, metal objects, historical artifacts and past construction debris. These results are detailed in the report.
Given the historical cemetery use on the site and the large number of cultural groups and organizations associated with the site, the Heritage Conservation Act permit application was distributed widely to groups with an identified historical link to the site. Golder also applied for four First Nations heritage investigation permits, and representatives from First Nations groups also participated in the field work activities.
As committed, other areas of the site previously confirmed as being associated with past cemetery use will be memorialized through a passive park and memorial area. The Memorialization Advisory Committee will be engaged in determining how best to memorialize these dedicated and protected areas of the site.
Please see the NWSS site map attached to this email. For more information about the Project, visit http://www.newnwss.ca.
Contact: New Westminster School District
newnwss@sd40.bc.ca.
604-517-6240
June 13 – Show your support for the Queen’s Park Neighborhood HCA
TUESDAY, June 13 at 6pm
Please come and show your support for the
Queen’s Park Heritage Conservation Area Policy Bylaw
Please register NOW at clerks@newwestcity.ca if you wish to speak at the Public Hearing (the city anticipates a high number of speakers).
Why should you support the HCA? An open letter to the residents of Queen’s Park
The Queen’s Park Heritage Conservation Area:
Protection and incentives make this a win-win proposal
If City Council does not approve a Heritage Conservation Area (HCA), we will be back to the status quo – where no house (other than a few designated properties which have significant restrictions on what exterior alterations can be made) will be protected and there will be no design requirements for new builds. Under provincial law, the proposed layer of protection is only possible through an HCA. With so much at stake, and a lot of misinformation that’s been circulating, here are some facts about the proposed HCA in Queen’s Park. Property values will likely increase or remain the same for most homeowners.
In a presentation to City Council on April 24, Jay Wollenberg of Coriolis Consulting indicated that a majority of QP properties in the proposed HCA would likely either benefit or see no change in property value; however, the policy could affect some properties which, due to their small lot and/or house size, may not be able to take advantage of proposed incentives.
Providing smaller Advanced Protection properties with options: To address these concerns, the City is proposing a new, temporary sub-category to the Advanced Protection level for smaller homes and lots built on or before 1940. If the HCA is approved, Coriolis Consulting will immediately begin a detailed analysis of the heritage, economic and renovation potential for these homes. The affected properties will either be reclassified as Advanced or Limited when an HCA review takes place in 2019.
Proposed incentives will increase value and livability: To address property value concerns, City staff will begin an exploration, consultation and implementation process for proposed incentives for Advanced Category homes (built in 1940 or earlier) if the HCA is approved.
Some of the incentives being considered include:
- An increased floor space ratio (FSR) of between 0.1 and 0.2 FSR
- Full basements exempted from FSR calculations
- Stratification to multi-dwelling properties, and subdivision to small lot properties.
Developers aren’t the only ones who want to buy more modest, less expensive homes: Smaller homes will still be valuable, offering a “foot in the door” for younger people keen to build some “sweat equity” and for older people who want to downsize but reside in such a livable neighbourhood that’s close to so many amenities.
Queen’s Park demolition applications rising: The rate of demolition applications in Queen’s Park has been increasing. According to the City’s statistics for the five years from 2011-2015, only 12 houses (total) were demolished; however, alarmingly in 2016 alone there were seven demolitions applied for (five approved, two denied). If we continue at that rate, Queen’s Park will lose 35 houses in the next five years. How long can Queen’s Park sustain these losses before the very essence of what we value about living in this unique neighbourhood is eradicated and everyone loses?
Design controls are only enforceable with an HCA: The push for an HCA began as a community initiative to retain the streetscapes and green space that define the character of the neighbourhood. However, they can only be implemented with an HCA in place or by changing New Westminster’s zoning bylaw framework to include design controls that would apply to the entire city. Protection of Queen’s Park’s historic character means there will be some trade-offs. But with the recently announced emphasis on addressing concerns of small homes/lot sizes – and some potentially robust incentives that could be implemented – there is no downside to an HCA.
Urge the Mayor and City Council to approve this important initiative so future generations can enjoy our beautiful streetscapes and historic homes, both large and small.
Respectfully submitted by the directors of the New Westminster Heritage Preservation Society and the Queen’s Park Residents Association.
Queen’s Park Traffic Calming Plan – June 17
Concerned with Traffic in Queens Park? Then please go out to one of the City’s Roadshow Pit Stops! As part of Phase 1 of this work, they want to hear from residents and businesses about the challenges and successes related to transportation in the neighbourhood. In a drop-in setting, you will be completing a brief 5 minute survey and discussing transportation issues with City staff with the aid of a large map of the neighbourhood.
The first phase of this process will involve a ‘roadshow’ open house that will be making the following stops on June 17th.
| Date | Time | Location |
| June 17, 2017 | 10:00am-11:00am | Friendship Garden (corner of Queen’s Avenue & 4th Street) |
| June 17, 2017 | 11:30am – 12:30pm | Sullivan Park (Oliver Street off of 4th Avenue) |
| June 17, 2017 | 1:00pm- 2:00pm | Queen’s Park (corner of 6th Avenue and 1st Street) |
In addition, more information, including the survey, is available at the following link: www.newwestcity.ca/qptc
Sunday May 28/2017 HERITAGE HOMES TOUR 10:00am-5:00pm
Tickets are on sale now $35.00 per person at the following locations:
1. Royal City Colours: 700 12th St, New Westminster
2. Gardenworks Mandeville: 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby
3. Champagne Taste: 1101 Royal Ave, New Westminster
4. New Westminster Museum & Archives, Anvil Centre:
777 Columbia St, New Westminster
5. Royal City Physio: 101-450 E. Columbia St (cash/cheque)
There are 11 wonderful homes spread out over the City as well as the Irving House Museum.
Heritage Homes Tour 2017
Step inside and tour 12 exquisite homes spanning seven decades of heritage artistry blended with modern day living. Featured homes include a mid-century modern stunner, an Edwardian tour favourite, a Georgian Revival beauty and a handsome house with English Arts and Crafts influences. Updated kitchens and beautiful gardens await to help you with your own décor ideas!
We have 11 wonderful houses on tour. Plus Irving House where lots of exciting things are happening. (Exterior paint job…) A lovely mix of homes spread out over the city. From Moody Park to Victory Heights.
Including:
A stunning Sapperton mid-century modern. (A G. Douglas Wylie house.)
1954 Victory Heights house with a fabulous renovation and an “intriguing” addition!
1940 small Glenbrooke house that would have been demolished anywhere else but whose owners made it work for their family’s needs with a subtle addition.
1912 Handsome Arts and Crafts House with a vintage twist—blends owner’s love of mid-century modern with a craftsman sensibility.
1926 Galbraith House—Georgian Revival with amazing stained glass.
1905 JJ. Johnston’s Edwardian mansion with an extensive backyard makeover.
1906 Capt. W. H. Philpott House that has seen major interior updates.
1910 Chappell house. Its popular design is evident throughout the lower mainland. Previously on tour with dark rich colours and wallpaper. It returns to the Tour with a brand new kitchen reno and new subtle paint hues.
1910 an adorable Moody Park house with Arts and Crafts influences. A lovely home where every inch counts.
A 1949 Victory Heights house where the love of wood meets the perfect blend of whimsy and wit.
AND the H.L. Edmonds House at 443 Fifth Street. A house rich in pedigree and heritage ideas.
New Westminster Secondary School Replacement Project
Archaeological Investigation Confirms Potential Buildable Locations for New NWSS
May 11, 2017 – The Province and the New Westminster School District have committed that no construction for the new NWSS Project will take place on any known burial area. To confirm areas available for construction, Golder Associates, on behalf of the School District, conducted a heritage investigation and archaeological impact assessment of the project site to determine buildable locations for the new school.
Based on both previous and our most recent studies, we are satisfied that there are no known burial areas in the location of the new school. Similarly, research also confirmed the area reviewed next to the location of the new school could be developed for uses such as parking, a maintenance building and playing fields.
Heritage management and archaeological monitoring will continue during the development of the new secondary school to ensure the proper preservation and management of any discovered archaeological materials.
As committed, other areas of the site previously confirmed as being associated with past cemetery use will be memorialized through a passive park and memorial area. The Memorialization Advisory Committee will be engaged in determining how best to memorialize these dedicated and protected areas of the site.
The full Archaeological Impact Assessment Interim Report will be made available, once the formal review process has been completed with identified First Nations groups and the Archaeology Branch. We anticipate the report will be available this summer.
Please see the NWSS sitemap attached to this email. For more information about the Project, visit www.newnwss.ca.
Contact: New Westminster School District
Queen's Park Residents' Association 