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City hall maps out plans for the future

The City of New Westminster plans to tackle a wide range of actions from 2012 to 2014 as part of its strategic plan.

The City of New Westminster plans to tackle a wide range of actions from 2012 to 2014 as part of its strategic plan.

The city, which adopted its first strategic plan in 2005, recently updated its strategic plan, which focuses on citywide opportunities and challenges.

"New Westminster is in a time of renewal and revitalization, requiring a refreshed vision and initiatives that will continue to make New Westminster vibrant, healthy, relevant and a great place to live," said the plan. "To that end, city council and staff are committed to the vision and priorities outlined in this strategic plan."

The strategic plan sets the city's overall policy framework and strategic direction and clarifies the city's priorities for the upcoming three years.

The city's strategic priorities are to focus on: community livability and social equity; vibrant economy; arts and culture; and environmental leadership.

The report details initiatives that will be pursued in these areas.

Examples include: developing a master transportation plan; completing the Queensborough community plan; addressing railway corridor issues; developing two early childhood hubs (of the four that are proposed citywide); exploring options for replacement of the animal shelter; supporting hospital redevelopment initiatives; developing an aggressive business retention, expansion and attraction program; exploring options for the future of Canada Games Pool and Centennial Community Centre; developing the multi-use civic facility; planning and commissioning an art piece to commemorate the Wait for Me, Daddy photograph; implementing a Zero Waste program that's customized for New Westminster; and implementing the green

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