What’s happening?
The City of New Westminster is seeking input into a draft policy of a heritage conservation area for the Queen’s Park neighbourhood. The consultation process is taking place after more than three years of study and five rounds of heritage consultation and aiming to be complete by June.
What’s being proposed?
The conservation area policy would include mandatory design guidelines for new houses. It would also include up to three different levels of heritage protection for the 702 single-family houses in the neighbourhood. To date, most feedback suggests the oldest homes in the neighbourhood (pre-1900 to 1929) would have the highest level of heritage protection.
What is a conservation area?
The Local Government Act allows cities to identify a distinct neighbourhood that’s characterized by its historic value for heritage purposes. A staff report notes a conservation area is considered a tool that a city could use to protect the “feel” of the entire neighbourhood and its streetscape. A heritage conservation area would give the city the authority to deny a permit if work isn’t deemed to be consistent with the policy.
Does this mean residents can never alter or demolish their houses?
No. In some cases, staff would be able to assess the application, while in other cases major changes to the front and sides of a building, including demolition, would require city council’s approval.
I want to have a say:
The open house is taking place on Sunday, March 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the city hall foyer. Register at eventbrite.ca (search for Queen’s Park Heritage Conservation Area) or call 604-527-4532. If you can’t make the open house, you can complete an online survey on the city’s website at www.newwestcity.ca.
