NEW WESTMINSTER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
As New Westminster movers, Ferguson Moving and Storage is committed to giving you the best information for helping you move to or within New Westminster.
We hope you will find the following information useful.
The City of New Westminster is part of the Greater Vancouver Regional District and is situated on
the Burrard Peninsula, on the north bank of the Fraser River. The Pattullo Bridge
connects New Westminster with the City of Surrey. New Westminster is located along Highway #1A, approximately
20 km east of downtown Vancouver.
Population in New Westminster is approximately 58,549.
YESTERDAY AND TODAY
New Westminster is the oldest city in British Columbia, named by Queen Victoria herself when it was
the colonial capital in 1859. Before that it was known as “Queensborough”. Four years after New
Westminster was incorporated, the first legislative council of the Province met there in 1864.
Later, in
1868, the capital was transferred to Victoria.
The first bank in B.C. was opened in New Westminster in 1862, along with the oldest hospital in
British Columbia. New Westminster celebrated its 125th anniversary in 1984. Because Queen
Victoria named the city, it has retained the nickname – The Royal City – throughout the years. New
Westminster is a port town, where sternwheelers rolled in during the 1860s and now modern
freighters from around the world put in at the fresh water, ice-free, deep-sea port on the south
arm of the Fraser River.
Today, because of New Westminster’s strategic location, manufacturing industry is an important
component to the economy. The retail industry has the largest sector, along with lumber, plywood
and paper industries. Although agricultural pursuits are minor in the New Westminster
area, large agricultural areas lie in the nearby communities of Richmond, Delta and the lower
Fraser Valley to Hope.
ATTRACTIONS
Queen’s Park – A 75 acre park that offers a bandshell for summer concerts, a children’s petting
zoo,
stadium, arena and rose gardens.
Hyack Festival – The annual festival begins Victoria Day weekend in May. Events include car
rallies, parades, carnivals, sports events, dances, theatre productions and fireworks.
Annual Events – The city is host to numerous annual events including Canada Day Celebrations in
July, Royal City Jazz Festival in September and Santa Claus Parade of Lights in December.
Irving House Historic Centre – Once home to sternwheeler captain William Irving, the house is now a
museum filled with beautiful, historic antiques.
River Market on the Quay – Follow the Quays Boardwalk, along the waterfront to restaurants and
vendors that offers fresh produce, meats, cheeses, breads and great gift ideas.
Royal City Farmers Market – Held on Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm during the months of June to
October. Vendors include fresh produce, baked goods, plants and crafts.
Waterfront Esplanade – 7.6 acres located along the waterfront, including a boardwalk, ideal for
walking and biking.
MEDIA
One of the best ways to learn about your new community is to subscribe to the local newspaper.
Many
publishers will mail their newspaper to you, even before you move. For more information, please
contact:
“New Westminster News Leader”
7438 Fraser Park Dr.
Burnaby, BC V5E 1E1
(604) 438-6397
EDUCATION
For information regarding curriculum and enrollment procedures, please contact:
School District #40 (New Westminster)
1001 Columbia St. New Westminster, BC V3M 1C4
(604) 517-6240 www.ad40.bc.ca
Additional educational institutes:
Douglas College
New Westminster Campus
700 Royal Ave. PO Box 2503
New Westminster, BC V3M 5Z5
(604) 527-5400 www.douglas.bc.ca
TRANSPORTATION
Driver Services (ICBC) ……………………………….. 1-800-950-1498
Translink-Public Transit ………………………………. (604) 953-3333
MEDICAL SERVICES
A list of names and addresses of physicians currently accepting new patients is available from:
Royal Columbian Hospital
330 Columbia St. E. New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7
(604) 520-4253
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
*Please confirm these emergency numbers when you arrive in your new community.
AMBULANCE …………………………………………… 911
FIRE ………………………………………………………….. 911
POLICE …………………………………………………….. 911
PUBLIC SERVICES
Cable TV: Rogers Cable ……………………………………………………….. 1-888-764-3771
Hydro: Electrical Utility Commission ………………………………….. (604) 527-4555
BC Hydro ……………………………………………………………… 1-800-224-9376
Gas: Terasen Gas ………………………………………………………….. 1-888-224-2710
Garbage/Recycling: Collection Inquiries – Operation Dept. ………………………. (604) 526-4691
Recycling Hotline ………………………………………………….. (604) 732-9253
Billing Inquiries …………………………………………………….. (604) 527-4550
Water: General Inquiries-Water Branch ………………………………. (604) 526-4691
Billing Inquiries …………………………………………………….. (604) 527-4555
Telephone: Telus (outside BC) …………………………………………………. 1-888-811-2323
Telus (within BC) ……………………………………………………………. 310-2255
The telephone area code for New Westminster is 604.
RECREATION
For information about facilities, clubs and sports leagues in your area, contact: Parks &
Recreation Department …………………….. (604) 527-4567
New Westminster Public Library …………………… (604) 527-4660
Queens Park Arenx ……………………………………… (604) 777-5121
Queens Park Arena ………………………………………. (604) 777-5111
Canada Games Pool ……………………………………… (604) 526-4281
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
The Chamber of Commerce is the best source of information about your new community. Many of these
groups have brochures and booklets full of local facts. Please contact:
New Westminster Chamber of Commerce
601 Queens Ave. New Westminster, BC V3M 1L1
(604) 521-7781 www.newwestchamber.com
For more information about your new community, including area maps and brochures, please contact:
City Clerk
511 Royal Avenue New Westminster, BC V3L 1H9
(604) 521-3711
For more information about New Westminster, visit their website at www.newwestcity.ca.