Irrepressible New Westminster
General Characteristics
New Westminster, historically an important city in the Lower Mainland of mountainous British Columbia, Canada, and now a municipality of the Greater Vancouver Regional District, was the capital of the mainland Colony of British Columbia from 1858 until merger of the mainland and island colonies in 1866 and was the province’s largest city until Vancouver overtook it in population early in the 20th Century. New Westminster is in the southeastern part of the Burrard Peninsula on the north bank of the Fraser River about 12 miles from the City of Vancouver, adjacent to Burnaby and Coquitlam, and across the Fraser River from Surrey. The Queensborough portion of New Westminster is on the eastern tip of Lulu Island adjacent to Richmond on the river downstream. Total city land area is 5.9 square miles. In the 2011 Census the population was 65,976, of which in census terms “visible minorities,” mostly Asian, accounted for about 35, “aboriginals” 4, and “European Canadians” 61 percent.
Historical Development
The discovery of gold in British Columbia caused fear of an American invasion and takeover. For this reason, the colonial government in 1859 established Queensborough as the first official capital for its defensible location and communication facilities by water. The London government, however, did not favor “Queensborough,” so Queen Victoria renamed the city after Westminster, where the Houses of Parliament stand. From this renaming by the queen came the official nickname “The Royal City.” A year later, New Westminster became the first British Columbia city to incorporate under an elected municipal government. It was then the principal staging point for prospectors traveling to the gold fields beyond Yale and Port Douglas up the Fraser River.
When the colonies of British Columbia and Vancouver Island merged in 1866, Victoria on Vancouver Island, not New Westminster on the mainland, became the capital of British Columbia by a vote of 13 to 8 in the legislature. After British Columbia became the sixth province of the Dominion of Canada, the Royal City’s economy benefited from the Canadian Pacific Railway extension to Vancouver with a spur to New Westminster in 1886, although most rail traffic went to Vancouver, where the port never froze, unlike the Fraser River in winter at New Westminster. Twelve years later, in 1898, a devastating fire destroyed most of downtown New Westminster. New Westminster’s Chinatown, one of the earliest and largest in the mainland colony, perished in the Great Fire of 1898, and none remains in New Westminster today.
Columbia Street
The downtown heart of New Westminster close to the city waterfront, Columbia Street in its heyday was the main commercial retail and service centre for Burnaby, Coquitlam, and the whole Fraser Valley. The high-quality shopping experience drew customers from even Vancouver by interurban rail or by car via Kingsway (originally Westminster Highway or Westminster Road). The 1964 completion of the Trans-Canada Highway bypass and the building of suburban malls with plentiful free parking drove Columbia Street into a slump during which many businesses abandoned the downtown district.
In October 2006, Columbia Street changed alignment to one lane in both directions with a bicycle lane and reverse-angle parking to encourage pedestrian and bicycling traffic. Construction or renovation projects at the Plaza 88 condominium towers, the Columbia Theatre, and the Westminster Pier Park are evidence of some rejuvenation.
Front Street
Originally a dockside street and market, Front Street converted to a truck route and elevated parking facility during the 1960s to increase parking space for Columbia Street. More recently, it has been the scene of a thriving trade in antiques and a frequent location for feature film productions.
Information Links:
http://newwestchamber.com
http://www.downtownnewwest.ca
http://www.newwestcity.ca
http://www.newwestpcr.ca/recreation/recreation_facilities.php
http://www.newwestcity.ca/business/planning_development/official-community-plan
Queensborough
When Queen Victoria renamed the city, “Queensborough” became the name of the New Westminster section of Lulu Island across the river channel from the southwestern mainland end of the city. Queensborough is today an area of low- to middle-income housing with some new condominium complexes near the Westminster Quay development.
New Westminster Live MLS Listings
Irrepressible New Westminster
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1205 SEVENTH Avenue in New Westminster: West End NW House for sale : MLS®# R2875901
1205 SEVENTH Avenue New Westminster V3M 2J8 
$1,369,900Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2875901
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,729 sq. ft.
A rare find, is residential pricing with commercial ability. This well-looked-after home boasts 3bed 2 bath, heated bathroom floors, newer roof and heat pump. Renovated Kitchen and Bathrooms. While the lower level holds promise for a suite, adding versatility and income potential. Large backyard with shed, and parking. Potential for daycare facilities to run out of home. Amenities including shops, restaurants, and parks, provide the ultimate urban lifestyle. With its commercial and residential zoning, envision creating your dream business or home in this prime location. Explore the potential to be part of a land assembly, capitalizing on future development opportunities. Double exposed as C8058745 More detailsListed by RE/MAX All Points Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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130 JARDINE Street in New Westminster: Queensborough 1/2 Duplex for sale : MLS®# R2840378
130 JARDINE Street New Westminster V3M 0M4
$1,365,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2840378
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,892 sq. ft.
1/2 DUPLEX - corner lot in Queensborough. No need for a detached house because this home feels very spacious! Enjoy an amazing floor plan, luxury finishes, radiant heat, air filter, heat recovery ventilation system, AIR CONDITIONING, and an optional EV charging station in the garage. Fantastic private yard with artificial turf and a new fence! No maintenance fees and a great location for your family to grow. Convenient lifestyle while being just a short walk away from schools, parks, shopping, and the community centre. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity! More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2801 823 CARNARVON Street in New Westminster: Downtown NW Condo for sale : MLS®# R2862333
2801 823 CARNARVON Street New Westminster V3M 1E9
$1,355,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2862333
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,230 sq. ft.
Welcome to Ovation, an urban luxury building nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown New Westminster. Experience the epitome of modern living with unparalleled amenities, including mini-golf, a hot tub, and a private clubhouse offering panoramic views for unforgettable gatherings with family and friends. This meticulously crafted residence boasts a coveted layout featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 parking slots, and 1 storage unit. Enjoy the convenience of heating and air conditioning, top-of-the-line Bosch appliances, and a thoughtfully designed interior that seamlessly combines functionality with elegance. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your lifestyle at Ovation – where luxury meets convenience in the heart of Downtown New Westminster. More detailsListed by Nu Stream Realty Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2903 823 CARNARVON Street in New Westminster: Downtown NW Condo for sale in "Ovation" : MLS®# R2875056
2903 823 CARNARVON Street New Westminster V3M 1E9
$1,350,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2875056
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,187 sq. ft.
Welcome to OVATION! This AMAZING BRAND NEW Sub PENTHOUSE South East CORNER UNIT 3 Bed 2 Bath unit offers an open layout with natural light in the living area and bedrooms. A wrap around 400 sqft balcony with mountain, city and water views to endlessly enjoy. Open concept kitchen with high-end Bosch and Fisher & Paykel appliances along with Central Heat & AIR CONDITIONING and a long island for plenty of counter space. This unit is the perfect blend of luxury and convenience. Unit comes with 2 parking (EV and Regular) and 1 bike storage unit. The building offers Concierge service, along with ROOF TOP Gym, Meeting room, Hot Tub, Outdoor Lounge and Party Room with SPLENDED VIEWS all around! Steps away from the Skytrain, Pier Park, the Quay, Shopping and restaurants, Schools! MUST SEE! More detailsListed by Sutton Group - 1st West Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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506 823 CARNARVON Street in New Westminster: Downtown NW Condo for sale in "OVATION" : MLS®# R2861200
506 823 CARNARVON Street New Westminster V3M 1E9
$1,349,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2861200
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,344 sq. ft.
2 LEVEL, 3 BED & DEN, 2.5 BATH W/ A WHOPPING 500+ SQ FT PRIVATE GATED PATIO & 2 PARKING + STORAGE! Welcome to CityHome D at Ovation by Domus, a stunning example of modern living situated in the heart of a vibrant urban landscape. This meticulously designed residence combines the allure of city life with the comfort and sophistication of a high-end home. Elegant interiors, a sleek, open-concept kitchen equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinetry, and quartz countertops, perfect for both casual meals and formal dining. Exceptional Amenities, exclusive access to Ovation’s premium amenities, including a fully equipped fitness center, a serene outdoor terrace with a hot tub, and a stylish residents’ lounge. Unbeatable location and sustainable living. Call today! More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
