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
-
417 31 RELIANCE Court in New Westminster: Quay Condo for sale in "QUAYWEST" : MLS®# R2861099
417 31 RELIANCE Court New Westminster V3M 6C6 
$899,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2861099
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,664 sq. ft.
Very rare three level apartment, two bedrooms, a den and a loft, huge deck off the living room with a peak a view, Ideal for summer BBQ days, a large balcony off the two bedrooms. Close to all amenities, shopping, transportation and recreation. The area is ideal for enjoying a walk along the river or game of tennis at the complex tennis court. More detailsListed by RE/MAX All Points Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
119 8 RENAISSANCE Square in New Westminster: Quay Townhouse for sale in "MURANO" : MLS®# R2869869
119 8 RENAISSANCE Square New Westminster V3M 7A9
$899,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2869869
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,431 sq. ft.
RARE 1 of 6 TOWNHOMES in MURANO LOFTS located in the New West Quay. CONCRETE construction, END UNIT 3 bed/2 bath. 5 AMAZING PATIOS/DECKS including fully PRIVATE 400 SF ROOFTOP DECK offering South facing lagoon views and partial view of Fraser River! Gentle 4 split w/ minimal stairs between floors. 18' ceilings on main floor with oversized windows provide tons of natural light. Open kitchen, living, dining layout is perfect for entertaining. Chefs kitchen features gas range, shaker cabinets, granite counters, S/S appliances. Large Primary bedroom with 4 pcs ensuite and courtyard views! Pet friendly (2 cats or dogs), well maintained building with well-equipped gym & yoga room, guest suite. Rentals allowed. 2 parking included. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
1007 823 CARNARVON Street in New Westminster: Downtown NW Condo for sale : MLS®# R2858803
1007 823 CARNARVON Street New Westminster V3M 1E9
$899,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2858803
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 884 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 2 bedrooms, 1 parking space, 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
-
304 2 RENAISSANCE Square in New Westminster: Quay Condo for sale in "THE LIDO" : MLS®# R2840095
304 2 RENAISSANCE Square New Westminster V3M 6K3
$899,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2840095
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,226 sq. ft.
"The Lido" Heart of New West Quay, amazing open concept luxury, spacious 9' ceilings, top of the line total professional renovations to the bathrooms all new and never used jetted bathtub, kitchen cabinets, marble grey countertops, crown molding, Stainless steel high-end appliances, many upgrades, hardwood floors, unit was just totally painted, new baseboard heaters, enjoy the fireplace, 2 bdrm, 2 bath, 2 park (one with owners EV charger) rainscreened building with waterfront views of Fraser River and the beautiful Lido Lagoon Fountain from the large balcony. Wheelchair access, Pet friendly; 2 dogs or 2 cats. Open House Sunday, April 21, 2024. 2 to 4 PM. More detailsListed by Royal LePage West Real Estate Services - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
2606 823 CARNARVON Street in New Westminster: Downtown NW Condo for sale : MLS®# R2851780
2606 823 CARNARVON Street New Westminster V3M 0N5
$899,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2851780
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 891 sq. ft.
Welcome to Ovation! This 32-storey architectural landmark in Downtown New Westminster. The building is conveniently located across the street from the New Westminster Skytrain Station which offers all your shopping needs from grocery to late desserts. This East corner facing home offers 891 sf with 2 BDRMS & 2 BATHS. 2 patios, views of Fraser River & Bridge for the 26th Floor. Designer U-shape kitchen layout with 36" integrated Fisher & Paykel double-door fridge, 30" Bosch cooking appliances, and quartz countertops. Master ensuite features stylish tiling through-out, medicine cabinet, walk-in shower stall. Well lit and spacious 2 BDRM & 2 BATH can be yours! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
