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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1135 SALTER Street in New Westminster: Queensborough Land for sale : MLS®# R2697352
1135 SALTER Street New Westminster V3M 6A4 
$16,800,000Land Only- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2697352
Prime location, very rare to find this size project ~ 45 unit townhome development property in highly desirable Queensborough, New Westminster !! One of the few large parcels available in this area. Land Pre-loading completed. Total 2.31 Acre land (165' x 611'). Check with City of New Westminster. Application already under process and development permit anticipated to be issued eta. by August 2022. Call for details. **Double Exposure: Also listed as Land-Commercial C8045027** More detailsListed by RE/MAX Dream Home Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2021 MARINE Way in New Westminster: Connaught Heights House for sale : MLS®# R2750653
2021 MARINE Way New Westminster V3M 2H2
$4,500,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2750653
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 3,652 sq. ft.
ATTENTION DEVELOPERS AND INVESTORS- New Westminster's adopted a OCP on October 2, 2017 as (CD) comprehensive development, This 12.396 Sq Ft parcel of land is Just steps away from 22nd St Skytrain station. Property has has lane way access. Great Holding property with possible option of 3 rental suites. Future home to high rises with water views. More detailsListed by RE/MAX LIFESTYLES REALTY - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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317 HOWES Street in New Westminster: Queensborough House for sale : MLS®# R2687799
317 HOWES Street New Westminster V3M 5L8
$4,400,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2687799
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,706 sq. ft.
Queensborough Townhouse Development Site. OC[ calls for Multi-family. Sold together with neighbouring property at 319 Howes St. More detailsListed by Multiple Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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319 HOWES Street in New Westminster: Queensborough House for sale : MLS®# R2687856
319 HOWES Street New Westminster V3M 5L8
$4,400,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2687856
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 2,112 sq. ft.
Queensborough Townhouse Development Site. OCP calls for Multi-family. Sold together with neighbouring property at 317 Howes St. More detailsListed by Multiple Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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127 JARDINE Street in New Westminster: Queensborough House for sale : MLS®# R2563014
127 JARDINE Street New Westminster V3M 5M2
$3,300,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2563014
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 2,920 sq. ft.
Large half-acre lot in popular Queensborough. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty (Langley) - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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39 E EIGHTH Avenue in New Westminster: The Heights NW House for sale : MLS®# R2599551
39 E EIGHTH Avenue New Westminster V3L 4J4
$3,173,310Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2599551
- Floor Area:
- 3,800 sq. ft.
This home is to be sold in conjunction with 807, 809, 817, 819, 823 Sangster Place + 39 East Eighth Avenue - 46 765 square feet in land total. Bring your building ideas to this Site with a partial RGO zone. City Hall has looked and will be open to discussion. Townhomes or 6 story if permitted. This area is abundant with low rise and High-rise and Townhomes. Shopping a 1 min walk to all major stores, Bus to 5 Skytrain stations within 1 min walk. 1 minute drive to Burnaby. 10 minute drive to Surrey and Perimeter Highway and Highway One. 5 Top schools with Montessori/ French Immersion + the Justice Institute 1 minute walk. Condos + Townhomes being built capturing $1000-$1200 a sq ft. This is a good site for Social Cause or Family Living. The largest Assembly in the city, ready to go. More detailsListed by Stonehaus Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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607 TWENTIETH Street in New Westminster: West End NW House for sale : MLS®# R2746271
607 TWENTIETH Street New Westminster V3M 4W1
$2,950,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2746271
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,243 sq. ft.
Builders and Investors Alert! Prime ReDevelopment Lot! Currently there is 3 bed and 2 baths 1,243 sq ft home on the lot. Potential for larger land assembly and multi story development in this highly sought after area in New West! Close to parks, restaurants and a short walk away from transit. More detailsListed by Stonehaus Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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92 GLOVER Avenue in New Westminster: GlenBrooke North Fourplex for sale : MLS®# R2728797
92 GLOVER Avenue New Westminster V3L 2A3
$2,899,000Multifamily- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2728797
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,550 sq. ft.
Unbelievable CASH-FLOW Opportunity! Amazing investment, this 6PLEX generates $136,000 rental income/yr. If you're looking for an income producing property, this is the one. Siting on an 8000 sq.ft. duplex lot, with zoning allowing for higher density. One 3-bed suite, one 2-bed suite, 2 1-bed suites, + 2 bachelor suites. 4500 sq ft living area, separate entrances for each unit. Solid home, great condition with updates done throughout. Lots of parking, carport with back lane access. Centrally located in New West, one block from shopping complex with Safeway & Mcdonalds, 2 blocks to schools, rec centre, parks, and bus stop, easy access to major routes. Don't miss this amazing opportunity! More detailsListed by SRS Westside Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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221 THIRD Avenue in New Westminster: Queens Park House for sale : MLS®# R2758704
221 THIRD Avenue New Westminster V3L 1L9
$2,899,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2758704
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,261 sq. ft.
Custom-designed & quality built elegant home located in highly sought after Queens Park area of, New Westminster. 3,261 sq. ft living space on a rectangular 6534 sq. ft lot. This gorgeous home is Immaculately maintained by the original owners. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms upstairs with 2 full baths.10' ceilings on the main plus a vaulted ceiling in the Great Room. Gorgeous kitchen and wok kitchen with high-end appliances including a Wolf stove and a fireplace in a corner kitchen cabinet. Media room, recreation room and a large 2 bedroom in the basement. Fantastic outdoor space with huge covered patio with an outside fireplace perfect for entertaining. Air conditioning, Central vacuum, 5 fireplaces. Heated double Garage has a workshop & full bathroom. Inground sprinkler system. Don't miss! More detailsListed by Nu Stream Realty Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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314 SECOND Street in New Westminster: Queens Park House for sale in "Queen's Park" : MLS®# R2751400
314 SECOND Street New Westminster V3L 2K8
$2,898,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2751400
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 3,931 sq. ft.
First time on the market in more than six decades, this grand home in New Westminster's Queen's Park neighbourhood is a rare find. Situated on an 9169 sq. sf lot backing onto coveted Sullivan Park, this family home offers nearly 4000 sf of living space on four levels w/ 5 bdrms and 4 baths. The main level boasts 10'2 ceilings, large foyer with w/b f/p, coffered ceiling, built-ins, banister staircase, lg living and dining rooms and family room. The spacious and light-filled kitchen w/ eating area overlooks the beautiful backyard. You'll find four bdrms on the second level, incl the primary with built-ins and new 2-pc ensuite. There is also a new 5-pc bath w/ freestanding soaker tub, heated floors and w/i shower. Rich with historic detail, this home has too many features and upgrades to list. The private backyard oasis includes an 18x36-ft in-ground pool, patios and decks, mature gardens and more. Lane access w/ attached 2-car garage. More detailsListed by Keller Williams Realty VanCentral - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
