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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1002 833 AGNES Street in New Westminster: Downtown NW Condo for sale in "THE NEWS" : MLS®# R2883246
1002 833 AGNES Street New Westminster V3M 0B1 
$535,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2883246
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 541 sq. ft.
Investors or first-time homebuyers, jump on this amazing opportunity! Welcome to this cozy apartment in the heart of New Westminster. This 1-bed, 1-bath unit offers an open layout, abundant natural light, and a balcony. The building boasts attractive amenities such as a gym and a party room. With its prime location near parks, shopping centers, dining options, and the Skytrain station, convenience is at your doorstep. What sets this property apart is its investment potential. Included with the property is 1 parking space and 1 storage locker, providing additional value and convenience. The pet-friendly and rental-friendly policies further enhance the property appeal. Call today to book your private showing. Quick possession possible. More detailsListed by Keller Williams Ocean Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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602 47 AGNES Street in New Westminster: Downtown NW Condo for sale in "Fraser House" : MLS®# R2879964
602 47 AGNES Street New Westminster V3L 1E2
$534,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2879964
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 916 sq. ft.
Introducing a charming SE corner unit boasting breathtaking views of the Fraser River! This 2 bed/2 bath gem features a functional layout with updates throughout. Enjoy unobstructed views from every window, updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, stone countertops, and custom cabinets. Additional highlights include ensuite washer/dryer, custom closets, and laminate flooring. With over 900 sqft of living space and a large balcony overlooking the river and mountains, this home is perfect for first-time buyers, young families, or investors. Plus, enjoy access to building amenities including an indoor pool, sauna, gym, and party room. Conveniently located within walking distance to skytrain, elementary school, Douglas College, shopping, parks, and recreation. OH Sat 2-4pm & Sun 11-1pm More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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204 119 AGNES Street in New Westminster: Downtown NW Condo for sale : MLS®# R2865517
204 119 AGNES Street New Westminster V3L 1E4
$529,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2865517
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 954 sq. ft.
Centrally located large 2 bedroom condo in the Downtown of New Westminster. At almost 1000 square feet, this home is a great buy! Updated kitchen with cabinets, backsplash and butcher block countertops. Gallery style kitchen opens to dining and living room. Large living room with access to large balcony. Updated bathroom with access to primary bedroom. Lots of storage space in unit. Great location with lots of parks, and high walkability. No need for a car! Bus stops outside unit, skytrain a 10 min walk, or use car share (Evo available in New West). Maintenance fee includes heat and hot water. Pets and Rentals allowed. Storage locker and 1 Parking spot(no need for it tho). Walk to shops, cafes, restaurants and transit. New roof paid for. OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY MAY 18th 2-4PM More detailsListed by RE/MAX City Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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102 740 HAMILTON Street in New Westminster: Uptown NW Condo for sale in "The Statesman" : MLS®# R2843222
102 740 HAMILTON Street New Westminster V3M 5T7
$525,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2843222
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 961 sq. ft.
This lovely 961 sqft corner unit facing garden located in the heart of Uptown NW close to Moody Park, shopping, schools, & transit. Great floor plan w/good sized bright rooms & spacious suite features well kept laminate floors, upgraded kitch w/white cabinets, solarium (enclosed balcony) Large master bdrm w/spacious closets & 2 piece ensuite, white kitchen w/granite counters. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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222 300 SALTER Street in New Westminster: Queensborough Condo for sale : MLS®# R2844574
222 300 SALTER Street New Westminster V3M 0L9
$525,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2844574
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 615 sq. ft.
Welcome to LIGHT HOUSE by Aragon Properties Ltd. Located in a sought-after neighborhood along the Fraser River, this unique split-level 1 bedroom loft design unit creates a lot of open space. 10 foot ceiling, LED pot lights, Monogram TM collection of professional-grade appliances and engineered white oak hardwood flooring throughout. Expansive windows flood homes with lots of natural light. 1 parking (with EV charging station) and 1 storage locker. Easy access to DT New Westminster and Q2Q ferry. Call today for details. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Real Estate Services - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
