New Westminster has cut redesign submissions down to 20 possible visions as it seeks to revitalize the area around 22nd Street SkyTrain Station.
But before making a final decision, city staff want to know which landscape is the public's preference.
The reGENERATE Ideas Challenge called for redesigns of the growing neighbourhood between Nov. 20, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2024. Participatation was open to the general public.
Entries called for "bold" and "cutting edge" ideas as New West looks to build more diverse housing, increase civic services and amenities, and incorporate climate-friendly features.
"New Westminster residents, like everyone, are feeling the impacts of the climate crisis, which is why the reGENERATE Ideas Challenge is an exciting opportunity to surface new ideas from a wide pool of innovative thinkers on how a climate-friendly neighbourhood design could look at this location," said Mayor Patrick Johnstone in an earlier news release.
The next steps for the process include spending the rest of 2024 developing and refining the 22nd Street vision, followed by implementation from "2025 onwards."
Participants in the reGENERATE challenge needed to consider the following five themes:
- Land use and housing
- focused growth near transit, diverse and affordable housing
- Mobility, access and infrastructure
- sustainable transportation options and infrastructure
- Landscape and water
- nature-based design, connected open spaces and sustainable food systems
- Buildings, energy and waste
- zero emission buildings, energy efficiency and conservation, embodied energy and carbon, local renewable energy, construction waste reduction and circular economy opportunities
- Community connections and belonging
- community well-being, sense of place and safety, celebrating culture
New Westminster residents have until Feb. 28 to cast a vote for their favourite redesign. The winner will receive the Community Choice Award of $1,500.
A panel of judges will decide the winners: top comprehensive idea will earn $5,000, $2,000 for the best local community idea, $500 for top youth submission and $200 for honourable mentions.
For more information, to view the 20 submissions and vote, you can visit the Be Heard New West website.
