The YMCA will be setting up shop in the new təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre.
At its Jan. 22 meeting, city council approved a recommendation that, subject to completion of required public notification processes, the mayor and city clerk be authorized to execute a lease agreement between the City of New Westminster and YMCA BC for the child-care facility in the city’s future aquatic and community centre.
A staff report states the city issued a request for expressions of interest for non-profit child care providers to submit a proposal to be considered as a pre-qualified operator to deliver new child-care programs in the city. Four operators were selected and were later invited to submit a proposals to operate the child-care facility in TACC.
“Two submissions were received, and an interdepartmental team undertook a secondary review process to evaluate the respective proposals,” said the report. “The outcome of the evaluation supported the selection of the YMCA BC to be the non-profit operator of the child-care facility at TACC.”
The child-care facility in təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre will become the third licensed child-care space located in a New Westminster parks and recreation facility in New Westminster. Other facilities are located in Queensborough Community Centre and Centennial Lodge in Queens’ park.
On Jan. 22, the city held the grand opening for the new standalone child-care facility at 490 Furness St. in Queensborough. The Queensborough YMCA Kids Club is a new licensed school-age child-care facility at the Queensborough Community Centre that can accommodate 24 children.
Construction noise
New West council has extended a noise variance that will allow renovations, repairs and upgrades to be completed on the Provincial Courthouse on Carnarvon Street.
In July 2023, council considered a request for an 18-month exemption to the city’s construction noise bylaw to allow the work to take place. Concerned about potential impacts on neighbouring residents, council approved a six-month noise exemption – which is set to expire on Jan. 31.
At its Jan. 22 meeting, council unanimously approved granting a noise exemption from the construction noise bylaw to Signia Construction Ltd. The exemption – which is approved until Jan. 31, 2025 – allows construction to take place Monday to Friday from 8 to 11 p.m. and on alternate Sundays from 9 a.m. a to 6 p.m.
When council previously considered the request for an exemption to the construction noise bylaw, the project manager told council the courthouse is open during the day so work has to take place when it won’t create any disturbances in the building.
Seeking funding
New Westminster hopes to get some financial support to engage with local First Nations.
Council has authorized the submission of a funding application under the UBCM Regional Community to Community program for 2023/2024. It’s related to a grant application for up to $10,000, which would be used to offset the costs of city council’s engagement with First Nation councils in 2024.
“Forging supportive and effective partnerships with First Nations is a lifelong process enabled through building trust, respectful engagement, and active listening,” said a report to council.
According to the report, the city began engaging with multiple First Nations in 2018 around projects within the city’s regulatory control – often those requiring consultation around amendments to the official community plan. It has since began communicating with First Nations about the development of city strategies and plans that may eventually require funding or permitting from senior levels of government.
Council has met with several First Nations and is committed to continue to develop strong relationships, said the report.
“Council-to-council meetings work to increase understanding between governments, support dialogue to build relationships, support reconciliation efforts, resolve issues of common responsibility, interest or concern, and advance tangible outcomes,” said the report. “The meetings are working toward a protocol agreement between governments to understand how we can work together.”
Should the grant application be successful, staff are recommending the city use the C2C provincial funding to support formal meetings with First Nations in 2024.
“This is an opportunity to leverage provincial funding to help build meaningful relationships with local First Nations to discuss issues of mutual concern including the future of the Westminster Pier park fire site, meaningful community work plans and cultural exchange,” said the report.
