New Westminster City Council Debates Columbia Square Development: Affordable Housing at the Forefront

With the city facing growing pressure to address housing affordability, the proposed development has sparked concern about the balance between market-rate and below-market rentals.

Deni Loubert – Local Journalism Initiative

Councillor Ruby Campbell led the call for more affordable housing, proposing that the city allocate a portion of the $60 million Density Bonus towards the creation of below-market rental units. "We need to ensure that development benefits all members of our community, particularly those struggling with housing insecurity," Campbell stated. Her proposal aimed to address New Westminster’s growing demand for low-income housing, a concern echoed across British Columbia as rental costs continue to soar.

However, Councillor Daniel Fontaine pushed back, arguing that the funds should instead be used for community amenities such as libraries and community centers. “These types of investments create lasting infrastructure that benefits everyone in the city,” Fontaine said, highlighting a different vision for how the city’s budget should be utilized.

According to recent statistics, New Westminster has seen a significant rise in development, with nearly 6,000 housing units under construction or planned. Yet, only a fraction of these are designated as affordable. Across British Columbia, affordable housing remains a pressing issue, with over 116,000 households in need of low-income rental units, according to BC Housing.

Mayor Patrick Johnstone weighed in on the discussion, emphasizing the importance of housing. “Our city is growing, and we need to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has a place to live. It’s about creating a community where people can thrive.”

With time running out on the financing of the development and a standoff in council to pass the proposal, a last minute offer from the developer to reinstate the low income housing at no cost to the Density Bonus is considered. In the end, council has put off the decision until Monday to look at the new offer and consider next steps.