NWP Launches “New West Works” Economic Plan Focused on Affordability, Accountability, and Downtown Revitalization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

New Westminster, B.C. (May 19, 2026) — The New West Progressives (NWP) today announced the launch of “New West Works,” a new economic and affordability-focused policy initiative aimed at supporting local businesses, restoring fiscal accountability, revitalizing downtown, and strengthening New Westminster’s economy.

The announcement follows a recent NWP business roundtable attended by local business owners and community stakeholders from across New Westminster who voiced growing concerns about rising costs, public safety challenges, declining competitiveness, and a lack of responsiveness from City Hall.

Council candidate Maryann Morrison said the feedback received from residents and business owners was both direct and consistent.

“People want practical leadership and a City Hall that listens,” says Morrison. “Residents and local businesses are telling us they are worried about affordability, safety, economic uncertainty, and the overall direction of the city. ‘New West Works’ is about restoring confidence, supporting local investment, and making New Westminster more welcoming, vibrant, and economically resilient again.”

The NWP says feedback received through its CityMatters community survey, stakeholder consultations, and business engagement sessions helped shape the initiative.

Initial “New West Works” commitments include:

• Eliminating the $2.1 million electricity surtax (3.5%) currently charged only to New Westminster residents ($1.1M) and businesses ($1M) through the New Westminster Electrical Utility. BC Hydro customers are not subjected to the same punitive tax on green energy.

• Creating a new Financial Accountability and Budget Oversight Committee to strengthen transparency and improve public confidence in City finances

• Reducing external consultant spending by at least 20% within the first two years compared to the 2026 baseline budget

• Permanently eliminating all patio permit fees and setting a goal of increasing patio seating capacity citywide by 25% over the next term of office

• Introducing a new lower-cost three-year business license option to reduce red tape and requirements for annual renewals

• Eliminating business license application fees and address change fees

• Piloting a new information sharing agreement with the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce to strengthen local business connections and support services

• Cancelling the costly “Sue Big Oil” initiative and redirecting those funds toward practical local environmental priorities instead New Westminster mayoral candidate and Councillor Daniel Fontaine said strong economic leadership and fiscal discipline are essential to protecting quality of life in the city.

“Strong local businesses make for stronger and more vibrant neighbourhoods,” says Fontaine. “New Westminster can absolutely be compassionate, environmentally responsible, and economically competitive at the same time. Residents should not have to choose between affordability, public safety, economic growth, and quality of life.”

"The City needs to re-prioritize its agenda and start supporting local businesses and economic growth for a change," says Blair Goodman, owner of Eclipps Hair Cafe. "I'm fully behind the New West Works initiative put forward by NWP mayoral candidate Daniel Fontaine and his entire council team." 

Additional policy announcements focused on affordability, economic development, public safety, infrastructure, transportation, housing, and quality of life will be released in the months ahead leading up to the October 17, 2026 civic election.

The NWP says “New West Works” will continue to focus on practical solutions that strengthen the local economy, support small businesses, improve downtown vitality, and restore confidence in City Hall decision-making.

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Media Contacts:

Coun. Daniel Fontaine - 604-356-4165

NWP Council Candidate Maryann Morrison 825-735-4557