City of New Westminster

What City of New Westminster does

The City of New Westminster is a municipal government located in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, founded in 1860 as the original capital of the Colony of British Columbia. It delivers a comprehensive suite of municipal services to residents, local businesses, community organizations, and visitors within its defined city boundaries, including property tax administration, water/sewer/solid waste and electrical utilities, fire and rescue (3 fire halls), emergency management, police services (contracted), parks and recreation (8+ facilities including arenas, aquatic centre, community centres, and sportsplex), public library, arts and heritage programs, building and development approvals, animal services, transportation, garbage and recycling, and bylaw enforcement.

Revenue is generated through property taxes (calculated on BC Assessment values and including provincial pass-throughs for School, TransLink, Metro Vancouver, BC Assessment Authority, and Municipal Finance Authority), flat-rate annual utility fees (water, sewer, solid waste) with a 5% early-payment discount and senior waiver, electrical utility billing, business licences, building and plumbing permits, parking meters and tickets, recreation and cultural-services fees, and tax sale registration. Service delivery is anchored by a digital platform: the e-government portal MyCity / Online Services integrates property tax payments, utility billing, permit applications (via Camino), problem reporting (via SeeClickFix), recreation registration (via PerfectMind), and electrical utility tracking (via Customer Connect), supplemented by in-person service at City Hall (511 Royal Avenue), physical recreation and fire-rescue facilities, the Anvil Centre civic facility, third-party payment channels (online/telephone banking, ATMs, financial institutions), and a Lime e-bike sharing partnership launched August 2024.

Underlying technology investments include Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) for the electrical utility with radio-off accommodations, BridgeNet broadband infrastructure for community connectivity, Solar PV and Battery Storage programs for residential and commercial adoption, and interactive public installations such as the Friction Ridge LED system on City Hall. The city is governed by an elected mayor and council, and pursues Indigenous reconciliation through land acknowledgements, Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, and Year of Truth initiatives on the unceded territory of the Halkomelem-speaking peoples.

Name

City of New Westminster

Legal name

The City of New Westminster

Website

https://newwestcity.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1860

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The City of New Westminster is a municipal government in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, founded in 1860, delivering comprehensive services — property taxation, utilities (water/sewer/solid waste/electrical), fire and rescue, parks and recreation, building permits, and emergency management — to residents, businesses, community organizations, and visitors within its statutory city boundaries through City Hall, digital e-government portals, and physical facilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Municipal Government Services

NAICS

Utilities (221), Public Finance Activities (92113), Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction (237110)

SIC

Water Supply (4941), Electric Services (4911), Sanitary Services (4950), Heavy Construction Other Than Bldg Const - Contractors (1600)

akta.pro primary industry

Mayor/City Manager & General Administration (BPAIACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Works & Municipal Infrastructure (Streets, Stormwater, Facilities) (BPAIACAF), Municipal Finance, Treasury, Budget & Procurement (BPAIACAC), Housing & Neighborhood Services (Local Housing Programs) (BPAIACAJ), Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services (BPAIACAI), Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local) (BPAIACAN), Municipal & Community Broadband ISPs (HDAIADAH)

Keywords

• Municipal government services
• Property tax collection
• Utility billing services
• Fire rescue services
• Parks recreation

Headquarters

HQ city

New Westminster

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Property Tax Revenue: Property taxes calculated based on BC Assessment values. Tax rates set annually by City Council for general municipal taxes, local improvement taxes, parcel taxes and Business Improvement Area levies. Also collects provincial charges for School, TransLink, Metro Vancouver, BC Assessment Authority & Municipal Finance Authority.
2. Utility Fees (Water, Sewer, Solid Waste): Annual flat rate utilities consisting of water, sewer and solid waste charges. Mailed in late February. Discounted rate available for early payment by early May. Senior waiver discount of 25% for homeowners 65+ living alone.
3. Business Licenses and Permits: Revenue from business licence issuance, building permits, plumbing permits, street occupancy permits, dog licences, parking permits, and various other municipal permits and approvals.
4. Recreation and Cultural Services: Fees for parks and recreation programs, facilities rental (arenas, pools, community centres), arena time, sports leagues, day camps, birthday parties, childminding, fitness programs, and gymnastics.
5. Electrical Utility Services: Revenue from electrical utility services including customer connection, distribution, and billing services with pre-authorized payment options.
6. Parking Revenue: Revenue from parking meters, pay stations, parking permits, and parking tickets processed through City systems.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The City of New Westminster is a municipal government that provides a comprehensive range of local government services to residents, businesses, and visitors within its boundaries. Core service lines include property tax and utility billing (water, sewer, solid waste, electrical), fire and rescue, emergency management, building permits and development approvals, parks and recreation programs, garbage and recycling collection, transportation, public library, public art, and bylaw enforcement. Funding is generated through property taxes, user fees, permit fees, business licences, and recreation program charges, with delivery via in-person City Hall service, an online services portal, and physical facilities distributed across neighborhoods.

Product overview

The City of New Westminster operates a comprehensive digital services platform providing residents and businesses access to municipal functions through multiple integrated online channels. The core offering consists of an Online Services Portal enabling access to MyCity account management, Property Tax and Utilities Management, Customer Connect for electrical utility tracking, and various eGov web applications for permits and payments. Supporting services include Fire and Rescue Services, Parks and Recreation facilities and programs, E-Bike Sharing (operated by Lime Technology), Public Art Program with registry documentation, Building and Development Services, Open Data Catalogue, Emergency Management, Garbage and Recycling collection services, Transportation Services, and Electrical Utility Services with advanced metering infrastructure. The city delivers these services through its website, mobile applications, in-person service centers, and various digital platforms including SeeClickFix for problem reporting and PerfectMind for recreation registration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Online Services Portal Digital e-government platform providing residents and businesses access to city accounts, eBilling, online payments, report-a-problem tools, electrical service requests, property inquiry, and permit applications.
• MyCity Secure all-in-one online service for residents and businesses to access city account information, view bills, check payment history, and register for eBilling.
• Property Tax and Utilities Management Comprehensive property tax notice delivery, BC Assessment-based calculations, Home Owner Grant processing, tax deferment programs, permissive tax exemptions, and annual tax sale management for New Westminster property owners.
• Utility Billing Services Flat-rate water, sewer, and solid waste billing for single-family dwellings, multi-family units, and commercial properties, with pre-authorized payment plans available. Includes senior waiver of 25% for homeowners 65+ living alone.
• Fire and Rescue Services Fire suppression, emergency response, fire inspections, fire safety plan reviews, oil tank permits, lockbox program, and community fire hall tours and safety talks from three fire halls (Glenbrook, West End, Queensborough).
• Public Art Program Percent-for-art funded public art installations, permanent sculptures and mosaics, temporary art exhibits, and the public art registry documenting the city's collection, including the Friction Ridge LED installation on City Hall.
• E-Bike Sharing Shared micromobility service operated by Lime Technology Inc., providing a fleet of shared e-bikes rentable via smartphone app from designated parking areas throughout New Westminster.
• Parks and Recreation Community facilities including arenas (Moody Park Arena, Queen's Park Arena), aquatic centres, community centres (Queensborough, Century House, təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre), fitness programs, sports leagues, day camps, birthday parties, and facility bookings.
• Customer Connect Electrical utility bill tracking and viewing portal for residents to monitor electricity usage and billing through the municipal electrical utility.
• Building and Development Services Official Community Plan administration, building permits, plumbing permits, development applications, zoning bylaw enforcement, heritage protection, and subdivision processing.
• Open Data Catalogue Public access to city data sets for research, analysis, and application development purposes at opendata.newwestcity.ca.
• Emergency Management Emergency preparedness programs, current information and warnings, personal preparedness guidance, business continuity support, and emergency support services.
• Garbage and Recycling Curbside collection services for garbage, recycling, yard and food scraps, multi-family and commercial collection, plus recycling education and contamination reduction programs.
• Transportation Services Transportation planning, parking services (meters, pay stations, permits, tickets), Q to Q Ferry, traffic management, cycling and walking infrastructure, and electric vehicle charging support.
• Electrical Utility Services Municipal electrical utility providing power distribution, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), solar PV and battery storage programs, customer connection, and billing services with pre-authorized payment options.
• Public Art Registry Comprehensive searchable database of public art installations including permanent sculptures, mosaics, murals, memorials, and temporary exhibits with artist information and installation details.
• Animal Services Animal care and control, dog licensing, animal shelter adoptions, lost and found pets, wildlife management, and animal services reporting.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Lime Technology Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 August 2024Lime Technology Inc. operates a fleet of shared e-bikes in New Westminster since August 2024. Operator is responsible for fleet maintenance, rebalancing, complaint response, discounted pass programs, and customer inquiries. 24/7 customer support at 1-888-546-3345.
• Chinese Benevolent Association of VancouverminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 September 2010Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver commissioned mosaic artwork 'Chinese Benevolent Association' at 644 Columbia Street in 2013. The mosaic commemorates early Chinese immigrants and was designed/created by Liz Calvin. City became first municipality in Canada to issue formal apology to Chinese community in 2010.
• Quezon City, Philippines (Sister City)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1991Formal sister-city relationship established in 1991 with Quezon City in the Philippines. Connection referenced in 'Ensemble' public art installation acknowledging the Filipino diaspora in New Westminster.
• Fraser River Discovery Centre SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity and Fraser River Discovery Centre Society announced new agreement to expand community use of riverfront facility. Partnership announced June 24, 2026.
• New Westminster Police DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContracted police services for public safety within city boundaries. Referenced in public safety services section alongside fire, emergency management, and flood management.
• Capture Photography FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Capture Photography Festival for temporary public art installations. Featured 'Ensemble' by Karen Zalamea (April 2024 - March 2025) and Friction Ridge by Emilie Crewe (October 2023 - April 2024) at city facilities.
• New Westminster Public LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal public library services provided in partnership, referenced in services and discover sections of city website.
• Metro VancouvercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partnership for services including water, sewer, solid waste (Stage 3 watering restrictions in effect), and transit (TransLink). City collects taxes for Metro Vancouver.
• Province of British ColumbiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvincial government relationship for Home Owner Grant administration, Property Tax Deferment program, School taxes, BC Assessment, and provincial housing legislation implementation (Transit Oriented Development Areas, Small Scale Multi Unit Housing).
• Halkomelem Speaking PeoplescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous Nations whose unceded and unsurrendered land New Westminster occupies. City recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples through land acknowledgements, Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, Indigenous Engagement, Year of Truth initiatives, and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• City of Kelowna: Mid-sized BC municipality with a similar full-service operating model (utilities, recreation, fire, planning). Comparable population scale and revenue diversification profile.
• City of North Vancouver: Metro Vancouver district municipality of comparable size delivering property-tax-funded municipal services including recreation, fire, bylaw enforcement, and community programs under provincial mandate.
• City of Kamloops: Mid-sized BC interior municipality with the same core mix of property-tax, utility, recreation, and public-safety revenues under BC provincial framework. Comparable scope of municipal services and disclosures.
• City of Port Coquitlam: Smaller adjacent Metro Vancouver municipality with a similar full-service operating model, including recreation, fire, and property-tax-funded services. Comparable governance and revenue structure.
• City of Vancouver: Largest Metro Vancouver municipality with own electrical utility (BC Hydro franchise equivalent oversight), water/sewer, parks, and permitting services. Directly comparable service portfolio and provincial mandate exposure.
• City of Burnaby: Adjacent Metro Vancouver municipality of comparable size with a similar mix of property-tax-funded services, recreation facilities, and provincial mandate exposure. Most direct geographic and operational peer.
• District of West Vancouver: Adjacent Metro Vancouver district municipality delivering property-tax-funded services, recreation, public safety, and community programs under the same BC legislative framework as New Westminster.
• City of Coquitlam: Metro Vancouver municipality of similar population and service mix, including recreation facilities, fire/rescue, property tax collection, and community services. Comparable scale and revenue structure.
• City of Richmond: Metro Vancouver municipality operating its own utilities and a full recreation/service portfolio with comparable climate, density, and provincial policy exposure as New Westminster.
• City of Surrey: Large Metro Vancouver municipality delivering the full suite of municipal services (fire, police, utilities, recreation, permitting). Comparable operating model and revenue mix; relevant for utility and growth benchmarks.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/new_westminster
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/NewWestCity?feature=mhee
• Facebookfacebook.com/newwestminster
• Instagraminstagram.com/new_westminster
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/city-of-new-westminster

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about City of New Westminster