Congested bridge and Fraser River pose unique challenges for residents and businesses in Queensborough

The New Westminster Progressives (NWP) announced today they have plans to ensure Queensborough feels better linked to the rest of our city. Council candidate Bryn Ward announced a number of measures aimed at addressing local community concerns.

“We’ve heard loud and clear from the people of Queensborough they’re tired of city hall treating them like nothing more than an afterthought,” says Ward. “Furthermore, being separated by a congested bridge and the Fraser River poses some unique challenges that other neighbourhoods don’t have to face. However, I’m confident with a good plan and a real commitment to better engage with the community, we can effectively address these issues.”

During the last civic election, the current Mayor and council committed to building a new pedestrian and cycling bridge connecting Queenborough to the Quay. This promise was subsequently abandoned when it was revealed the City didn’t have enough funds to pay for the multi-million-dollar project.

If elected, the NWP team commits to:

• Negotiating with TransLink to integrate the Q2Q Ferry into the regional transit fare system and implement late evening bus service to the Port Royal district
• Replacing inappropriate and unsafe shrubbery planted on Ewen Street centre boulevard
• Installing more well-lit pedestrian-controlled crossings on major roads
• Negotiating with Evo to ensure Queensborough residents also have access to this service like all other residents do throughout the city
• Bringing up to standard poorly maintained sport and recreational facilities
• Holding at least one City Hall Townhall Forum per year in the community
• Increasing access and visibility of the New West Police Department through the expansion of the Community Policing Office

  

• Developing a long-term capital plan and seek funding from senior levels of government to improve safety and accessibility by eliminating open ditches and replacing them with sidewalks

“The people of Queensborough have every right to be tad cynical when it comes to any pre-election promises coming out of city hall,” says Daniel Fontaine.  “After all, they were promised a new permanent link to our downtown and all they got was a bridge to nowhere.”

NWP candidates for council and school board will be releasing other components of their election platform leading up to the October 20th civic election. To learn more about our platform, click here.

About the NW Progressives:

The New Westminster Progressives (NWP) is a citizen-based non-profit society formed in 2017. The NWP has nominated six candidates to run for both city council and the school board. It plans to introduce and implement balanced, progressive policies that enhance and support the diverse social, environmental, housing, and economic needs of our city.