Public Meeting, City Hall Update
Hello Everyone,
As we move into spring, the federal election can bring uncertainty around what the future holds for renters and vulnerable members of our community. Regardless of the results, it's more important than ever to be involved in direct action to make your community stronger. Getting involved with grassroots organizing is a great way to do that!
Public Meeting
Our April Public Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29th 2025, from 6:30pm to 7:45pm. The meeting is being held in the basement auditorium at the New Westminster Public Library (716 6th Avenue, New Westminster).
The agenda for the meeting is as follows:
- Community Agreement
- State of the Union Update
- Volunteer Opportunity: Community Mapping
- Training Activity: Practice Explaining Eviction Law to your Neighbours
Update: Action at City Council Meeting on March 24th
For a number of months, City Staff have been working on researching what could be included in a Tenant Assistance Policy to provide protections for renters who could be impacted by transit oriented development. This report was made publicly viewable on March 21st, and was set to be presented to City Council on March 24th. A group of downtown tenants gathered as soon as the report was released to review it and compile their response, which was then presented to city council.
The city prepared a promising report about the proposed Tenant Assistance Policy. The report promised to maintain tenants' rents even if their building is redeveloped, and includes guarantees around things like protection for tenants' pets and rent top-ups. The report aligned well with the policy protections tenants and the NWTU have been asking for. You can read the report here.
After a brief debate about unit sizes, City Council approved City Staff to go ahead and develop this report into a full policy proposal, which will be voted on at a future date. You can watch this portion of the City Council Meeting here (starts at 2:16:44).
Great work everyone who turned out for the review meeting, and for the City Council meeting on March 24th. Showing up and speaking out is how we make our democracy work!
Get Involved
Want to join our volunteer, renter-led action team to fight for affordable, safe and stable housing for our community? We want to meet with you! Send us an email at nwtenantsunion@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 778-358-2680.
We are always on the lookout for Building Contacts who can support the New West Tenants Union's work by keeping us posted of issues at rental buildings around the city.
Learn more about Building Contacts and what your role could be in organizing for stronger tenants' rights in your building here.