Is Heritage Preservation Being Abused in New Westminster?

Residents lined up at the Feb. 26th Open House and City Council Meeting. They came to question the tactics used to save a 40-year-old red oak tree in Queensboro. The property owner had approached the city for help. He wanted the best tool for preserving the landmark in the neighbourhood. The options before city staff were either a zoning bylaw change or using the current HRA to ensure the safety of the beloved old oak.

Residents came out in force to question the proposed use of the HRA. They were concerned that using a heritage preservation bylaw to protect older buildings would set a precedent when used for a tree. It might even jeopardize the current HRA-protected houses in the area.

Councillor Nadine Nakagawa questioned staff at the City Council Meeting that immediately followed the Open House. She asked why the current urban forest strategy bylaws could not be invoked to protect the tree. Director of Climate Action, Planning and Development Jackie Teed explained to the council why the HRA was suggested. The tree is currently within the building envelope. The regulations of the tree bylaw cannot limit the removal of trees within the building envelope from construction. 

The Land Use and Planning Committee was consulted. They suggested either a rezoning or an HRA. The HRA was recommended. Teed explained that with an HRA there is a maintenance plan, similar to what you would do with a structure, attached to the application. This would allow the ongoing care of the tree. That care includes an arborist and watering schedule as part of the agreement. Because each HRA is considered a unique case, it does not set a precedent. After much discussion, the council passed the proposal for an HRA designation for the tree.

The council then looked at changes in the retail spaces in the Sapperton neighbourhood. They noted that medical services have been replacing active retail. Examples of active retail are restaurants and clothing boutiques. This is changing the tone of the neighbourhood. Retail continues to struggle as we emerge from the pandemic. The result is that several well-known active retail spaces have recently closed. 

A proposal to support the creation of a provincial economic zone protecting rents for commercial properties was read and passed. Mayor Patrick Johnstone commented, "When everything's being done online it's a tough time for the retail environment...I don't know what policies and ideas we can bring forward in order to better support that (retail environments) ...that can get us to a place that maybe the economy doesn't want to be at the retail level. This is something we need to look at with our retail strategy. "