From home, it’s just steps to Queen’s Park. The 75 acre green space features mature trees, trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, sports fields, and an off-leash dog area. Head a few blocks south to take in the Fraser River’s majestic sweep and explore New West’s rejuvenated waterfront.
A short stroll away, downtown New Westminster is buzzing. Think historic brick façades, unique owner-run businesses, and a global range of dining options, with the Columbia SkyTrain station and designated bike paths connecting to the wider world. Today, it’s a hub for young artistic and creative professionals who seek a flourishing, inviting community in the lower mainland—minus the burden of big city home prices.
First & Royal is the newest project from Areva Living, the development team behind New Westminster’s revitalized Columbia Theatre, as well as the restored EMN Woods Cottage. Originally built in 1890, the cottage is one of the few remaining heritage homes that predates the city’s Great Fire. With its stunning wood and stucco exteriors, First & Royal takes cues from the past, while featuring thoroughly modern home interiors designed for today’s work and play. First & Royal doubles down on Areva’s commitment to preserve the best of New West’s history, while creating a community for the next generation of residents.
1859
City of New Westminster was established and became the first capital city of the new colony of British Columbia.
City of New Westminster map, by R.J. Williams, Ottawa. 1892. Source: City of Vancouver Archives Map 617
1898
The “great fire” wiped out most of Downtown New Westminster.
1930s
Columbia Street became known as the “Golden Mile”, a prime shopping and services destination, the main commercial service centre for the Fraser Valley and surrounding areas.
Today
Downtown New Westminster is experiencing a major rise in popularity with lots of new development, a bustling waterfront and burgeoning foodie scene.
Authenticity
“WE—MY PARTNERS AND I—FELT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO OPEN OUR RESTAURANT IN A HUB AREA. WE SEE EVERYONE FROM ALL OVER THE LOWER MAINLAND VISITING OUR CITY, AND IT FEELS REALLY GOOD TO FEED THEM!”
PIVA Modern Italian is helping to put New Westminster on the map for Lower Mainland foodies. They’re drawn by its elevated rustic fare, award-winning wine program, and convenient, central location.
Named for one of the founders’ grandfathers—who emigrated from Northern Italy to the Interior in 1917—PIVA boasts menu items that take advantage of locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. At the top of the must-try list: PIVA’s Wild Boar Meatballs, a favourite among regulars and newcomers alike.
Davide Bonamici
Piva modern Italian
artistry
“NEW WEST FOLKS ARE LOYAL, SUPPORTIVE, AND CONNECTED TO THEIR NEIGHBOURS AND COMMUNITY IN A TRULY UNIQUE AND INCREDIBLE WAY.”
Great Wall Tea Co.’s founder has powerful childhood memories of making trips to the New Westminster Quay. “Ever since those visits, New Westminster has been special to me,” says Bowler.
Today, the Quay has become River Market, a walkable attraction packed with local businesses—and Great Wall Tea Co. is among them. Clientele gather regularly at the tea bar to hang out, chat, and sample new offerings. In River Market, Great Wall is hard to miss: It features a literal wall of tea, tins packed with responsibly-sourced looseleaf from around the world.
Lauren Bowler
Great wall tea co.
Craftsmanship
“THE PEOPLE HERE TRULY DO SUPPORT LOCALS. IF YOU ARE HERE, THEY WANT YOU TO STAY HERE AND HAVE YOUR FRIENDS MOVE HERE. EVERYONE WHO LIVES HERE IS NEW WEST’S BIGGEST CHEERLEADER.”
Made with great care and the finest ingredients, Steel & Oak’s beers are available in discerning shops, bars, and restaurants throughout BC.
But you’ll have to visit in person to truly appreciate what Steel & Oak has achieved. Their tasting room is a fan favourite among locals, and a popular pilgrimage site for beer enthusiasts across the Lower Mainland. Steel & Oak’s success is a testament both to the power of local support, and to the tastes of local residents—who clearly know how to appreciate the finer things in life.
Jorden Foss
Steel & Oak brewery
FIRST & ROYAL SITE
FIRST & ROYALPRESENTATION CENTRE
PARKS
RESTAURANTS & SHOPPING
RECREATION, CIVIC & SCHOOLS
