Just Launched: Downtown New Westminster Community Asset Map (Feb 18, 2026)
The Downtown New Westminster Community Asset Map is now live! This online tool highlights the many strengths, services, gathering places, and connection points that already exist in the downtown neighbourhood. It’s designed to help community members better understand the downtown neighbourhood, become more knowledgeable about available supports and services, and identify places where community connection happens every day. The map recognizes that every person and organization brings strengths, knowledge, and lived experience that matter, and that we need to build a downtown where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected—one story, one moment, one neighbour at a time.
Past events have included Laughter Yoga at Pier Park in August 2024, a Community Café at Waves during Homelessness Action Week in October 2024, a Belonging Open Mic at Moodswing Coffee + Bar and a “10 Ways to Be a Good Neighbour” Challenge during Homelessness Action Week 2025. A community survey on belonging was also completed in the fall of 2024. We were thrilled that 102 people completed the survey, and 61.5% expressed interest in getting involved!
Good Neighbour Community Challenge – October 2025
Thank you to those of you who participated!
Why Belonging Matters
Belonging is what makes a community more than just a place; it’s what makes it home. It’s the sense of being valued, included, and able to contribute. When people belong, communities are stronger, more resilient, and better able to face challenges together.
But belonging is under threat. In 1986, nearly half of Canadians (47.9%) saw friends on a daily basis. By 2022, the number dropped to one in five (19.3%). Even for those who did connect, the average time spent together declined from 5.0 hours to just 3.8 hours.* Too many people feel disconnected and excluded, weakening the social fabric and leaving communities less connected.
The good news? Belonging can be built.
For Homelessness Action Week 2025, October 11 – 18, 2025, WYBMN is challenging the community to be a good neighbour and participate in the “10 Ways to Be a Good Neighbour” community challenge. Take the Challenge from October 11 – 18, 2025, and let us know how it went! You will be entered into a contest for prizes if you complete 3 or more!
10 Ways to Be a Good Neighbour Community Challenge
1. Say hello – Introduce yourself or check in.
2. Be kind – Offer a smile or friendly gesture.
3. Lend a hand – Help out or give your time.
4. Share something – Food, a craft, garden goodies, etc.
5. Give a compliment – Let others know you appreciate them.
6. Learn & share – Discover something about local issues or events and talk about it with a neighbour.
7. Support local – Shop at neighbourhood businesses and recommend them.
8. Listen – Take time to hear someone’s story or perspective.
9. Join in – Be part of a clean-up, mural, or neighbourhood project.
10. Speak positively – Share the good things about your neighbourhood.
Everyone was listening intently to local resident and Laughter Yoga Yogi Helen Spencer before the laughter began!
New West Record article “Will You Be My Neighbour aims to spark relationship-building in New West”
NWHCS board chair Jack York, Mark Boardman from Minivillage, and part of the WYBMN team Angelene, Cristina, Betina and Lola.
What’s On the Horizon for Will You Be My Neighbour?
We will be launching our Downtown New Westminster Community Asset Map in February, and then spending time developing our Community Connector initiative while we look for funding to keep going and to expand the project to other New Westminster neighbourhoods. Uptown/Brow of the Hill is next, and we will be working with the NW Neighbourhood House to explore this further.
Want to get involved? Reach out to the team.
The WYBMN project is being undertaken as a communication, engagement and involvement strategy connected to the CNW Homelessness Action Strategy, and supports the CNW Community Belonging and Connecting priority.
