Courthouse Renovations Extended Local Hospice

Issue #133

Author

Carla McNeil
February 06, 2025

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Renovations at the New Westminster provincial courthouse will continue for another year, with the council granting an exemption to the city's construction noise bylaw to allow nighttime work. At its January 27 meeting, the council approved an extension permitting construction from 8 to 11 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, extending the exemption until January 31, 2026.

The ongoing project, managed by Signia Construction Ltd., has faced delays due to unexpected design challenges. Work includes roof replacement, exterior insulation and cladding installation, electrical and mechanical upgrades, glazing, and landscaping.

Noise concerns have been raised by residents, with five complaints reported since February 2024. However, the province has emphasized that construction noise cannot interfere with court proceedings, requiring most of the work to be scheduled outside of business hours.

Council unanimously approved the exemption, with Coun. Nadine Nakagawa recused herself due to her proximity to the site. Some council members acknowledged community concerns about construction noise, with Coun. Jaimie McEvoy working on a motion to improve noise bylaw exemptions, particularly for downtown residents seeking relief during warmer months.

The City of New Westminster is taking steps to support the New West Hospice Society in its long-standing goal of establishing a hospice in the community. At its January 27 meeting, the city council approved a motion to collaborate with the society and external partners to identify potential locations for hospice services. The city also plans to advocate for provincial funding and resources to ensure New Westminster has adequate end-of-life care facilities.

Councillor Ruby Campbell, who introduced the motion, emphasized that a hospice would provide compassionate, culturally appropriate care while upholding the values of dignity and community support. She highlighted that addressing this need is not just about filling a service gap but also about reinforcing the city's commitment to a caring and resilient community.

The New West Hospice Society, a volunteer-led organization founded in 2016, has been working toward this goal for years. Its approach is rooted in the Compassionate City model, which acknowledges death, dying, and grief as natural parts of life. As the city’s aging population continues to grow, Campbell stressed the increasing need for specialized palliative care to ensure comfort and dignity for those in their final days.

Hospices provide more than just medical care—they offer grief counseling, respite services, and support for families. This holistic approach not only benefits patients but also helps caregivers by reducing burnout and ensuring access to professional assistance.

Mayor Patrick Johnstone praised the hospice society’s work over the past eight years and acknowledged its role in raising awareness about end-of-life care. He noted that the organization is already in discussions with the provincial government about securing a suitable location. City staff will now explore ways to support these efforts, including identifying potential sites through ongoing community development discussions.

The hospice society envisions a future where conversations about death and grief are openly embraced, where people know how to support one another, and where residents can pass away with dignity. In contrast, their loved ones receive the care they need. With the city’s backing, this vision is now one step closer to becoming a reality.

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🥶 What is the opposite of a cold front? 🧊 

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