As part of New Westminster's broader Crises Response Pilot Project, the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) Program plays a key role in addressing visible community impacts tied to homelessness, mental health, and substance use.

CLOs respond to a variety of non-emergency situations. These may include reports of tents or structures set up near public spaces such as community centres, the presence of drug paraphernalia or biohazards, or personal belongings that block pedestrian areas or emergency exits. They are also able to reroute inquiries to more appropriate resources when needed.

Getting in touch with a CLO is straightforward. Residents can contact the program by email, phone, or text:

Email: [email protected]
Phone/Text: 672-963-3142

It’s important to note that contact does not guarantee an immediate response. CLOs will return calls to collect more information before proceeding.

When reaching out, residents are asked to provide their name and contact number, the address of the situation, a description of the issue, and any relevant details such as whether police or fire services have been notified.

The role of the CLOs differs from that of the Crises Response Outreach Team (CRT Outreach). While CRT Outreach focuses on direct engagement with individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use issues, CLOs address the environmental and logistical effects—such as blocked walkways or encampments—that arise from these overlapping crises.

For more information on the broader Crises Response Pilot Project, residents are encouraged to visit the city’s FAQ page.

🚶 Walk with Heart: New Westminster Hosts Annual RiverWalk for Hospice on May 4 ❤️

New Westminster’s waterfront will come alive on Sunday, May 4, 2025, for A RiverWalk for Hospice—a heartfelt community event supporting compassionate end-of-life care. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Quay Boardwalk near the River Market and Simon Fraser Memorial, this annual walk brings together individuals and teams to raise vital funds for local hospice programs.

Participants are encouraged to collect pledges in advance and join the approximately 2-kilometer route, walking from the memorial site to the railway bridge and back. The route is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, ensuring everyone can take part.

The day kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with registration, live music, and a meaningful activity—“Paint Your Memorial Rock”—where attendees can honor loved ones by decorating memorial stones. The Memorial Tent will be open during this time for quiet reflection and creative expression.

An opening ceremony at 11:00 a.m. will set the tone, followed by the walk at 11:15 a.m. Afterward, painted memorial rocks will be displayed in a touching tribute to those who have passed. Closing remarks and a prize draw will wrap up the event around 12:30 p.m.

The RiverWalk is accessible by SkyTrain, with the River Market located just a block from New Westminster Station. Parking is also available at the Inn at the Quay and nearby streets. Accessible washrooms are located within the River Market.

Whether walking in memory of a loved one or simply supporting hospice care, the RiverWalk invites the whole community to step forward together in kindness and remembrance.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️

The weatherman said it’s going to rain cats and dogs. 🌧️😾🐶

I hope my ark is ready. 🚢

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Helping Hands - Walk with Heart

Issue #199

Inside the New West Spotlight

Read New West Spotlight Online

April 12, 2025

April 13, 2025

April 14, 2025

🤝 Helping Hands for the City: CLOs Handle Non-Emergency Crisis-Related Issues