Community Advisory Assembly
The application period for the 2026-2027 term of the Community Advisory Assembly has now closed. We received 199 applications from the community. Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in applying!
Applicants selected to join the Assembly will be notified by email towards the end of the summer. The next term of the Assembly will begin in September 2026.
The Community Advisory Assembly is a standing advisory body established by New Westminster City Council to support a more inclusive and dialogue-based committee-style form of public engagement. The Assembly is comprised of a diverse group of New Westminster community members appointed to provide advice and recommendations to City Council and staff on City policies, plans and projects that impact residents.
What makes New West's Community Advisory Assembly unique?
The Community Advisory Assembly...
- includes a larger group of residents than our traditional committees (approximately 36 members),
- meets more regularly than most other committees,
- focuses on dialogue and deliberation,
- includes a membership that mirrors the overall demographic profile of the city,
- offers a variety of supports to participants to help address barriers to participation, and
- is designed and led by professional facilitators contracted by the City.
What is the commitment for Assembly members?
The Assembly term runs for ten months, from September 2026 to June 2027. Meetings are held in-person at rotating locations across the city and take place on weekday evenings or weekend mornings/early afternoons. Each meeting is approximately three to four hours long. Additional gatherings, or onboarding and educational sessions may be added depending on the needs and interests of the group.
Supports are available to reduce barriers to participation, including:
- Reimbursement for any direct expenses
- Childcare and elder care stipends
- Compensation for low-income members or those who must miss paid work to attend meetings
- Members under 19 receive an honorarium each meeting
Members are required to commit to:
☑️ Participate in the ten-month Assembly term, from September 2026 to June 2027
☑️ Attend all ten in-person monthly meetings
☑️ Participate in presenting advice and recommendations to City Council and staff (optional)
☑️ Attend a kick-off event with City Council in September and a wrap-up event in June
What topics will the Assembly discuss?
The Assembly will discuss and provide advice to the City on a variety of topics and current City projects that directly affect the day-to-day lives of New Westminster residents. Up to half of the topics discussed during the term will be generated by Assembly members. Members will select the remaining topics from a list generated by the City. Details on the topics and the Assembly’s discussions will be shared in the meeting agendas and minutes.
The Assembly is only one of the ways the City seeks community input and feedback on its projects, policies and programs. Visit Be Heard's main page for details about other engagement opportunities.
What's in it for youth?
The Assembly has approximately 6 spots dedicated to youth under 19 to ensure that youth perspectives are heard in discussions about City plans and projects in New West.
As a youth member, you will:
👨👩👦👦 Meet other youth and diverse residents in New West
🎤 Share your voice and shape the future of our city
💬 Discuss important topics like climate change, public spaces, cultural practices, and more
📜 Earn volunteer hours and build your résumé
📩 Get a reference letter and proof of participation
💰 Members under 19 receive an honorarium each meeting
Hear from youth members of the current Assembly term! ➡️
Frequently Asked Questions
Phases
Application Launch
Complete the form on this page to apply for the 2026-2027 Community Advisory Assembly term!