This spring, we had the joy of launching a new season of Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) with an unforgettable community celebration at New Westminster Family Place. The event brought together new project leaders, long-time neighbours, volunteers, and community champions for an afternoon of inspiration, shared learning—and incredible food! Guests picked up their grant cheques, connected with fellow changemakers, and posed for photos with our giant cheque prop in front of our sparkling new Dream Tent, where they could share their hopes for a stronger, more connected New Westminster.
A big thank you to local favourite Columbia Sandwich Company, who provided a generous and delicious spread that fueled all those great ideas and conversations. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Patrick Johnstone for joining us, showing his enthusiastic support for grassroots community action. We are especially thankful to the volunteer Selection Committee members whose thoughtful attention made this year’s grant approvals possible. Your behind-the-scenes care helped bring 104 unique, community-powered projects to life—including 4 youth-led initiatives that are particularly inspiring!
Here’s What’s Happening Near You: 2025 NSG Projects by Community Members
From May through the fall, more than 100 community-led projects will unfold across New Westminster—each one a small spark of joy, inclusion, and creativity. Here’s a sample of what’s coming:
- Craftfulness (August 2025): This hands-on workshop invites participants to unplug from digital distractions and explore mindfulness, well-being, and community connection through individual and collective crafting focused on the theme of “my dream place.
- Learn to Yo-Yo in New West: This inclusive program brings community members of all ages and skill levels together to learn, share, and connect through the fun and accessible hobby of yo-yoing in a welcoming, judgment-free space.
- Glenbrook Ravine Eco-Fest (September 2025): The Glenbrook Ravine Eco-Fest is a family-friendly event that combines nature play, eco-education, and hands-on restoration activities to inspire environmental stewardship and celebrate community efforts to revitalize the ravine.
- K d K Court Block Party (August 2025): This block party aims to build lasting connections among neighbours in K de K Court by transforming shared outdoor space into a vibrant hub for community gathering, play, and a renewed sense of belonging in high-density housing.
- Decorate & Empower (June 2025) is a hands-on cake decorating workshop that brings women together to build community, confidence, and connection through creativity, shared stories, and skill-building in a warm, inclusive space.
- Objects and Memories (July 2025): This participatory art workshop invites community members to explore memory, identity, and connection by transforming personal objects and stories into a collective installation, fostering healing, self-expression, and shared belonging through creative expression.
- Neighbourhood Pickleball (weekly): This project brings neighbours together for regular outdoor pickleball games and group lessons by providing a shared net at Hume Park, fostering connection, active living, and fun in a currently underserved space.
- Kids, Karaoke and Kilos of Fun (TBD): A lively community park event inviting children for food, games, gifts, and karaoke to build friendship and foster connection through joyful shared play.
- Scoop Up New West (June 2025): A creative kids’ workshop where children design friendly dog litter signs to promote cleanliness, empower youth, and inspire community pride through visible contributions to public spaces.
- 2024/2025 New Parents Picnic (Summer 2025): A relaxed weekend park gathering for new parents, partners, and kids to build community, share stories, and foster friendships through food, play, and connection.
- Moody Park Aliens (Ongoing + Tournaments in 2025): A vibrant sports initiative that brings neighbours of all ages together through weekly games and special tournaments, promoting connection, inclusivity, and community spirit through friendly competition.
- Custom Stickers Workshop (June): Design, Create & Slap Your Own Art (2025): A hands-on creative workshop where community members learn to design and produce high-quality custom stickers using professional tools, fostering self-expression, skill-sharing, and artistic connection.
- Uptown Pollinator Club (Spring–Summer 2025): A hands-on community project creating seed bombs, bee habitats, and pollinator education to support biodiversity, mental well-being, and ecological awareness in New Westminster.
- Celebrating Mother’s Day (May 2025): A heartfelt gathering for migrant mothers to connect, reflect, and support one another through a guided cacao meditation, food, and shared experience that honours both motherhood and individual identity.
- Let’s Talk Nutrition (2025): A series of engaging workshops for youth and adults exploring healthy eating, vitamins, food demos, and shared recipes to deepen community knowledge and connection around wellness and nutrition.
- Candle Terrariums (May 2025): A hands-on candle-making workshop where neighbours craft eco-friendly candles together using natural materials, sparking creativity, calm, and community connection.
- Neighbourhood Pancake Breakfast (May 2025): A warm and welcoming pancake breakfast on Ginger Drive that brings neighbours together over shared food, conversation, and a renewed sense of belonging.
- Organic Vegetable and Fruit Planting and Sharing (Growing Season 2025): A community gardening initiative where enthusiasts share planting tips, composting techniques, and homegrown produce to support sustainability and neighbourly exchange.
- The 2025 Ninth Street Gathering (Summer 2025): A beloved annual block party that reconnects neighbours, welcomes newcomers, and strengthens the bonds and safety net of the Ninth Street community.
- Gardens4Kids (2025): A child-focused gardening project that cultivates environmental care, healthy habits, and community spirit through hands-on planting and learning.
- Harmoniemusik at the Lido (Summer 2025): A series of open-air classical wind ensemble rehearsals in the acoustically rich Lido courtyard, reviving 18th-century traditions and delighting neighbours with live music and shared culture.
- Celebrating Latin American Culture and Heritage (June): A joyful gathering where Latin American families share music, food, and stories to build connections, celebrate culture, and ease the isolation of starting life in a new country.
- Jot, Journal and Join (Spring–Summer 2025): A creative and reflective art-based workshop for parents and teens in Queensborough to build trust, explore mental health, and strengthen family and neighbourhood connections.
- Karaoke Bailable (June): A safe and joyful gathering for newcomer moms to unwind, connect, and combat isolation through music, dancing, and shared laughter.
- Friendship Club Board Gaming at the River Market (Ongoing): A welcoming weekly board game meet-up that brings people together to play, teach, and connect through a shared love of games and community.
- Fiesta de la Alegría (May): A vibrant Latin American heritage celebration in the park with games, crafts, dancing, storytelling, and piñatas that brings families together to share culture, build friendships, and foster belonging.
- Burnaby Block BBQ #4 (August): A cherished annual barbecue bringing Burnaby Street neighbours together with shared food, games, cultural stories, and a donation drive to build deeper community connections and support local needs.
- Voices of the Youth: Arts & Creative Expression Workshops (Summer 2025): A 4–6 week inclusive youth program combining art, storytelling, and dialogue to foster creative expression, identity, and social justice awareness through the creation of a community zine.
- Neighborhood Gardening and Planting Exchange (2025): A joyful intergenerational gardening project where retirees and neighbours gather to exchange tips, share produce, and build community through shared planting experiences.
- Knit Blankets and More for Mazarine Lodge (2025): A caring initiative to craft colourful afghans, slippers, hats, and scarves for the women at Elizabeth Fry’s Mazarine Lodge, using donated and purchased yarn to brighten lives.
- Tidal Community Block Party (2025): A first-time block party for a new Queensborough development, uniting new and longtime neighbours through food, fun, and potluck spirit to nurture a stronger sense of community.
- Flower Pot Decorating (June): A creative outdoor gathering where neighbours decorate flower pots, plant blooms, and enjoy a shared meal while building connections through art and nature.
- Easy Pastry for Everyone (June): A hands-on community baking class where participants of all ages come together to make traditional Mexican conchas, share laughter, and bond over delicious pastries.
- New West Book Club (monthly 2025): A long-running women’s book club that builds lasting friendships and shared learning through monthly gatherings, literary discussion, and storytelling since 2011.
- Learning English Speeches (June): A community workshop series inviting ESL instructors to support newcomers in building English and public speaking skills while strengthening neighbourhood ties.
- Earth Day Bike Parade (April): A fun and inclusive family-friendly bike ride led by HUB Cycling on Earth Day to celebrate cycling in New West, connect riders of all levels, and encourage active transportation and community spirit.
- Westminster City Run (2025): A local running initiative based in Queen’s Park that brings together New Westminster runners for community runs, warm-ups, yoga, and the formation of a new running club to strengthen local connections.
- Little Rabbits – Supporting Community Gardening (2025): A garden launch celebration and tool kit project at the Queen’s Park skatepark garden to support community gardeners without shed access and encourage ongoing participation.
- Peruvian Cooking with Andean Flavour (summer 2025): A virtual and in-person cooking workshop teaching neighbours how to make a classic Peruvian dish, Papa a la Huancaina, while fostering cultural exchange and connection through food.
- Senior Gathering Day (June): A vibrant, inclusive event hosted in a senior apartment to connect residents with each other and their wider neighbourhood, reduce isolation, and foster a sense of mutual belonging.
- Hamilton Street Decoration Party (November): A festive community event where neighbours decorate lawns and trees together for the holiday season, strengthening friendships, including seniors, and attracting visitors with holiday cheer.
- Jazz Night in the West End (July): A lively evening of live jazz, dancing, and conversation that brings 70+ neighbours together annually, building connections, trust, and collaboration across cultures and ages.
- 11th Street Block Party (July): A summer celebration of neighbours, featuring food, games, and entertainment to spark joy, strengthen local relationships, and create a sense of belonging in a quiet community.
- Tattered Houses (June): A whimsical, all-ages recycled art workshop using torn magazines to build collage homes, offered as an after-school program to spark creativity, teach design, and foster community through making.
- Yoga/Qi Gong for the Vulnerable (June): A wellness series led by an experienced trainer and acupuncturist offering accessible stress management tools for vulnerable individuals and families, with the goal of fostering healthier communities.
- Literacy and Crafts for Kids in Spanish (July): A summer series of fun, hands-on sessions that help Spanish-speaking children build literacy in their home language while creating crafts and connecting with others in their community.
- Queensborough Sewing Group (2025): A monthly, inclusive sewing group that builds community, teaches skills, and supports charitable causes through creative reuse of textiles and a welcoming space for social connection.
- Pickleball Picnic and Fun Day (August): A social day of pickleball games, food, and fun that welcomes newcomers, strengthens bonds among current players, and celebrates the city’s growing and diverse pickleball community.
- Environmentally Minded (2025): A neighbourhood-based education series in the Brewery District focused on practical environmental actions—from recycling and conservation to pollinator planting and community sharing initiatives.
- Spring Art Project (2025): A seasonal community art initiative that encourages kids and families to experiment with different materials, create displayable art, and learn new teaching ideas for school and home.
- Craft Group (2025): A monthly women’s craft night where members share their creative skills, try out new artistic techniques, and create meaningful, handmade items to enjoy and share with others.
- Piñata Master (May): A joyful community event where children and parents create and break open piñatas together, building bonds through shared creativity and celebration.
- A Day with South Indian Cuisine (summer 2025): A cultural cooking event where neighbours gather to learn easy South Indian recipes, enjoy a meal together, play games, and exchange gifts in a warm, inclusive setting.
- 200 Block of Regina Street Community Voices (2025): A community gathering to brainstorm, prioritize, and follow up on shared concerns—like safety, inclusion, and lighting—sparked by successful past collaborations.
- Manos que tejen, corazones que sanan (Hands That Weave, Hearts That Heal) (2025): A therapeutic crochet group for Spanish-speaking newcomers that builds mental wellness, friendships, and empowerment through creativity and shared experience.
- Neighbour Connect (2025): A building-wide BBQ that brings together residents of all ages and backgrounds for food, games, and connection beyond passing hallway hellos.
- GAMES2GO! Board Game Library (2025): A student-led lending library at Fraser Middle School that gives kids fun, screen-free options while building skills, friendships, and family connections through board games.
- Plant It Forward (2025): A community garden initiative that brings neighbours together to grow food, share skills, and build a sustainable, resilient local food network and green space.
- Annual Festival of Mother Languages and Multiculturalism (2025): A vibrant community festival that celebrates and protects linguistic diversity, fosters respect across cultures, and builds community through shared stories and traditions.
- Kelly Street Harvest (2025): A block-wide gardening and harvest celebration that cools the local “hot zone,” supports food banks, and brings neighbours together for growing, giving, and gathering.
- Garrett Street Block Party (2025): A longstanding Sapperton tradition of food, games, and cultural sharing that unites neighbours across generations and backgrounds with a welcoming, potluck-style celebration.
- The Community Conversations: Poetry Floodlight (2025): A monthly potluck and dialogue circle that builds connection and awareness through shared meals and meaningful discussions before a community poetry night.
- Connaught Heights Summer Jam (2025): A joyful end-of-school celebration with live music, games, and cultural performances that welcomes the whole city and raises funds to support learning experiences for students.
- Peruvian Community Getting Ready for the Hyack Parade (2025): A series of hands-on cultural workshops and a float-building project that unites the Peruvian community to celebrate and share their Amazonian heritage with New Westminster.
- Community Cooking Classes – Multi Cultural (2025): A six-session cooking series where neighbours come together to learn healthy Middle Eastern recipes, share stories, and build connections over good food.
- Canada Day Breakfast 2025: A festive morning gathering with food, garden sharing, a book swap, and pollinator planting to bring neighbours together and celebrate summer and community.
- 625 Community Garden: A micro-garden initiative at a six-unit apartment building that fosters fresh food access, collaboration, and sustainable growing practices through square-foot gardening and composting.
- Postpartum Support Group: A free, weekly peer-led support circle for new parents that offers connection, resources, and relief during the isolating postpartum period.
- Flag Frenzy: New West Youth Capture the Flag Tournament: A youth-led, citywide outdoor tournament that combines play, leadership, music, and sustainability education to build connection among kids and families.
- Operation Social at THE NEWS Building: A building-wide summer gathering to spark friendships, reduce isolation (especially for seniors), and launch an ongoing online community space for connection and support.
- Our Community Carnival: A back-to-school carnival-themed block party with potluck food, games, and inclusivity that welcomes new and returning neighbours while building joyful, lasting relationships.
- Unity Through Art: A Community Art Workshop Series: A series of creative, intercultural workshops uniting African diaspora communities through collaborative art, shared meals, and a public exhibition celebrating cultural identity and connection.
- Mind Detox for Women: A wellness-based support program for moms that nurtures connection, resilience, and well-being through shared experiences and holistic self-care practices.
- Dancing Party: A lively neighbourhood gathering where dancing and ethnic food create joy, cultural exchange, and deeper bonds among residents.
- South Asian Traditional Cake Festival (Pitha Utshob): A cultural celebration where generations connect through storytelling and traditional South Asian cake-making, while introducing this heritage to the wider community and supporting home-based entrepreneurship.
- Beeing Kind to the Neighborhood: Neighbours come together to transform vacant land into thriving, pollinator-friendly gardens with native plants, fostering both biodiversity and community cooperation.
- Lido Strata “Meet Your Neighbours” Barbecue: A lively, inclusive BBQ for residents of three strata buildings that combats loneliness, builds intergenerational connections, and brings neighbours together with food, music, and fun.
- Pride Hoedown: An all-ages, inclusive line-dancing event during Pride Week that fosters LGBTQ+ visibility, connection, and celebration, while educating the public about the work of the Seniors Gay Straight Alliance.
- Rose’s Cooking, Gardening and Tea Project: A joyful twice-monthly seniors’ gathering where participants share cooking and gardening skills, enjoy tea, and discuss local and global issues, strengthening interconnection and purpose.
- Painting for Immigrant Racialized Women: A welcoming, art-based program where newcomer and racialized women can build community, gain creative confidence, and find connection through two facilitated painting workshops.
- Community Connections: Launching a Little Free Library in Connaught Heights: A neighbour-led project to build a Little Free Library at a high-traffic intersection to share books, games, and seeds while promoting literacy, sustainability, and community connection.
- Argyle Street Fall Harvest Block Party: A multicultural block party that unites dozens of nationalities, builds a stronger block watch, and nurtures year-round neighbourly connection through food, fun, and a WhatsApp group.
- Neighbourhood Street Food Crawl: A low-cost, local food crawl that connects neighbours over meals, supports small businesses owned by racialized individuals, and sparks new friendships and cultural appreciation through shared experience.
- Traditional Henna Art: A celebration of Indian cultural heritage through an inclusive henna art gathering where women can bond, express themselves, and enjoy the beauty of this traditional form.
- Postpartum Support Group Alumni Picnic: A casual picnic reunion for new parents to reconnect, build parenting friendships, and maintain a sense of community support beyond the early postpartum period.
- Mother’s Day: A grassroots gathering of local mothers—many of them single parents—for mutual support, gift-giving, crafts, and healthy meals, fostering friendships and a more connected, resilient neighbourhood.
- Financial Awareness and Access Challenges: A culturally sensitive workshop for newcomer and underserved women, offering financial education in their own language to build confidence, challenge gender norms, and promote economic independence.
- Step into the Hustle Dance: A free, inclusive Hustle dance class and social session that invites people of all ages and genders to connect, move, and celebrate diversity through the joy of partner dancing.
- Discovering New Westminster History: A guided photography walk for neighbours to capture historic buildings while learning about New Westminster’s past and strengthening community through shared artistic exploration.
- Quayside off Quayside: Summer Songs: A joyful outdoor community concert celebrating Quayside’s 10th year, blending music, movement, and neighbourhood connections at the iconic archway where it all began.
- E-Fry Beautification Project: A colourful, hands-on beautification day led by the community to uplift the EFry Woolwerx house and show support for women in transition through art, gardening, and creative expression.
- Uptown Clean Up: A volunteer-led neighbourhood cleanup rallying locals to beautify Uptown New Westminster, reduce litter, and build community pride through collective action.
- Single Moms Lunch: A casual lunch for single parents and their children, creating space for connection, conversation, and play in a supportive, family-friendly environment.
- Summer Neighbour Block Party: A revived tradition on Carroll Street bringing together new and long-time neighbours for food, music, and kids’ activities to build a more caring, connected, and inclusive community.
- Tomapalooza 2025: A festive, garden-themed street party with music, food, herb giveaways, and neighbourhood joy that continues to evolve as a beloved annual celebration of community and sustainability.
- New Westminster Connection and Block Party for Mamas and Babies: A multi-session block party series that celebrates mothers and babies with art-themed activities and birthday gatherings, building community and emotional support for families with young children.
- Community Feeding Program: A hands-on workshop where neighbours learn to make simple meals together—like soups and sandwiches—while sharing food, friendship, and new connections.
- Happy Community: A joyful gathering space for seniors to sing, dance, and connect through inclusive social events that nurture belonging and enhance emotional well-being.
- Preparation for Canada Day Celebrations: A cross-cultural pre-Canada Day event where Chinese seniors learn about Canadian history, culture, and national traditions (with translation and music), deepening their confidence, knowledge, and sense of belonging.
- Autism Awareness and Normalizing: A community-led initiative offering workshops and inclusive events to foster understanding, acceptance, and support for families with autistic children, encouraging empathy and accessibility for all.
- Lookout Community Garden: A thriving seasonal garden where residents grow fresh food, share knowledge, and build relationships through planting, harvesting, and healthy living, year after year.
- Chinese Dumpling Banquet: A cultural cooking gathering where neighbours—especially seniors—come together to make and share dumplings while celebrating the deep heritage and meaning of this traditional food.
How to join in
These projects are designed by neighbours, for neighbours. Most are free and open to all. Stay tuned to our social media and keep an eye out for posters at Family Place for specific dates and ways to participate. Learn more about the cycle of this program by reading about our wrap up of the 2024 NSG program.