Welcome to our city!
New Westminster offers a variety of programs and supports for newcomers. Local immigrant service organizations provide settlement workers, and the city has one Welcome Centre to help newcomers get settled, access resources, and feel connected to the community.
Many of these services are free, and they are meant to support newcomers—there’s no need to worry about eligibility. These services can provide guidance, make referrals, and connect people of all ages with a variety of local programs and supports.
New Westminster City is proud to be a Sanctuary City, which means all residents—regardless of immigration status—can access essential city services.
- You can use City services like libraries, community centres, parks, and recreation programs.
- You can join public events, take classes, and get help from City staff.
- Your children can go to school and get support from School District 40.
- City staff will not ask about your immigration status or report you to immigration or Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
⚠️ Important Note: This policy applies to facilities, programs, and services provided by the City of New Westminster, and it does not apply directly to the New Westminster Police Department. However, the Police have their own guidelines that support the goals of the Sanctuary City policy. These guidelines were approved by the New Westminster Police Board
WINS LIP works closely with its members to ensure that newcomers feel safe, supported, and included in every aspect of community life.
In this guide, you will find a compilation of services and resources to make it easier to get support and navigate life in a new community.
New Westminster City Community and Social Services
MVRRT Housing Resource Guide by MOSAIC
Navigating housing in Metro Vancouver can be overwhelming for newcomers. This comprehensive guide from the Metro Vancouver Refugee Readiness Team (MVRRT), developed by MOSAIC, offers practical support for refugees and immigrants seeking safe, affordable housing. It outlines the stages of housing—from emergency shelters to permanent homes—while providing tips on rental searches, understanding tenant rights, avoiding scams, and connecting with community organizations. Whether you’re just arriving or transitioning to long-term housing, this resource is designed to help you take informed steps toward stability and belonging.
Health Concerns?
Health or nutrition concern? Connect with Fraser Health Virtual Care to speak with a registered nurse, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven-days-a-week or registered dietitian 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
NewToBC is a helpful service for people who are new to British Columbia. It’s run by public libraries across the province and is designed to make it easier to find information and support when settling into a new community
NewToBC doesn’t give services directly. Instead, it helps connect newcomers to the right programs and resources in their area. This includes things like learning English, finding work, understanding healthcare, joining community programs, or getting advice about life in BC.
The website and library staff are there to guide, answer questions, and explain how services work, so newcomers don’t have to figure everything out alone. Even if someone isn’t sure if a program is for them, NewToBC can help point them in the right direction.
It’s a great starting place to learn about life in BC and connect with local organizations that are ready to help newcomers feel supported, confident, and included..
A Community Resource Guide
The Community Resource Guide 2025 for Burnaby and New Westminster, created by Burnaby Neighbourhood House and published by Burnaby NOW, brings together programs, services, and supports to help you settle in and thrive.
Inside, you’ll find information about housing, health, education, employment, language programs, food, family resources, and more—all in one easy-to-use guide designed with newcomers in mind.
BC 211
A free, confidential information and referral service in British Columbia that helps people find community, social, government, and health-related resources. It’s designed for anyone who needs help connecting with programs or services in their area.
Talk to a two one one 211 Navigator 9am-9pm Weekdays (excl. Holidays)
Call 2-1-1
Live Chat
Text (SMS) to 2-1-1
Here is a direct link to BC211’s “Your List” for a gathered directory of services to help newcomers and immigrants find community resources in New Westminster more easily.
BC 211
Older Resources
2022 – Resource Summary for Newcomers