Situated on the tip of Lulu Island, to the east of Richmond, is the New Westminster neighbourhood of Queensborough. Arguably one of Metro Vancouver’s most rapidly developing areas, Queensborough is set for even more radical change in the coming years. Bordered by the Fraser River, the area was established by Royal Engineers in 1859 and by the turn of the 20th century had become one of the region’s most active industrial areas with significant sawmills, machine-shops and shipyards. Queensborough was once the third largest port in Canada.
Fast forward to the present and an area once known for its industrial use is transforming into a complete and sustainable community where a range of housing types, schools, recreation facilities, social programs, local and destination retail experiences all exist within walking distance.
POPULATION EXPECTED TO DOUBLE BY 2041
Similar to other industrial areas going through residential revitalization, residents from various parts of Metro Vancouver are flocking to this emerging neighbourhood. Queensborough’s population has been growing at more than twice the rate of the rest of New Westminster and with future development plans, this growth is expected to double by 2041. New housing options at Aragon Properties’ Port Royal master-plan community, schools, community centres, parks, river walkways, and trails are all major attractions to this ideal community for families but the list doesn’t stop there. According to the City of New Westminster Planner, Lynn Roxburgh, Aragon Properties’ Port Royal neighbourhood will be used an example for the next Official Community Plan — a document which outlines the City’s long-term vision for a particular neighbourhood.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF QUEENSBOROUGH LOOK LIKE?
Eastern Neighbourhood
By 2020, a new pedestrian and bike bridge, the Q2Q Bridge, will connect the Port Royal neighbourhood to the north bank of the Fraser River and New Westminster’s downtown and quayside.
Residential Neighbourhood (Port Royal Village)
With the continued development of Aragon Properties’ 52-acre Port Royal Village, there will be a total of 1184 homes built including compact single-family homes, row homes, duplexes, townhomes, low-rise condominiums and The Peninsula at Port Royal, a luxury high-rise with private marina.
Queensborough Greenery
In addition to tree-lined boulevards, Queensborough offers parks and open spaces along with an amazing trail network tracing the edge of the Fraser River which will eventually link the Quayside neighbourhood all the way to Richmond.
Retail and Business Hub
Queensborough Landing’s retail centre of over 415,000 SF is one of Metro Vancouver’s largest outdoor shopping centres with over 58 retail outlets, restaurants, and services. Mixed employment lands, which allow lighter industrial uses while limiting and containing activities that have negative impacts on neighbours, are situated to create a transition between industrial and residential lands.
