Advocacy for a family-friendly city
At New Westminster Family Place, we are committed to making our city a welcoming and inclusive place for families with young children. A crucial part of this advocacy is ensuring that spaces in our community are safe and meet the needs of parents, caregivers, and little ones, and that families have access to resources they need. Recently, we had the opportunity to host two focus groups that touch on direct impacts to families: New Westminster’s City-wide Toilet Strategy, and the city’s Food Security Action Plan.
Potty Talk
Public toilets may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about family-friendly policies, but they play a significant role in supporting families. Young children often need frequent bathroom breaks, and access to safe, clean, and accessible public toilets can make outings less stressful for parents. Child-friendly facilities also support toilet training, helping little ones build confidence and independence.
Beyond convenience, access to public toilets is a matter of public health and community engagement. Ensuring that facilities are available, accessible, and safe for all—including families with strollers and young children—promotes inclusivity and encourages families to explore and participate in their community.
Full Bellies, Happy Families: Why Food Security Matters for Our Kids
Food security means having access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food. Many families face barriers like high costs and limited options. By joining this conversation, parents can share their experiences and help find real solutions. Their input will shape local policies that support food justice and a family-friendly city. This is a chance to make sure all families have the food they need to thrive.
Have Your Say!
We are proud to have contributed to these important conversations on public toilets and food security and encourage all community members to share their thoughts on these and other issues with the City of New Westminster. Your input can help shape a strategies that enhance the quality of life for families across our city. Make your voice heard and contribute to a more family-friendly community by sharing your thoughts: City-wide Toilet Strategy | Be Heard New West
Together, we can create a more accessible and welcoming city for families!