Daniel Fontaine, B.A., ICD.D

🎙️ NEW EPISODE OF FOR THE RECORD 🎙️

This week, Councillor Paul Minhas is joined by NWP council candidate Karima Budhwani for a discussion focused on one of the issues residents consistently raised during the recent What We Heard community listening sessions: public safety, neighbourhood cleanliness, and community well-being.

🗣️ WHAT WE HEARD

The hosts begin by reflecting on the completion of the NWP listening sessions held throughout New Westminster. Hundreds of conversations helped shape the party’s priorities and provided valuable feedback from residents on the issues that matter most in their neighbourhoods.

🚨 SAFER, CLEANER & MORE WELCOMING NEIGHBOURHOODS

The centrepiece of this week’s episode is a detailed discussion of the New West Progressives’ newest platform announcement.

Highlights include:

👮 12 new Community Enforcement & Safety Officers on foot and bike patrols

🧹 Tripling investment in the successful “I’s On The Street” street-cleaning program

🩺 Exploring a Car 87-style mental health response partnership

🎭 Bringing more buskers, public art and cultural activity to commercial districts

🏪 New micro-retail opportunities on Columbia Street

🗑️ 100 additional waste and recycling bins

🚉 Cleaner and safer SkyTrain stations

🎨 A new TAG Team to aggressively tackle graffiti

💡 Improved lighting in key public spaces

🤝 A Crime Reduction and Public Safety Task Force

🚔 A commitment that the Mayor seek appointment as Chair of the New Westminster Police Board

Karima and Paul discuss how these proposals are designed to support public safety while also investing in prevention, neighbourhood vibrancy, cleanliness, and support for vulnerable residents.

🏫 AIR CONDITIONING IN SCHOOLS

The episode also reviews a recent NWP news release highlighting concerns about the lack of air conditioning in local schools and the challenges students and staff face during increasingly hot weather events.

🏛️ COUNCIL PREVIEW

The hosts look ahead to the upcoming New Westminster City Council meeting, including discussions surrounding:

💡 Heritage lamp replacements in Massey Victory Heights

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly improvements at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre

🏊 Free swimming lessons for children

🏗️ The next phase of the Royal Towers redevelopment proposal

💰 A report outlining funding received from senior levels of government

🎧 If you’re interested in public safety, community livability, local politics, and the future direction of New Westminster, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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Episode 118 of For the Record features Councillor Paul Minhas alongside guest co-host Ray Porcellato, NWP candidate for City Council, filling in for regular co-host Daniel Fontaine.

The episode opens with a compelling presentation from lacrosse advocate Dylan Jones, who addressed City Council about the deteriorating condition of the outdoor lacrosse box at Moody Park. Jones highlighted the real impact that aging and underfunded infrastructure is having on young athletes and the broader lacrosse community. While over $300,000 had previously been allocated for interim improvements, those funds have yet to be utilized, with the project now tied to a larger future redevelopment plan.

The discussion then shifts to regional politics, featuring commentary on Councillor Daniel Fontaine’s recent appearance on The Mike Smith Show (AM 730). Fontaine spoke critically about Metro Vancouver’s ongoing investigation into alleged information leaks, characterizing it as an unnecessary expense with little expected value for taxpayers.

Attention then turns to Simcoe Park, where Paula Naylor, President of the New Westminster Community Gardens Society, raised concerns about a proposed asphalt pathway that could negatively affect community garden space. As an active member of the cycling community, Naylor emphasized the need to balance accessibility improvements with preservation of green space.

A key policy discussion follows on what Councillor Fontaine has described as “density without dollars.” Using the Royal City Towers proposal as a case study, the episode examines how over 1,000 new housing units could bring significant population growth – without corresponding investment in public amenities. The panel discusses how the City’s decision to prioritize provincial responsibilities like affordable housing and tenant relocation has come at the expense of securing approximately $11.6 million in potential community amenity contributions.

The episode wraps with a look ahead at recent and upcoming community events, including a lookback at the April 30 NW City Matters forum focused on local schools, along with additional NWP outreach activities.

A wide-ranging episode covering infrastructure, regional governance, land use, and community advocacy in New Westminster.

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🎙️ For the Record – Episode 117

Aquatic Centre Costs, Community Voices & Metro Vancouver in Court

This week on For the Record, Councillors Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas return with a wide-ranging discussion on major civic issues, community concerns, and regional developments impacting New Westminster.

🏊 $114 Million Aquatic Centre – Where Was the Funding?

The episode opens with a discussion on the final report for the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, the $114 million facility that replaced the Canada Games Pool.

The hosts examine the lack of federal and provincial funding for the project and ask whether more could have been done to secure outside investment. The segment includes a notable exchange from council between the Mayor and Councillor Daniel Fontaine, touching on senior government funding and priorities.

🏘️ Tiny Home Village Raises Community Concerns

The podcast then highlights presentations from residents at a recent council meeting held in Queensborough.

Ben Gill speaks about concerns related to the proposed tiny home village, including what he believes is the absence of clear conditions around safety, integration, and expectations for the site.

🚲 Bike Lane Accessibility Under Scrutiny

Another delegation comes from Jim Hurst, who raises concerns about the 7th Avenue bike lane project.

Hurst questions whether the design has compromised sidewalk accessibility, particularly for seniors and those with mobility challenges. His remarks sparked discussion in the community regarding whether pedestrian priorities are being upheld in practice.

⚖️ Metro Vancouver Faces Legal Challenge

The episode also features a segment from The Mike Smyth Show (AM730), where Daniel Fontaine discusses new developments involving Metro Vancouver.

The City of Surrey has launched a legal challenge related to the Invest Vancouver initiative, alleging potential breaches of the Local Government Act. The case adds another layer to ongoing concerns about governance, accountability, and regional decision-making.

🤝 Get Involved: Events & Volunteering

The podcast wraps with a look ahead at opportunities for community involvement, including:

• Door knocking with NWP candidates
• Upcoming NW City Matters forums:
• 📍 April 30 – Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary (Schools & Education focus)
• 📍 May 6 – Downtown Edition
• (Both starting at 6:30 p.m.)

Listeners are encouraged to visit nwprogress.ca and follow NWP on social media for more details.

🎉 Thank You & Community Momentum

The episode closes on a high note, celebrating a sold-out fundraiser at the Taverna Greka restaurant with over 140 attendees – capped off with a touch of Greek music to thank supporters and listeners.

🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📣 Stay informed, stay engaged – and be part of the conversation shaping New Westminster.

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