Episode 118: New West Infrastructure Deficit, Metro Madness, Density Dollars + much more

May 4, 2026

Episode 118: New West Infrastructure Deficit, Metro Madness, Density Dollars + much more

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.

April 18, 2026

Episode 117: Sidewalks Less Accessible, Tiny Homes Delegation, Canada Games Pool Replacement, Metro in a Mess + More

🎙️ 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.

March 7, 2026

Episode 114: Listening to Citizens, North Van Mayors Speak Out, Tiny Town Big Concerns, Infill Housing Discussion + More

🎙️ For the Record – Episode 113

This week on For the Record, Councillor Paul Minhas is joined by special guest host Maryann Morrison, who sits in for Daniel Fontaine while he takes the week off from the podcast.

The episode begins with a preview of the topics ahead before turning to the latest NW City Matters forum in Sapperton, which drew a large and engaged crowd. Residents raised a wide range of concerns, including train whistle cessation, slow building permit timelines, parking shortages, and the double bike lanes near Royal Columbian Hospital.

The strong turnout at the community forum was contrasted with a much smaller audience – described as only a ‘handful of people’ – who attended a keynote presentation by the mayor to the Downtown Residents Association at the same time.

Next, the podcast features a Global News segment highlighting how the City of North Vancouver and District of North Vancouver mayors are now calling for a public inquiry into the North Shore wastewater treatment plant financial debacle and broader governance reform at Metro Vancouver. Minhas and Morrison note how much of the language being used mirrors arguments that Councillor Daniel Fontaine has been raising for years.

Another major topic is the controversial “Tiny Town” supportive housing project. The hosts discuss concerns raised by residents about the lack of advance notification, consultation, and the lack of a Good Neighbour Agreement prior to the project being announced for New Westminster. They also discuss how the issue of a lack of consultation could become a major topic in the upcoming civic election campaign taking place on October 17th.

Housing policy also takes centre stage as the podcast examines proposed infill housing rezonings scheduled for a public hearing later this spring. Hundreds of single-family properties could be affected, with potential zoning changes allowing up to six units per lot and buildings up to three storeys in height. The hosts discuss concerns raised in other municipalities, including Burnaby, where similar developments have sparked debate about neighbourhood character.

The episode also revisits the ongoing issue of Queensborough secondary school bus funding, which has still not been confirmed by the provincial Ministry of Education. The podcast features a clip from Don Doyle, a Queensborough resident who has been advocating for the bus service and recently announced he will run for school trustee with the NWP.

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