Episode 88: Pier Park Vandals, Crisis Response, Quiet Zones, MP in the House, May Day, Bike Lane Survey, Pride Week, Bus Shelters & Public Apology

🎧 This Week on For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas

There’s no shortage of hot topics on this week’s For the Record — from public safety and civic engagement to bike lanes, bus shelters, and a rare public apology.

🏞️ Pier Park Patrols: $400K Security Boost Proposed

We kick off with the future of New Westminster’s waterfront. A new city staff report recommends nearly $400,000 in added foot patrols and security upgrades at Westminster Pier Park — a response to over $460,000 in damages reported in just 18 months. We share coverage from Global BC and a recent AM 730 Jill Bennett Show interview to dive deeper into what this means for park users and taxpayers.

🚨 Crisis Response Pilot Extended (Until After the Election)

Originally slated to wrap by August 2026, the city’s Crisis Response Pilot Project — aimed at reducing public disorder downtown — has now been extended to December 31, 2026, leaving the next city council to decide its future. We explore what’s at stake and why the timeline shift matters.

🔇 Quiet Zones: Do You Live in One?

Many New West residents don’t realize they already live in a designated quiet zone. Now, council is directing staff to map them out and explore more aggressive steps to tackle vehicular noise pollution city-wide.

🗣️ 10 Delegations, 1 Packed Council Meeting

Monday’s council meeting saw a full lineup of speakers, including:

• Newly elected MP Jake Sawatzky, promising better intergovernmental collaboration and announcing a move to Uptown
• Three residents speaking out against the London Street bike lane, citing a lack of consultation and flawed engagement
• A May Day celebration advocate, backing a motion by Coun. Paul Minhas to better support legacy organizations in the community grants process

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Week 2025 Announced

The Mayor has proclaimed August 7–17 as Pride Week in New Westminster. The NWP elector organization will host a booth — and all four caucus members plan to be there to meet residents.

🚌 Holy Micromanagement, Batman!

That’s the phrase that kicked off a spicy debate over a motion from Coun. Nadine Nakagawa to secure funding for three new bus shelters. The number was arbitrary, the priorities named — prompting a flashback to her own earlier critique of “micromanagement” on council.

🙏 An On-Air Apology

Daniel Fontaine closes out the show by addressing his recent public apology to New West residents after an outburst in council where he referred to a comment from the Mayor as a “cheap shot.” He reflects on why the remark violated council’s procedures — and how he plans to do better.

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