Episode 31: Affordable housing, broken elevators, outdoor patios, greedflation and Metro Van cost overruns

June 14, 2024June 14, 2024

Episode 31: Affordable housing, broken elevators, outdoor patios, greedflation and Metro Van cost overruns

This week’s episode of For the Record is jam packed with a full hour of issues and topics of interest to both residents and business owners in the Royal City.

To start off “The Way I See It” segment asks about whether we have enough competition in the construction sector? Would more competition help to lower the price tag for ballooning costs related to municipal construction projects? Why is so little attention being paid to why construction costs are now in hyper-inflation mode?

In our regular Council Roundup section Coun. Paul Minhas joins the podcast for a review of the June 10th Council meeting. On the docket is a discussion about red tape for outdoor events; development fees and charges; supporting a public inquiry at Metro Vancouver; broken elevators on New West’s waterfront; holding the State of the City event in a private venue inaccessible to our youth; tenant protection in the face of new NDP legislation to drive more development; whistle cessation and politicians getting into the action; an interesting council appointment to support E-Comm; a new $650K public toilet being installed on Begbie Street and facilitating extended hours on our patios.

In addition, we feature a story which aired on Global TV BC regarding the Northshore Wastewater Treatment Plant which is now almost $3B over budget. We top the podcast off with a clip from a recent Mike Smyth Show segment on CKNW where he highlights the financial wackiness of sending a seven person taxpayer funded delegation to Amsterdam to investigate sewers and dikes.

It’s another great episode that you’re going to want to listen to and share with friends, family and colleagues.

June 7, 2024

Episode 30: Funding partners MIA, Metro Vancouver governance, summer patios & outdoor events red tape

In this episode of For the Record, we cover a number of topics and issues of interest to New West residents and business owners.

We start off with our regular “The Way I See It” segment which focuses on why the provincial and federal governments were a no-show when it came to being a major funding partner for the new təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre. The project cost over $110M and that tab was picked up almost exclusively by municipal taxpayers. One local resident asked the local MLA why that was the case at a recent townhall forum and you might be surprised with her response!

The podcast also features two segments with New West Coun. Paul Minhas whereby the topics of business investment, red tape related to outdoor street events as well a lack of elevator access on our waterfront are discussed.

Tune in to listen to hear an interview on the Jas Johal Show featuring a discussion regarding some long overdue reforms to the Metro Vancouver government structure. Johal and Fontaine discuss whether its time for the Province of BC to finally step in and take action. A Global TV story on this same topic is also featured.

It’s patio season, so we need to talk patios in New West. Why aren’t there more of them? Why are they forced to close so early? Tune in to hear about why we need to do more in New West when it comes to encouraging and fostering a vibrant patio culture.

Fontaine also highlights his attendance at a few community events this week to mark BC Seniors Week. He attended a townhall forum on the issue of seniors housing featuring Dan Levitt, BC Seniors Advocate. This was hosted at Century House and it included a fantastic Q&A session. The weekly summary of activities includes a discussion that took place at the City’s Heritage Commission and a joint meeting of the Council and School Board.

The podcast is packed with lots of information that will be of interest to all New Westies! Be sure to spread the word and tell family and friends to listen as well.

June 1, 2024June 1, 2024

Episode 29: It’s time for Council Roundup + a focus on Metro Vancouver cost overruns & travel costs + final days of a crown logo

In this edition of For the Record with special guest Coun. Paul Minhas, I have an issue filled podcast!

It starts off with “The Way I See It” which focuses on the issue of cutting down trees and how citizens are treated compared to city governments. Should city officials have to go through the same hoops and accountability for cutting down mature trees as do private property owners?

During the Council Roundup, a number of topics that came up during the recent Council meeting are discussed. They include decolonizing New West’s logo and removing the crown, the failed drug decriminalization experiment, electric scooters, a large development at 88 10th Street, train whistles in Queensborough and much more.

I also continue to spotlight some issues plaguing Metro Vancouver. This includes a feature interview with CKNW radio personality Jas Johal. We talk governance and what can be done to modernize Metro Vancouver over the next few years.

The podcast also features a couple of stories by Global TV’s veteran reporter Catherine Urquhart. She focuses on travel spending by Metro Vancouver Chair George Harvie.

Tune in to find out what Metro Vancouver did when it comes to managing the $3B+ cost overruns as the North Shore Waste Water Treatment plant. I also discuss how the vote went to increase the remuneration of the Chair and Vice-Chair at Metro Vancouver. You might be surprised to find out the final tally!

It’s a great podcast filled with interesting facts, commentary and opinion. Be sure to let your friends or family know about For the Record if you enjoyed listening!