Author: Daniel Fontaine

In this week’s edition of For the Record with Daniel Fontaine, special guest Coun. Paul Minhas makes another appearance to talk civic politics in New Westminster.

Does New Westminster have enough EV chargers? A number of folks don’t think so. What more could and should be done?

Is it time for New Westminster’s tree removal by-law to get reviewed? A local residents writes to Council about her family’s horrific experience dealing with a by-law that she considers onerous and inflexible.

When it comes to hosting big events on public streets, what rules should be put in place to make sure local businesses aren’t negatively impacted? Is it fair to put large, obstructive vehicles in front of existing sidewalk patios of local restaurants and pubs? Coun. Minhas shares his personal experience over the past few years when Begbie Tavern’s (he’s the owner) patio has been placed behind a wall and near gas powered electric generators blowing fumes on his customers.

Will the motion put forward to expand the Walking School Bus program get the endorsement of at least 4 councillors on Aug 26th? The program reduces carbon emissions & traffic congestion around schools. But will the motion secure at least 4 votes to make it over the finish line?

Do New West residents unnecessarily pay too much for business license, park and recreation fees? That’s the focus of a motion coming to Council asking for a review and comparison to other cities. But will the motion fail 4-2 yet again?

Is the host of this podcast really going to become the Acting Mayor on September 1st? Could it be?

Did the Mayor of New Westminster really release a video celebrating the paving of roads with asphalt? We focus our attention on the horrible condition of some New Westminster roads and why 6th Avenue has been particularly bad for way too long.

If you like this podcast, be sure to tell family and friends to follow us! It’s available on all major platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcast.

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In this week’s edition of For the Record with Daniel Fontaine, I explore the topic of whether big cities are ready for major fires.  In the opening “The Way I See It” segment, I discuss the recent major fire in Vancouver’s westside and how we all dodged a bullet. Has climate change, warmer and drier summers put our people, structures and parks at greater risk?

I also launch a new segment called “News Westminster”. This will touch upon, in rapid fashion, a number of key media stories and letters to the editor that have a New Westminster connection.

The podcast also features a discussion I had with CKNW radio host Scott Shantz regarding a proposal to introduce a new Lobbyist Registry in New Westminster.

If you like the podcast, be sure to tell friends and family to follow and share! It’s available on Apple Podcast, Spotify and all major platforms.

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In this week’s edition of For the Record with Daniel Fontaine we explore what will be debated at New Westminster City Council over the coming weeks. Special guest Councillor Paul Minhas is in studio and he provides his unique perspectives into the issues of the day.

The opening opinion piece “The Way I See It” talks about how local politicians could take a lesson or two from the Olympic games and our athletes. Is it possible for New Westminster City Council to ever win a gold for governance?

This is Pride Week in New Westminster and we discuss the crucial role Coun. Minhas played over a decade ago to support the LGBTQIA2S+ community. He speaks to how the former Heritage Grill and its staff played a role in helping to support inclusion and acceptance.

Does New Westminster need a Lobbyist Registry? Should the Province of BC be managing a Lobbyist Registry on behalf of municipalities? Are you concerned when local politicians are being lobbied you don’t know by whom or when? The topic of a new Lobbyist Registry in New West will surely be of interest to you!

There were a lot of complaints about the location of this year’s Canada Day festivities at Pier Park. Whether it was the lack of trees on a hot day, the limited accessibility or a myriad of other issues, perhaps the time has come to reevaluate how we choose the location of our Canada Day celebrations?

Are fees for businesses and recreational services competitive with neighbouring jurisdictions? A motion coming to New West Council will be debating whether we need to analyze our cost structure compared to our neighbouring cities.

Ever heard of a ‘walking school bus’? We have a couple of them in New Westminster but a motion coming to Council proposes that we have a lot more and that they receive long-term secured funding. Walking school buses are carbon free, encourage kids to remain active, however they aren’t widely adopted throughout our compact city.

Columbia Street closes. It opens. Front Street closes. It opens, and closes again. Another building is constructed downtown. Another sewer main is replaced. Is all of this construction and traffic rerouting causing ‘construction fatigue’. We’ll explore this topic and how all that noise, traffic chaos and construction is leading to some concerned residents.

Lastly, we do an events roundup! There is lots going on in New West and we cover off a few of the events taking place over the coming weeks. If you like this podcast, be sure to spread the word and let others know to follow For the Record with Daniel Fontaine.

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