Author: Daniel Fontaine

🎙️ For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas

It’s officially the one-year countdown to the next civic election in New Westminster — and this week’s episode has a great segment on what the next 12 months could bring.

✅ 365 Days to Go – With the civic election set for October 17, 2026, Daniel and Paul look ahead to what’s coming. From record tax hikes to “mushroom walls,” rewilded boulevards, and controversial bike lanes, they explore the issues likely to shape the race.

✅ Early Declarations – Across Metro Vancouver, politicians are already making moves — from Surrey’s Linda Annis to Coquitlam’s Craig Hodge — as media outlets like CBC, The Tyee, and CityNews spotlight the growing buzz.

✅ Introducing: NW City Matters – The New West Progressives (NWP) are launching a new grassroots engagement series featuring town halls, online surveys, and neighbourhood outreach. The goal: gather real community input to shape the 2026 campaign platform.

✅ Woodward’s Building Update – Residents return to Council over the new bus stop, lost loading zone, and HandyDART access. They’re asking the City to move the stop 50 feet north — and they’re not backing down.

✅ Uptown vs Downtown Vibes – The hosts discuss how both areas are faring, the need to revitalize commercial districts, and why New Westminster should be doing more to bring patios and activity back to Uptown.

✅ 7th Street Bike Lane Construction – Tempers flare as construction begins. Daniel and Paul urge residents to remember: the workers aren’t to blame — it’s a political decision made by Council.

✅ New Segment: Letter of the Week – A fresh addition to the podcast! Each week, a standout letter, email, or text from listeners will be featured to spark debate and dialogue.

✅ Upcoming NWP Event – Don’t miss the October 23rd Boathouse Restaurant fundraiser, featuring two newly announced NWP council candidates. Both will join next week’s For the Record for an exclusive sit-down interview.

👉 For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

Powered by RedCircle

🎙️ For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas

This week’s episode dives into pay, perks, politics, and plenty of lively debate from inside and outside City Hall:

✅ Pay, Perks & Pensions – A new report recommends big increases to elected officials’ compensation — including raising the Mayor’s travel allowance from $200 to $850/month and doubling the Acting Mayor stipend. Daniel joins The Mike Smyth Show (AM 730) to discuss the issue and listener reactions.

✅ Metro Vancouver & Vape Shops – A segment from Daniel’s Connect FM radio interview dives into Metro governance and the growing push to limit vape stores in local communities.

✅ Canada Post at City Hall? – An emergency motion to debate national postal issues sparks questions — and laughs — about what’s actually municipal business.

✅ Woodward’s Sidewalk Redesign – Residents at 6th & 6th speak out against accessibility changes. Hear Woodward Building Strata President Liz Faber’s full presentation to Council.

✅ Grants Going Up – Civic grants are set to rise by 50% — just in time for an election year. Daniel and Paul unpack the political optics and one surprising twist affecting multi-year recipients.

✅ London Street Bike Lane – It’s official: the project is moving ahead after a divided vote, despite ongoing opposition from some residents.

✅ Police Board & Budget Pressures – With nearly 30% property tax hikes this term, Council debates underfunding, responsibility, and rising policing costs.

✅ Liquid Waste Management Plan – A split Council vote makes New Westminster one of the few municipalities opposing Metro Vancouver’s LWMP until an independent wastewater review is complete.

✅ E-Scooters – Thanks to an NWP motion, enforcement will now join education in cracking down on illegal scooter use.

🎟️ Upcoming Event – Don’t miss the NWP fundraiser at The Boathouse Restaurant on Oct 23. Details at nwprogress.ca or Eventbrite.

🎵 Plus — a perfect closer: Twisted Sister wraps up the episode in fitting fashion.

👉 Listen to For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform.

 

Powered by RedCircle

 

🎙️ For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas

This week’s episode dives into some of the most debated issues at New Westminster City Hall and beyond:

✅ Council Compensation Report – A proposal goes to Council Oct 6 to raise the Mayor’s car (aka transportation) allowance from $200 to $830/month, double the Acting Mayor stipend, and triple Councillor transportation allowances. Daniel’s amendments to the curbside management report — impose maximum free 2-hour parking at City Hall and ending automatic stipends — were voted down.

✅ Remembrance Day Crosswalks – Terry Leith, President of the No. 2 Royal Canadian Legion, urged Council to follow Richmond and Maple Ridge in honoring veterans with “Lest We Forget” crosswalks.

✅ Commercial Rent Caps – While a motion went to UBCM, Daniel and Paul highlight how steep property tax hikes in New West have already fueled rising commercial rents for small businesses.

✅ Vape Store Restrictions – A motion to limit the number and location of vape shops passed at UBCM and could soon influence provincial policy.

✅ London Street Bike Lane – Staff scaled back proposed parking cuts from 39% to 9% — a significant shift for residents. Fontaine and Minhas invite community feedback ahead of the Oct 6 report.

✅ Woodward’s Building Concerns – Seniors voiced frustration over lost loading zones and bus stop changes at a Strata Town Hall, raising questions about consultation and accessibility.

✅ Looking Ahead – NWP fundraiser Oct 23 will feature mayoral candidate Daniel Fontaine and the announcement of two new NWP council candidates.

👉 Listen to For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform.

Powered by RedCircle