Author: Daniel Fontaine

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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It’s the middle of summer but that doesn’t mean we are taking a break from For the Record. I’ve invited Councillor Paul MInhas back for this special “Long Weekend Edition” that you won’t want to miss.

Some of the topics we touch upon include a kick off discussion regarding the City of New Westminster’s rebranding efforts. A new report posted online consolidates public feedback. It has been made public and the number one word to pop out of the ‘word cloud’ was ‘historic’. Go figure! But exactly how will our history be reflected in the City’s new brand identity?

What would a podcast discussion be without an update on the costly mushroom wall and Insect Hotel project which just opened up in Queen’s Park. This segment had everyone behind the microphone in stitches, for obvious reasons.

Patio times have been extended to 11 pm throughout New Westminster this summer as part of a pilot project. Have you noticed the difference? It all comes a result of a motion introduced earlier this year at council.

Outside of the Pride event in August, why has it been so quiet on Columbia this year? Why have all the festivals and events all dried up? We can’t blame the pandemic for this one, so what’s up?

Mayor Johnstone calls out one of his colleagues as being part of the ‘factless five’. So what happens when that same elected official calls out his own council colleagues as being the ‘factless five’? Will that be ruled ‘out of order’ by the very person who used the term in a public forum? We may soon find out.

It’s been almost 3 years since the ‘temporary’ homeless shelter opened up inside the former Army and Navy store on Columbia Street. Will the society that operates the shelter be required to seek an extension to the their temporary use permit – or not? Temporary use permits are supposed to be for a maximum of 3 years before they expire. This will be an interesting file to watch the coming months.

Host Daniel Fontaine also joins CKNW’s Jas Johal for a discussion regarding Chair Mike Hurley’s failed attempt to appoint a friend and major donor to his 2022 election campaign. What was he thinking? Johal and Fontaine chat about this latest goof up at the beleaguered Metro Vancouver.

Be sure to download For the Record with Daniel Fontaine on all major platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcast. A reminder to encourage your friends, family and colleagues to follow the podcast too!

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