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.

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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!

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Episode 28: Special edition focuses on Metro Vancouver and taxpayer funded international junkets

$17,336.50. That’s how much it cost Metro Vancouver taxpayers to send the Chair of Metro Vancouver to attend the 2023 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors Forum. Keep in mind, that’s for just his airfare! He also attended the conference with two other civic politicians who sit on the Metro Vancouver board.

Now Metro Vancouver Chair Mayor George Harvie is asking taxpayers to pay for his next junket to Amsterdam before he is removed in that role on July 1st. Media are reporting this ticket for this trip is over $5,000. This is on top of the $20K+ taxpayers shelled out to send Mr. Harvie to Singapore.

How should taxpayers react when they see Metro Vancouver directors flying all over the world when the costs for mega projects they are responsible for are ballooning out of control?

The wastewater treatment plant in North Vancouver has gone from $700M to almost $4B in cost. The Iona wastewater treatment plant is now reportedly pegged at $12B and climbing in cost at a rate of $1B very six months.

In this episode we dig a bit deeper into what exactly is happening at Metro Vancouver regarding travel expenses and more. In “The Way I See It” we ask whether it’s time for our provincial politicians to step in and propose some reforms to provide for more accountability at this unelected and in many ways unaccountable governing body.

Listen to several interviews which aired on CKNW and Global TV with hosts Jas Johal and Jill Bennett as well as reporter Catherine Urquhart. Our upcoming events segment also touches on New Westminster’s Hyack Parade and the Heritage Home Tour.

If you liked this episode, be sure to spread the word by telling friends and family to listen for themselves!

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