Daniel Fontaine, B.A., ICD.D

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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It was another interesting week when it came to civic politics in the Metro Vancouver region. On the podcast today I covered a number of fascinating topics including recent revelations stemming from documents obtained by Global TV.

It was reported that former Metro Vancouver Chair George Harvie billed Metro Vancouver taxpayers over $7,400 to stay on the exclusive gold floor at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Vancouver. Reporter Jordan Armstrong provides a jaw-dropping breakdown of the costs as well as the rationale to support the expense.

Jordan also reports on a whopping 20% pay increase for the Metro Vancouver CAO in 2024. The CAO is now making well in excess of $500K per year.

Incorporated into the podcast is an interview regarding Metro Vancouver’s recent $64000+ hosting charge at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in Toronto in 2024. Listen to the Mike Smyth Show on CKNW with guest host Jody Vance as she speaks with Coun. Daniel Fontaine on this topic.

“The Way I See It” focuses on the upcoming provincial election and what to expect from municipalities, TransLink and other organizations. There will be a lot of hands out and requests for new funding from the party leaders. Will they disappoint?

Be sure to tell family, friends and colleagues if you enjoy this weekly podcast which is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and all major platforms.

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