Episode 116: Special Edition - New West simply can't afford 4 more years of Patrick Johnstone and Community First

Special Edition: 100 Day Countdown to Election Edition - Podcast Takes a Break!

🎙️ THE FINAL EPISODE...FOR NOW. 🎙️ After more than 120 episodes over the past three and a half years, For the Record is taking a short hiatus as New Westminster heads into the October 17 civic election campaign. In this special season finale, Councillors Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas sit down for one last conversation before the podcast pauses for the duration of the election campaign. 💚 NEW WEST WORKS The hosts revisit the New West Progressives' vision for creating safer, cleaner and more welcoming neighbourhoods through investments in community safety, cleaner streets, support for local businesses, and initiatives aimed at making public spaces more vibrant and inviting. 🏃 ACTIVE NEW WEST Daniel and Paul also discuss the party's plans to expand sport, recreation and fitness opportunities throughout the city. From rebuilding the New Westminster Pier to investing in parks, trails and community recreation facilities, the conversation focuses on creating a healthier, more active city for residents of all ages. 🌉 One discussion asks an important question: If White Rock was able to rebuild its iconic pier so quickly after storm damage, why is New Westminster still waiting more than six years later for construction to begin on its own pier? 🗳️ 100 DAYS TO GO With July 9 marking exactly 100 days until Election Day, the hosts reflect on what promises to be one of the most closely watched municipal elections in New Westminster's history. The episode also examines the emergence of a new civic political organization, BEE Good New West, and what another political party could mean for voters and the campaign ahead. 🎧 Finally, Daniel and Paul reflect on the journey For the Record has taken over the past three and a half years. From weekly council discussions and interviews with community leaders to conversations about the issues shaping New Westminster, the episode serves as both a look back at the podcast's evolution and a thank you to the many listeners, guests and supporters who have helped make more than 120 episodes possible. ❤️ While For the Record will take a short break during the civic election campaign, this final pre-election episode provides a fitting conclusion to three and a half years of local conversations, community stories and civic discussion. Thank you for listening - and best wishes to everyone participating in the 2026 civic election.

Episode 122: BIG Podcast Announcement, A Look Back at 3 Years, Record Levels of Social Engagement, 100 Day Countdown

🎙️ BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FROM FOR THE RECORD 🎙️ After more than 120 episodes over the past three and a half years, For the Record will be taking a short hiatus as the October 17 civic election campaign gets underway. In this special episode, co-hosts Councillors Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas announce that there are only two episodes remaining before the podcast pauses, with the final pre-election episode dropping on July 9 - exactly 100 days before Election Day. To mark the occasion, Daniel and Paul take a look back at some of the many memorable conversations that have made For the Record a trusted source for civic discussion in New Westminster. 🎤 This week's episode features highlights from past guests, including: 🍀 Jennifer Mackie, owner of Kelly O'Bryan's Restaurant & Pub 🏢 Rich Patterson, local business owner and community advocate 📰 Bill Tieleman, political commentator and public affairs strategist 🙏 Jag Sall, community leader from the Queensborough Gurdwara 🎖️ Terry Leith, President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 2 in New Westminster ...along with reflections on the many people who have helped make the podcast what it is today. 📺 The episode also includes Daniel Fontaine's recent Global News interview highlighting his third annual Metro Vancouver Mayors' Salary Report, which sparked significant public discussion around transparency and accountability in regional government. 📱 Daniel and Paul also celebrate an incredible 30 days of engagement for the NWP, with hundreds of thousands of Facebook and Instagram views as residents continue engaging with local issues and the future of our city. ❤️ Above all, this episode is a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has tuned in, shared an episode, appeared as a guest, or supported For the Record over the past three and a half years. There's still one more episode before the podcast takes its election break, so be sure to join us next week for our final show before we hit the campaign trail. 🎧 Thank you for listening - and we'll see you next week for one last episode before For the Record takes a short pause.

Episode 121: Exclusive - Major Platform Announcement from NWP, Air Con in Schools, What We Heard & More!

🎙️ NEW EPISODE OF FOR THE RECORD 🎙️ This week, Councillor Paul Minhas is joined by NWP council candidate Karima Budhwani for a discussion focused on one of the issues residents consistently raised during the recent What We Heard community listening sessions: public safety, neighbourhood cleanliness, and community well-being. 🗣️ WHAT WE HEARD The hosts begin by reflecting on the completion of the NWP listening sessions held throughout New Westminster. Hundreds of conversations helped shape the party's priorities and provided valuable feedback from residents on the issues that matter most in their neighbourhoods. 🚨 SAFER, CLEANER & MORE WELCOMING NEIGHBOURHOODS The centrepiece of this week's episode is a detailed discussion of the New West Progressives' newest platform announcement. Highlights include: 👮 12 new Community Enforcement & Safety Officers on foot and bike patrols 🧹 Tripling investment in the successful "I's On The Street" street-cleaning program 🩺 Exploring a Car 87-style mental health response partnership 🎭 Bringing more buskers, public art and cultural activity to commercial districts 🏪 New micro-retail opportunities on Columbia Street 🗑️ 100 additional waste and recycling bins 🚉 Cleaner and safer SkyTrain stations 🎨 A new TAG Team to aggressively tackle graffiti 💡 Improved lighting in key public spaces 🤝 A Crime Reduction and Public Safety Task Force 🚔 A commitment that the Mayor seek appointment as Chair of the New Westminster Police Board Karima and Paul discuss how these proposals are designed to support public safety while also investing in prevention, neighbourhood vibrancy, cleanliness, and support for vulnerable residents. 🏫 AIR CONDITIONING IN SCHOOLS The episode also reviews a recent NWP news release highlighting concerns about the lack of air conditioning in local schools and the challenges students and staff face during increasingly hot weather events. 🏛️ COUNCIL PREVIEW The hosts look ahead to the upcoming New Westminster City Council meeting, including discussions surrounding: 💡 Heritage lamp replacements in Massey Victory Heights 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly improvements at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre 🏊 Free swimming lessons for children 🏗️ The next phase of the Royal Towers redevelopment proposal 💰 A report outlining funding received from senior levels of government 🎧 If you're interested in public safety, community livability, local politics, and the future direction of New Westminster, this is an episode you won't want to miss. #NewWestminster #ForTheRecord #NewWestProgressives #PublicSafety #LocalGovernment #NWP #NewWestPolitics

Episode 120: Punch McLean Tribute, Pay Hikes for Politicians, Property Tax Revolt, $3.5M for Sports and Recration & More

Episode 120 of For the Record features Councillors Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas reviewing key decisions and debates from the June 8 New Westminster City Council meeting, along with the latest developments at Metro Vancouver and growing concerns about affordability in the city. The episode begins with a detailed discussion of the City’s remaining $3.5 million Growing Communities Fund allocation. Fontaine and Minhas explain why they support a proposal that would dedicate $1 million toward immediate local sport and recreation priorities while reserving $2.5 million for the future redevelopment of the Grimston Park lacrosse box and multi-sport facility. The hosts argue that community sports organizations have been waiting years for investments and that funding should benefit residents across the city as soon as possible. The conversation then turns to Fontaine's motion honouring legendary New Westminster Bruins coach Ernie “Punch” McLean. Fontaine provides an update on efforts to recognize McLean’s contributions to the city and discusses the growing support for a permanent tribute celebrating one of New Westminster’s most iconic sports figures. Recreation infrastructure remains a major focus throughout the episode, including discussions about the future expansion of Queen’s Park Arena, upgrades to local lacrosse facilities, and ways to improve recreational opportunities for families. The hosts also review a motion from Councillor Tasha Henderson aimed at providing free swimming lessons for children. While supporting the goal of expanding access, Fontaine and Minhas discuss concerns that simply increasing waitlists without creating additional capacity may not solve the underlying problem, drawing comparisons to a similar debate currently taking place in Vancouver. The hosts also examine a report outlining an automatic retroactive 2.2 per cent pay increase for elected officials that took effect on January 1 under existing council policy. While emphasizing that the increase is automatic and not the result of a council vote, Fontaine and Minhas question the timing given that New Westminster property taxes have increased by roughly 30 per cent over the past four years. Infrastructure and neighbourhood improvements are also discussed, including calls to accelerate road paving projects in the West End and ongoing efforts to ensure the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre remains welcoming and accessible for families. Listeners will also hear highlights from Daniel Fontaine’s appearance on The Mike Smyth Show, where he discussed ongoing concerns surrounding Metro Vancouver governance, spending, and accountability. The hosts review the latest regional issues and what they could mean for taxpayers across the Lower Mainland. The episode concludes with a discussion about property tax increases and the feedback council members continue to receive from residents struggling with affordability challenges. Fontaine and Minhas share concerns they have heard from homeowners, seniors, and families facing rising costs. The podcast wraps up with recognition of Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month, while also celebrating the completion of the New West Progressives election team, with 13 candidates now confirmed for the upcoming civic election. It's another wide-ranging episode covering local government, sports and recreation, taxpayer accountability, infrastructure priorities, and the issues shaping New Westminster’s future.

Episode 119: Ernie 'Punch' McLean Celebrated, $235M for Metro, NW CityMatters Big Success, $557 for 3 Minute Meetings and more!

🎙️ NEW EPISODE OF FOR THE RECORD 🎙️ This week, Councillor Paul Minhas is joined by guest co-host NWP school trustee candidate Liz Fajber while Daniel Fontaine is away - and there is LOTS to cover in New Westminster! 👀 🗳️ The episode kicks off with a recap of the NW City Matters community forums and online survey. From business issues to schools and community priorities, hundreds of residents turned out to participate, and more than 500 people have already completed the survey! The deadline to provide feedback is May 31st, and both Liz and Paul talk about how the input received will help shape the New West Progressives platform moving forward. 💰 Next up: Metro Vancouver and the ACCIONA settlement. The hosts preview Daniel Fontaine’s appearance on the Jas Johal Show discussing the massive North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant controversy and the shocking reality that taxpayers are still on the hook for nearly $3.9 BILLION. 😳 📺 The podcast also features discussion about Daniel Fontaine’s appearance on Global News with Jordan Armstrong regarding Metro Vancouver directors being paid $557 each for a meeting lasting only 3 minutes and 40 seconds. Total taxpayer cost? About $7,200. Liz and Paul question whether the system needs a serious rethink. 🏒 One of the most emotional segments focuses on New Westminster Bruins legend Ernie “Punch” McLean. The hosts reflect on the recent celebration held in his honour at Queen’s Park Arena and discuss the motion coming to council that would see a statue erected outside the arena recognizing his legacy. Tragically, Punch passed away in a car accident just days after the event. The episode includes reflections on his incredible impact on hockey and the community. ❤️ 🏫 Liz Fajber also discusses local school issues, including the disappointment that New Westminster received no provincial playground funding while neighbouring communities did. The hosts also tackle concerns surrounding school transportation and bus service uncertainty in Queensborough. 🎉 The show wraps up with a roundup of community events including: 🌸 May Day 🎺 The Hyack Parade 🏡 The Heritage Homes Tour 🛍️ Queen’s Park garage sale 🧒 Youth Awards 🟥 Red Dress Day Another packed episode covering local politics, schools, taxpayer accountability, sports history, and community life in New Westminster. 🎧 Listen now to For the Record!