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For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas

For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas

Written by: Daniel Fontaine
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Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas are City Councillors in New Westminster. They regularly explore a range of topics of interest to urbanistas! They bring guests in studio from all sides of the political spectrum and aren't afraid to take on some of the most challenging issues facing our cities. Crumbling infrastructure, taxes, homelessness, traffic, urban sprawl - you name it - you'll hear about it on For the Record with Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas.

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Episodes
  • Episode 111: Downtown Density Debate, Making Metro Accountable, Upzoning 900 Single Family Lots, NWP Public Forum + more

    Episode 111: Downtown Density Debate, Making Metro Accountable, Upzoning 900 Single Family Lots, NWP Public Forum + more
    Jan 31 2026
    🎙️ For the Record – Episode 111Density Debates, Metro Accountability & Campaign MomentumThis week’s edition of For the Record features Ken Armstrong, Queensborough resident and NWP city council candidate, joining Paul Minhas as guest co-host while Daniel Fontaine is away. The episode tackles major planning decisions, regional accountability, and growing momentum as the civic campaign season ramps up.🗳️ A New Guest Co-HostThe episode opens with Armstrong and Minhas previewing the topics ahead before Minhas briefly steps out, handing the reins to Armstrong to lead the discussion on one of the most consequential housing debates currently facing New Westminster.🏘️ Townhouse Upzoning: A Major Shift for NeighbourhoodsArmstrong dives into the controversy surrounding Community First’s support for a sweeping upzoning plan, which would pre-zone roughly 900 single-family lots across New Westminster to allow:Townhouse developmentSix-storey residential buildingsThe changes would apply primarily to the West End, Sapperton, and Glenbrook North, allowing development to proceed without public hearings.The podcast features an excerpt from Councillor Paul Minhas’s remarks in council, raising concerns about neighbourhood impacts and the loss of local input. He also speaks to the lack of public amenities in our city and how a massive upzoning - without a plan for a new school or other critical infrastructure will prove challenging. 🏙️ Downtown Density & Political IronyThe discussion then turns to the downtown density public hearing, mandated by the Province of British Columbia. Armstrong highlights what he describes as political irony - noting that Mayor Patrick Johnstone, once critical of density targets being dictated from Victoria, is now not only supporting the downtown plan but also backing extensive townhouse upzoning city-wide.Listeners hear a clip from Coun. Daniel Fontaine’s remarks in council, responding to both the provincial mandate and the city’s decision to go further than required. Fontaine asks Council why they simply don't just vote no and force Premier David Eby to implement his density plan from Victoria instead. 🏛️ Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter Gains AttentionMinhas rejoins Armstrong as the conversation shifts to the launch of the Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter, spearheaded by Councillor Daniel Fontaine and Richmond Councillor Kash Heed.The charter, available at www.metroaccountability.ca, calls for stronger transparency, accountability, and governance reform at Metro Vancouver.The hosts share coverage from Global News reporter Catherine Urquhart, followed by analysis of Fontaine and Heed’s appearance on The Simi Sara Show, where the initiative drew strong interest from both the host and listeners.🎙️ Regional Pushback & Some Political TheatreThe podcast also reacts to Township of Langley Mayor Eric Woodward’s appearance on The Simi Sara Show, where he declined to sign the charter and appeared to take a jab at both Fontaine and host Simi Sara.The moment sparked some on-air humour, including a memorable reference to a “word salad”, prompting lighthearted commentary from Armstrong and Minhas. Remarks from Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West are also touched on as part of the broader regional debate.Minhas confirms that Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and Surrey mayoral candidate Linda Annis both signed the Charter this week. 🍔 Fundraisers, Forums & Campaign MomentumIn the final segment, Armstrong and Minhas highlight several upcoming NWP events, including:A Burger & Beer fundraiser at the Judge Begbie Tavern on Columbia StreetThe 4th Annual Spring Fundraiser at Taverna Greka, also on ColumbiaTicket sales for both events are reportedly strong, with expectations they will sell out.They also promote the next NW City Matters community forum, taking place February 12 at the Queensborough Community Centre, beginning after 6:00 p.m. The open forum is part of the NWP’s listening tour and policy development process, with residents encouraged to attend and register in advance via the NWP website or Eventbrite.The episode wraps with reflections on the start of door knocking for the campaign and the positive response being heard from residents across the city.🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📣 If you enjoy the podcast, please share it with friends, family, and neighbours — local conversations matter.
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Episode 110: Exclusive interviews with Steele and Fajber, Metro Governance, Pier Park Pause, YNWP Launched, Metis Display

    Episode 110: Exclusive interviews with Steele and Fajber, Metro Governance, Pier Park Pause, YNWP Launched, Metis Display
    Jan 23 2026

    🎙️ For the Record – Election Year Conversations Continue

    Metro Governance, the Pier That Never Returned & New Voices for 2026

    This week’s edition of For the Record features Maryann Morrison, NWP council candidate, sitting in as guest co-host alongside Coun. Daniel Fontaine, as the podcast continues its deep dive into the issues shaping New Westminster’s 2026 civic election.

    🏛️ Metro Vancouver Governance: Hope vs. Skepticism

    The episode opens with a discussion on Metro Vancouver’s governance committee, which met this week to examine potential reforms to the region’s 41-member board.

    Morrison expresses cautious optimism that meaningful change could still emerge, while Fontaine remains skeptical that the current structure will deliver real accountability or reform.

    🌊 Pier Park: Five Years Later, Still No Plan

    Attention then turns to Pier Park, which was destroyed by fire in 2020 and remains unrebuilt. The hosts discuss how a resurfaced Facebook post of the original Global News story sparked tens of thousands of views, underscoring ongoing public frustration.

    For contrast, they highlight White Rock’s pier, where the mayor publicly committed to rebuilding within a year - successfully securing provincial and federal funding and reopening the pier to the public. The comparison raises questions about leadership, priorities, and follow-through in New Westminster.

    🧑‍🎓 Youth Engagement: YNWP & the NW City Youth Forum

    Fontaine and Morrison then discuss the newly launched Youth New Westminster Progressives (YNWP) initiative and the NW City Youth Forum, announced before a large crowd at the Inn at the Quay.

    The forum aims to increase youth engagement at City Hall and encourage young voters to participate in the October 17 election, a topic both hosts agree is critical to the city’s democratic future.

    🪶 Métis Representation at City Hall

    The conversation also touches on a Métis cultural display at New Westminster City Hall. Both Fontaine and Morrison, who are Métis, share their appreciation for seeing Indigenous culture reflected in civic spaces - and reflect on how visibility and representation still matter in local government.

    🎓 Exclusive Interviews: School Trustee Candidates

    The second half of the episode features two exclusive sit-down interviews with New West Progressives school trustee candidates:

    • Liz Fajber joins the podcast to discuss why she’s running, her priorities for public education, and takes part in a fun rapid-fire segment.
    • Lucas Steele shares his vision for bringing a stronger youth voice to the school board and the broader NWP caucus if elected.

    Both interviews offer listeners a chance to get to know the candidates beyond campaign literature, directly from the studio.

    🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

    📣 If you enjoy the podcast, please share it with friends, family, and neighbours — election-year conversations are just getting started.
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    57 mins
  • Episode 109: Army & Navy Temporary Shelter 24/7, RCMT Frank Talk, Lookout Housing Presents, NWP Unveils 2 New Candidates, Tax Talk - West vs Johnstone + Exclusive Interview with Mike McDonald

    Episode 109: Army & Navy Temporary Shelter 24/7, RCMT Frank Talk, Lookout Housing Presents, NWP Unveils 2 New Candidates, Tax Talk - West vs Johnstone + Exclusive Interview with Mike McDonald
    Jan 17 2026

    🎙️ For the Record – Election Year Edition (Welcome to 2026)

    Housing, Arts, Taxes & a Major Exclusive Interview

    The first For the Record episode of 2026 sets the tone for an election year in New Westminster, with a packed program covering housing, affordability, culture, and the politics already shaping the campaign ahead.

    🗳️ Welcome to 2026: Karima Budhwani Joins as Co-Host

    The episode opens with a welcome to 2026, marking the start of a pivotal election year. Former NWP president and council candidate Karima Budhwani joins Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas as a guest co-host, offering her perspective on the issues that will dominate the months ahead.

    🏠 Shelter Housing Project: 24/7 Funding & Heated Council Debate

    The conversation begins with the latest debate over 24/7 funding for a shelter housing project, including a short clip from the council chamber. The discussion unpacks what was said, what wasn’t, and how housing policy could well become a key election issue.

    🎭 Royal City Musical Theatre: Culture Meets Council

    Listeners hear from New West resident Kat Palmer who appeared before council to speak about the RCMT's role in the community. The segment includes an excerpt from her presentation, followed by reaction and context. Massey Theatre reps welcomed to provide a counterpoint!

    🏘️ Lookout Housing and Health Society: Presentation & Reaction

    An excerpt from Lookout Housing Society’s five-minute council presentation is played, followed by analysis and commentary from the hosts. The hosts discuss the pivotal role former mayoral candidate and city councillor Chuck Puchmayr has played.

    🙌 NWP Volunteer Appreciation & Candidate Announcements

    Attention then turns to the NWP's Volunteer Appreciation event, taking place Sunday, where new trustee candidate announcements will also be made. The segment highlights the growing campaign momentum and the importance of volunteers as the election year begins in earnest.

    💸 Mayor Brad West Calls Out New West Taxes on AM 730

    A major regional moment is featured next, with a four-minute clip from the Mike Smyth Show, where Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West publicly shames New Westminster’s tax levels.

    The discussion zooms out to the broader issue of affordability and the reality that New Westminster is dealing with a 30%+ property tax increase over one council term - a key ballot question heading into 2026.

    🎙️ Exclusive Interview: Mike McDonald

    The centrepiece of the episode is an exclusive, in-depth interview with Mike McDonald, recorded separately. McDonald joins the show to share his views on the city, the election year ahead, and how a provincial election might unravel the best laid plans of civic politicians.

    🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

    📣 If you enjoy the podcast, please share it with friends, family, and neighbours — election-year conversations matter more than ever.
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    1 hr and 11 mins
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