🎙️ For the Record – Special Victoria Edition

Live from the BC Legislature

This week’s episode of For the Record comes to listeners from a unique setting - the halls of the British Columbia Legislature in Victoria.

Councillors Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas record the podcast live inside the historic legislative building, with tours and visitors passing by in the background. The episode opens with reflections on the MLAs and media personalities they met with during their visit, as well as commentary on the significance and history of the legislature itself.

The first major topic tackles the community debate surrounding the future of the Pattullo Bridge, originally built in 1939.

The discussion was sparked after Councillor Minhas openly mused about whether the aging bridge could be preserved as a linear park rather than demolished outright. The idea generated strong reactions - some residents arguing the bridge should be torn down immediately to save money, while others supported at least exploring preservation options.

Although the proposed “Party on the Pattullo” never materialized, the conversation highlighted how much the bridge means to many in the community. With demolition likely to begin soon, the hosts agree it's now time to say goodbye to a historic piece of New Westminster’s skyline.

The episode also features an excerpt from Daniel Fontaine’s appearance on The Jas Johal Show on AM 730, guest-hosted by Robin Gill.

The interview focuses on Metro Vancouver governance, specifically the cost of stipends and honorariums paid to board members and whether meaningful reform is needed to make the regional body more transparent and accountable to taxpayers.

The podcast wraps with a look ahead to the next NW City Matters Forum, taking place:

📍 Sapperton Community Hall (Keary Street)

📆 March 4

⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion. Details — along with information about upcoming fundraisers and events - can be found at nwprogress.ca.

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

🎙️ For the Record – Episode 112

Community Reflection, Budget 2026 & Campaign Momentum

This week on For the Record, Councillors Paul Minhas and Daniel Fontaine return to the studio and share an important programming update: as the October 17 civic election approaches, the podcast will now move to a bi-weekly format, featuring a range of special guest hosts in the months ahead.

The episode opens with commentary on the recent Tumbler Ridge shootings in British Columbia. Fontaine reflects on growing up in a small community with a grades 7–12 high school, where everyone knew each other - and how deeply a tragedy like this can affect a tight-knit town.

Both hosts emphasize the importance of mental health supports and acknowledge the profound impact such events have on small communities.

The latest NW City Matters forum took place in Queensborough, and residents did not hold back.

Key themes raised included:

• Open ditches and infrastructure concerns
• Property tax pressures
• Traffic and transportation challenges
• Electricity bills
• A lack of amenities such as pools and arenas

A major concern discussed was the future of the Queensborough secondary school bus program, which is set to lose funding on June 30. The hosts note that a previous provincial commitment suggested the program would become permanent and free - something that has not materialized. With no high school planned for Queensborough, families are left with ongoing uncertainty.

The podcast features two clips from a City Hall chamber discussion on bullying.

Councillor Nadine Nakagawa speaks about her experience attending the Stronger Cities initiative conference and addressing online bullying, while Councillor Fontaine responds by sharing his perspective on in-person bullying.

Despite political differences, the hosts observe that there was notable common ground between the two perspectives.

With Budget 2026 nearing completion, residents have but a few days left in the consultation phase to weigh in.

The hosts discuss how this budget effectively locks in a 30% property tax increase over four years, positioning New Westminster among the highest tax increases in Metro Vancouver during this council term.

They also look ahead:

What might change under a different council majority? And how would an NWP-led government approach affordability differently?

The episode introduces Anita Dunn, the newest NWP school board candidate.

Dunn, a former Columbia Street retail business owner and trained chartered accountant, recently announced her candidacy in front of supporters. As a parent of a secondary school student, she brings both professional financial expertise and firsthand education experience to the team.

The hosts wrap up with a preview of:

• Family Day wishes to listeners
• An upcoming trip to Victoria (Feb 18–19) to meet with MLAs
• An upcoming exclusive interview with Nancy Jickels and Jennifer Mackie, co-chairs of the NWP campaign
• A February 17 fundraiser at Judge Begbie’s Tavern ($30 per person, limited tickets remaining)

Listeners are reminded that future NW City Matters events and campaign updates can be found at NWProgress.ca.

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

📣 As the civic election season continues, now more than ever, local conversations matter.

🎙️ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

🎙️ 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

🔟🎙️ It’s Back! The Top 10 New West Stories of 2025

The annual Top 10 “For the Record” Vodcast has arrived - and this year’s countdown is packed with some of the biggest civic and political moments New Westminster has seen all year.

Hosted by Coun. Daniel Fontaine and Coun. Paul Minhas, this special episode looks back at the stories that sparked debate, packed council chambers, dominated headlines, and shaped the conversation across the city in 2025.

👀 What made the list?

Without giving away the rankings, listeners will hear about:

• Major property tax and affordability debates
• High-profile bike lane and traffic controversies
• How many petitions were needed for change
• Neighbourhood issues that wouldn’t go away
• Political moments that signaled change heading into 2026

Some stories will surprise you. Others you’ll absolutely expect. And a few may spark a “how did that rank higher than this?” conversation.

🎧 The Top 10 Vodcast is available now as both a video and audio podcast on:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube
• All major platforms

💬 Watch, listen, and then tell us — what would your #1 have been?

👉 Share this post with friends, neighbours, and fellow New West watchers — the debate is half the fun.

🎙️ NEW EPISODE! For the Record – Episode 107

Two Exclusive NWP Candidate Interviews, Budget Battles & a Heated Council Moment

This week’s episode of For the Record with Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas features two exclusive interviews, a deep dive into the 2026 budget debate, and a preview of the much-anticipated Top 10 New West Political Stories vodcast.

The episode opens with an in-depth, exclusive conversation between Daniel Fontaine and Karima Budhwani - former NWP president and past council candidate.

Karima discusses:

• Why she has decided to run again
• The issues she’s most passionate about in New Westminster
• Her perspective on community leadership and the road to the 2026 civic election

It’s a thoughtful and candid discussion about values, priorities, and the future of the city.

Next, Fontaine sits down with Rick Folka, another newly announced council candidate who also ran in the 2022 civic election.

Rick shares:

• What motivated him to put his name forward again in 2026
• The challenges he sees facing New Westminster
• What excites him about the upcoming campaign and community engagement

The conversation then turns to the 2026 budget, where Councillors Fontaine and Minhas introduce a motion to trim $1.5 million from city spending in an effort to ease what is shaping up to be a record property tax increase.

New Westminster is now on track to potentially hold the highest cumulative property tax increase in Metro Vancouver over a four-year term - exceeding 30%.

The podcast features an excerpt from a heated moment at City Hall, where Mayor Patrick Johnstone falsely but publicly accuses Daniel Fontaine of lying about tax increases. The exchange is played in full, allowing listeners to hear exactly what was said on the council floor.

To close the episode, Fontaine and Minhas preview their annual Top 10 Civic & Political Stories vodcast, recorded once a year.

Stories likely to make the list include:

• The London Street bike lane controversy
• Safety upgrades at 6th Avenue & 2nd Street
• Nearly 30% property tax increases over four years
• Costco traffic chaos in Queensborough
• Liberal Jake Sawatzky defeating NDP Peter Julian in the federal election

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

📣 If you enjoy the podcast, please share this episode with friends, family, and neighbours — community conversations matter.