For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas

This week’s podcast features a new voice stepping in behind the mic - and a candidate worth getting to know.
New West Progressives school trustee candidate Lucas Steele joins Councillor Paul Minhas as guest host, sharing his story, his priorities, and why he’s running to represent students and families in New Westminster.
Drawing from his own experience at New West Secondary, Steele speaks candidly about the challenges students are still facing today - from feeling unsafe in school spaces, to gaps in mental health support, to the need for stronger communication and trust between parents and the school board.
He also tackles some of the bigger systemic issues:
• The impact of provincial funding decisions on local classrooms
• The importance of supporting teachers and staff
• The need for greater transparency and accountability in how decisions are made
At its core, Steele’s message is clear: students need to feel safe, supported, and heard - and the system needs to be more responsive to the people it serves.
The episode also widens the lens to the broader civic landscape. Political analysts Keith Baldrey and Jas Johal weigh in on why New Westminster is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched races in the region - and why the outcome matters.
Plus, a deeper dive into the growing controversy around the proposed “Tiny Town” site in the West End, including new concerns raised about its proximity to active rail lines and what that means for safety.
🎧 It’s a wide-ranging conversation on schools, leadership, and the future of New Westminster.
Take a listen and hear what’s at stake.

🎙️ For the Record – Episode 113
This week on For the Record, Councillor Paul Minhas is joined by special guest host Maryann Morrison, who sits in for Daniel Fontaine while he takes the week off from the podcast.
The episode begins with a preview of the topics ahead before turning to the latest NW City Matters forum in Sapperton, which drew a large and engaged crowd. Residents raised a wide range of concerns, including train whistle cessation, slow building permit timelines, parking shortages, and the double bike lanes near Royal Columbian Hospital.
The strong turnout at the community forum was contrasted with a much smaller audience - described as only a 'handful of people' - who attended a keynote presentation by the mayor to the Downtown Residents Association at the same time.
Next, the podcast features a Global News segment highlighting how the City of North Vancouver and District of North Vancouver mayors are now calling for a public inquiry into the North Shore wastewater treatment plant financial debacle and broader governance reform at Metro Vancouver. Minhas and Morrison note how much of the language being used mirrors arguments that Councillor Daniel Fontaine has been raising for years.
Another major topic is the controversial “Tiny Town” supportive housing project. The hosts discuss concerns raised by residents about the lack of advance notification, consultation, and the lack of a Good Neighbour Agreement prior to the project being announced for New Westminster. They also discuss how the issue of a lack of consultation could become a major topic in the upcoming civic election campaign taking place on October 17th.
Housing policy also takes centre stage as the podcast examines proposed infill housing rezonings scheduled for a public hearing later this spring. Hundreds of single-family properties could be affected, with potential zoning changes allowing up to six units per lot and buildings up to three storeys in height. The hosts discuss concerns raised in other municipalities, including Burnaby, where similar developments have sparked debate about neighbourhood character.
The episode also revisits the ongoing issue of Queensborough secondary school bus funding, which has still not been confirmed by the provincial Ministry of Education. The podcast features a clip from Don Doyle, a Queensborough resident who has been advocating for the bus service and recently announced he will run for school trustee with the NWP.
🎧 For the Record is available on *Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🎙️ 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 Pattullo Bridge: Final Days & Big Debate
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.
🏛️ Metro Vancouver Reform on AM 730
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.
📅 Upcoming Events
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.
🕯️ A Somber Reflection: Tumbler Ridge Tragedy
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.
🏘️ NW City Matters: Queensborough Speaks
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.
💬 Online vs. In-Person Bullying: A Rare Moment of Common Ground
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.
💰 Budget 2026: The Final Stretch
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?
🎓 New Candidate Announcement: Anita Dunn
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.
📅 Looking Ahead
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 – Episode 111
Density Debates, Metro Accountability & Campaign Momentum
This 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-Host
The 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 Neighbourhoods
Armstrong 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 development
Six-storey residential buildings
The 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 Irony
The 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 Attention
Minhas 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 Theatre
The 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 Momentum
In the final segment, Armstrong and Minhas highlight several upcoming NWP events, including:
A Burger & Beer fundraiser at the Judge Begbie Tavern on Columbia Street
The 4th Annual Spring Fundraiser at Taverna Greka, also on Columbia
Ticket 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.