For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas

• Episode 106: Police Budget Approval, Zach is Back, Flashlight Consultations, Nearly 30% Tax Increases, Deja Vu x Two and much more!!

  🎄 NEW EPISODE! For the Record Police Budget Drama, Parking Battles, Flashlights at City Hall & a 30% Tax Increase?This week’s For the Record features a festive pre-Christmas theme - but the topics are anything but quiet.🚔 1. Police Budget Passes 5–1: A Closer LookThe episode opens with a detailed breakdown of the 2025 NW Police Department budget vote. The budget passed 5–1, but had Councillors Fontaine and Minhas voted no, the result would have been a 3–3 tie - meaning the police budget would have failed, as Councillor Ruby Campbell was not present.The podcast shares:🎙️ Coun. Nakagawa’s remarks, after she voted against the budget🎙️ Mayor Johnstone’s comments claiming he has always supported police budgets👮 The Chief of Police’s concerns about a decade of underfundingWith policing as the largest line item in the city budget, the discussion raises important questions about priorities and public safety.🚗 2. “Zach Is Back”: Parking Chaos on 13th StreetListeners hear a compelling five-minute presentation from Danielle and Zach, landlords who renovated their apartment building at 13th Street and 7th Avenue.They request more time to meet the city’s compliance deadlines and highlight the severe impact of losing up to 50% of on-street parking, which would directly affect their tenants.Both councillors note that Fontaine, Minhas, Campbell, and the Mayor visited the building to see conditions firsthand. The saga continues - and the podcast is following closely.🔦 3. Queen’s Park Consultation… Bring a Flashlight?What do a flashlight, winter coat, and umbrella have in common?According to Gail North, President of the Queen’s Park Residents’ Association - they might have been needed at a recent city consultation event.Held outdoors on the porch of Irving House between 3–5 PM, the session grew darker by the minute as the sun set at 4:19 PM. Space was limited, some residents stood outside, and the setup left many puzzled.Fontaine has requested clarity from staff on whether porch consultations are considered “standard practice.”💸 4. Operating Budget = 5.6% Tax Increase (and Nearly 30% in Four Years)The city’s operating budget now comes in at:4.6% base increase, plus1% capital levyTotal: 5.6% increase for 2025, bringing New Westminster to nearly 30% in cumulative tax increases over four years - likely the highest in Metro Vancouver during this term of council.The discussion highlights affordability concerns for residents, seniors, families, and businesses.🕰️ 5. Déjà Vu: Century House Hours Return… AgainCoun. Ruby Campbell is now proposing the reopening of Century House on Sundays - raising questions about:Who cut Sunday hours originally?Why have they not been restored until now?How does this relate to Fontaine’s earlier motion calling for a similar review back in 2023?As the councillors note: It’s déjà vu all over again.❄️ 6. ACORN Presents on Air Conditioner AccessACORN advocates for a program enabling low-income residents to install air conditioners. Fontaine reminds listeners that he previously proposed a $500 AC grant through the Electrical Utility - a low-barrier idea that was rejected after referral.🎄 7. Around Town: Community Spirit on Full DisplayThis week’s “around town” segment features highlights from:The Sapperton Pensioners Hall Christmas PartyThe West End Residents Association meetingA business association gathering in SappertonThe Hyack Annual Christmas EventThe launch of the new Freshet Newspaper, now printing citywide🔟 8. Top 10 New West Stories Preview & Holiday BreakThe popular “Top 10 New West Stories” vodcast is coming soon, and listeners are invited to help shape the list. The podcast will take a short Christmas break after December 19, returning in early January.🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📢 If you enjoy the show, please share this episode with neighbours, friends, and family. Community engagement matters more than ever.

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• Episode 105: FIFA Plan Gets Kicked Around, Queensborough Bus Petition, Costco Traffic Chaos & Connelly Promoted

  🚨 NEW EPISODE! For the Record – Episode 105 FIFA Funding Fight, NW City Matters Momentum & Queensborough ConcernsThis week’s episode of For the Record with Councillor Daniel Fontaine and Councillor Paul Minhas dives into a major debate at City Hall, strong community engagement across New Westminster, and big updates affecting Queensborough and the school district.⚽ FIFA Funding Showdown at City HallThe episode opens with a deep dive into the heated debate over whether New Westminster should spend $320,000 of taxpayer money on local FIFA World Cup “activation” events and parties.The initial motion, championed by the Mayor, failed 4–3, with two Community First councillors breaking ranks. A secondary motion later passed, but it could still cost taxpayers over $200,000.To bring listeners the full picture, the podcast features: 🎥 A Global News story outlining the controversy 🎙️ Jill Bennett (AM 730) interviewing Daniel Fontaine on why he voted NO 🎙️ Jas Johal (AM 730) interviewing Paul Minhas about both his FIFA NO vote and the current 3.5% climate action tax🏘️ NW City Matters: Another Packed HouseThe popular NW City Matters series continued this week in the West End / Connaught Heights neighbourhood, drawing 50+ residents for lively discussions on bike lanes, taxes, crime, road repair issues, and more.The full NWP council team attended, including:Coun. Daniel Fontaine, Mayoral candidateKen Armstrong, Council candidateRay Porcellato, Council candidateMaryann Morrison, Council candidateCoun. Paul Minhas, Council candidateResidents shared strong concerns and practical ideas and the energy behind NW City Matters continues to grow.🚍 Queensborough Issues: School Bus + Costco TrafficTwo key issues affecting Queensborough residents are explored:Conservative MLA Steve Kooner’s petition in the BC Legislature calling for dedicated school bus service in Queensborough - as promised by the NDP government in the last election.Significant traffic impacts linked to the newly opened Costco Business Centre.The podcast features MLA Kooner’s remarks in the Legislature and discusses what’s next for the community.🎒 Leadership Change at the School BoardFor the first time since being elected in 2018, NWP School Trustee Danielle Connelly has been chosen as Vice-Chair of the New Westminster School Board.The episode breaks down the political dynamics behind the decision and what it may signal for the year ahead in the civic council campaign. 🎄 Upcoming Episodes & Operation IRVAs the podcast heads toward its annual Christmas break after December 19, Daniel and Paul preview the popular Top 10 Stories of the Year Vodcast and invite listeners to submit their own picks.The episode closes with a community call-to-action: 💌 Operation IRV Irv is a New Westminster veteran who turned 100 years old on November 13. Community members are encouraged to help reach the goal of sending 100 Christmas cards to Irv this holiday season.🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📢 Please share this week’s episode with friends, family, and neighbours as local engagement matters!

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• Episode 104: Porcellato & Morrison Announce!, Downloading Dilemma, TransLink Tax, Metro Matters, Communication Conundrum, Parking in Peril + more

  🚨 NEW EPISODE! For the Record – Episode 104 Downloading, New Taxes, Community Pushback & Two Big Candidate AnnouncementsThis week’s episode of For the Record with Councillor Daniel Fontaine and Councillor Paul Minhas covers a packed list of major civic and regional issues affecting New Westminster residents.🏛️ 1. “Downloading” Report Gets Voted DownThe episode opens with the story of the provincial downloading report initiated by the NWP.City staff produced a framework to measure how much provincial and federal downloading is impacting New Westminster - but Community First councillors (all NDP-affiliated) voted it down 4–2.As a result, the public may never get a clear picture how much NDP government cost-shifting is hitting municipal taxpayers.🚗 2. New TransLink Taxes? Fontaine Responds on AM730Popular AM 730 host Mike Smyth interviewed Daniel Fontaine about new tax ideas being floated by transit advocates - including:A new tax on carsA regional sales taxAdditional fees for Metro Vancouver commutersFontaine discusses real alternatives that don’t involve piling more taxes onto already overburdened residents.💧 3. Councillors Across Metro Vancouver Push BackSix councillors from five cities issued a public call asking Premier David Eby to pause approval of the 10-year Metro Vancouver Liquid Waste Management Plan, citing poor consultation with member municipalities. FTR features a CTV News story summarizing the concerns.📣 4. Improving Communications at City HallAnother NWP motion returned from staff - this one aimed at improving communications and engagement on major projects in New Westminster.After years of hearing from residents frustrated with last-minute notices and weak consultation, the motion opens the door to stronger communication practices across the city.🚘 5. Delegations of the Week: Parking Loss on 13th StreetInstead of "letters of the week," the podcast spotlights two impressive delegations:DanielleZachBoth spoke passionately at City Hall about the impacts of parking loss on 13th Street, and the podcast shares clips from their presentations.💙 6. NWP Fundraiser Sets New RecordThe NWP’s November 20th fundraiser was the most successful in the organization’s history, showing strong momentum and community enthusiasm heading into 2026.Fontaine and Minhas discuss what this means in the fight against the powerful District Labour Council (Community First) machine.🏘️ 7. NW City Matters Forum – November 26The next NW City Matters event is happening on November 26 at 726 12th Street. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in shaping New Westminster’s future.🗳️ 8. Two New NWP Candidates AnnouncedFTR closes with some major political news:Ray Porcellato, General Manager of the SalmonbelliesMaryann Morrison, Executive Director of the North Fraser Métis AssociationBoth have officially announced they are running for City Council under the NWP banner.These strong additions significantly bolster the team - and two more council candidates and seven school board candidates are still to come.🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📢 If you enjoy the podcast, please share this post to help bring more community voices into the conversation.

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• Episode 103: Exclusive interviews with Ray Porcellato (GM for Salmonbellies) and Maryann Morrisson, Volunteer Chair with the NWP + more

  🎙️ For the Record – Episode 103Two Special Guests, City Matters Momentum & A Look at New West’s Rising CostsEpisode 103 of For the Record with Councillor Daniel Fontaine and Councillor Paul Minhas features two special in-studio guests and a deep dive into sports, community engagement, and the latest developments at City Hall.🥍 Exclusive Interview: Salmonbellies GM Ray PorcellatoCouncillor Minhas speaks with Ray Porcellato, the highly regarded and well-known general manager of the New Westminster Salmonbellies.In the interview, Ray discusses:The team’s emotional and hard-fought run for the Mann CupThe state of local sport and recreation facilities in New WestminsterWhat more can be done to support youth athletes across lacrosse, hockey, soccer, and moreHow investments in sport and recreation in New West can reduce crime in our cityRay’s longstanding involvement in local sports gives this segment real depth and community insight.👥 Exclusive Interview: Maryann Morrison: NW City Matters UpdateCoun. Daniel Fontaine sits down for an interview with Maryann Morrison, volunteer chair of the NWP and facilitator for the new NW City Matters initiative.A longtime Sapperton resident, Maryann shares:Her vision for City MattersWhat she heard from residents at the first Massey Victory Heights eventWhy neighbourhood-driven engagement will be vital in the months aheadHer update offers listeners an inside look at how the initiative is evolving.🎥 Interview Excerpt: Daniel & DanielThis episode also includes an excerpt from Daniel Ampong’s vodcast, where the Columbia Street small-business owner sat down with Councillor Fontaine for a one-hour conversation.Listeners will hear part of that interview - Daniel interviewing Daniel - offering a unique perspective from a local entrepreneur’s point of view.🏛️ City Council Highlights: Rising Rates & a New New West Tax coming?Fontaine and Minhas wrap up the episode with a quick review of recent council decisions, including:Large utility rate increases proposed over the next five yearsA new 1% capital levy (effectively an added tax) to help pay for a growing list of capital projects - some of which critics describe as mayoral “pet projects”They outline what these financial changes could mean for residents and businesses.🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.If you enjoy the show, please share it with friends, family, and neighbours to help expand the conversation across New Westminster.

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• Episode 102: Referendum question, Tourism NW, Depoliticizing Acting Mayor, Queensborough Sidewalks, Fed Budget Winners & Losers + more

  🎙️ For the Record – Episode 102 Metro Mayhem, Budget Blows & Political Power PlaysIn this week’s episode of For the Record with Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas, the discussion kicks off with a bold new proposal: a 2026 referendum on reforming Metro Vancouver. The idea? Ask voters whether they want to directly elect Metro board members and shrink the size of the board. A Global TV story on the release is featured, along with reflections on what real reform could look like.🎧 The conversation continues with an excerpt from Jas Johal’s AM 730 show, where Daniel Fontaine discusses Metro Vancouver’s skyrocketing spending and how it's directly impacting property taxes - including a projected 30% increase in New Westminster over four years.🏨 Tourism New West vs. Affordable Housing?Questions were raised this week by Coun. Paul Minhas after it was revealed that Tourism New West funding was being redirected to an affordable housing reserve. He pressed for answers, especially after a presentation by Tourism New West Executive Director Gerardo Corro.🪶 Acting Mayor Role Gets Political?A seemingly minor request to "depoliticize" the acting mayor schedule during election season — raised by Coun. Nakagawa and supported by Coun. Campbell — sparked debate. The twist? Coun. Fontaine is scheduled to serve as acting mayor during the 2026 election. The podcast explores whether the discussion and request to staff itself is, ironically, politicizing the role.💰 Federal Budget BreakdownThe 2025 federal budget dropped last week — so who came out ahead? Cities like White Rock, Surrey, and Victoria were named in the budget for key infrastructure investments. New Westminster? Not mentioned. What does that mean for the city moving forward?🚶‍♀️ Queensborough Sidewalks: Election-Year Timing?A new report looks at accelerating sidewalk construction in Queensborough, raising questions about the timing — just ahead of the 2026 election. Minhas asked staff for clarity on how priorities were set.📅 Upcoming Events & Community Engagement🕊️ Remembrance Day – November 11 at City Hall (3rd largest event in B.C.)🏘️ Next NW City Matters: November 26 in Connaught Heights / West End✅ Recap: The November 6 event in Massey Victory Heights was a tremendous success.🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📣 If you enjoy the show, please share with friends, family, and neighbours — growing the audience helps amplify the conversation in New Westminster!

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