For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas

🔟🎙️ It’s Back! The Top 10 New West Stories of 2025The 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 debatesHigh-profile bike lane and traffic controversiesHow many petitions were needed for changeNeighbourhood issues that wouldn’t go awayPolitical moments that signaled change heading into 2026Some 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:SpotifyApple PodcastsYouTubeAll 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 107Two Exclusive NWP Candidate Interviews, Budget Battles & a Heated Council MomentThis 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.🗳️ Exclusive Interview: Karima BudhwaniThe 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 againThe issues she’s most passionate about in New WestminsterHer perspective on community leadership and the road to the 2026 civic electionIt’s a thoughtful and candid discussion about values, priorities, and the future of the city.🗳️ Exclusive Interview: Rick FolkaNext, 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 2026The challenges he sees facing New WestminsterWhat excites him about the upcoming campaign and community engagement💰 Budget 2026: Cutting $1.5M to Ease the Tax BurdenThe 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%.🔥 Mayor’s Council OutburstThe 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.🔟 Top 10 New West Stories Vodcast PreviewTo 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 controversySafety upgrades at 6th Avenue & 2nd StreetNearly 30% property tax increases over four yearsCostco traffic chaos in QueensboroughLiberal 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.

🎄 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.

🚨 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!

🚨 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.