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

🎙️ 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.