Episode 111: Downtown Density Debate, Making Metro Accountable, Upzoning 900 Single Family Lots, NWP Public Forum + more

🎙️ 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.

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