Episode 112: Tumbler Ridge Tragedy, Budget 2026, Queensborough Matters, Online Harms, Anita Dunn Announces + more
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🎙️ 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.
