Episode 90: Billions Over Budget & a Basement Bistro

🎧 This Week on For the Record: Secret Votes, Costly Cafés & a Mayoral Reveal

Coun. Daniel Fontaine flies solo this week as Coun. Paul Minhas is away on holiday — but there’s no shortage of hot topics to dig into on this episode of For the Record.

🚫 Metro Vancouver: Transparency on Trial?

We start with the bombshell decision by Metro Vancouver directors to halt an independent review into the disastrous North Shore wastewater treatment project. Once pegged at $700M, the project’s price tag has exploded to nearly $4B — and now, thanks to a behind-closed-doors vote, the public may have to wait until 2027 (after the court case wraps) for answers. Is this move a step toward accountability — or just more damage to Metro’s already fragile credibility?

🎙️ Media Reactions: CBC, CKNW & Global Speak Out

 This episode features commentary and coverage from top media outlets:

• CBC Early Edition host Stephen Quinn chats with Daniel Fontaine

• Jas Johal of AM 730 weighs in with his own pointed take

• Global BC rounds it out with a full story featuring Fontaine himself

🍽️ Bistro 511: A Costly Café or a Bottomless Pit?

Global TV is shining a light on Bistro 511, the little-known 'cafeteria' tucked away in the basement of city hall. Used mainly by city staff, the bistro has cost taxpayers over $360,000 in subsidies over the past three years — and it continues to run a deficit. We unpack the findings and ask: Is this really the best use of public money?

🏚️ New West Ranks #2 in Homelessness

According to the latest homeless count, New Westminster now has the second highest per capita homelessness rate in Metro Vancouver. With a local MLA in Cabinet and another serving as Speaker of the Legislature, why do the numbers keep rising — and could new provincial mental health, housing, or treatment investments make a difference? If so, what's taking so long?

🌈 NWP Summer Circuit & a Mayoral Reveal on the Horizon

The NWP have been making the rounds this summer — including stops at the New West Farmer’s Market, Fridays on Front, and the upcoming Pride Festival on August 16.

 📅 Mark your calendar: On September 18, NWP will make a major announcement — unveiling their new candidate for Mayor of New Westminster.

 🍔 In the meantime, join the crew for the next Burger & Beer Fundraiser at Kelly O’Bryan’s on August 19!

🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

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