EPISODE 94: Eby Bows Out, NW Council Splits & Bellies Roll On

🎧 For the Record – Episode 94

Vape Shops, Housing Debates & A Big Change at Metro Vancouver?

This week on For the Record with Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas, they're covering everything from vape shop regulations to political shake-ups and lacrosse fever. Let’s dive in:

🚭 Vape Shop Limits: A Motion Goes Provincial

They open with coverage from Global BC’s Grace Ke and CKNW’s Robin Gill, featuring a motion initially brought forward by Coun. Daniel Fontaine to limit the number and location of vape shops in New Westminster — especially near schools. Thanks to an amendment by Coun. Tasha Henderson, that local motion is now on its way to the Union of BC Municipalities for province-wide debate.

🚱 Eby Says No to Wastewater Review

Premier David Eby quietly signaled—via letter—that the province will not review the $4 billion North Shore wastewater treatment plant debacle. They feature clips from Global’s Catherine Urquhart and News 1130, and ask: Why the lack of oversight?

🪶 Historic Moment at Council

Daniel Fontaine reflects on his role as acting mayor and chair of this week’s council workshop — marking the first time someone of Indigenous heritage has chaired a New West council meeting. Coun. Paul Minhas shares his pride in being part of this milestone.

🏠 Aunt Leah’s Place: Setting the Record Straight

Despite a recent misleading social media post, both Fontaine and Minhas have supported this important housing project for youth and moms — including most importantly when it came for 1st, 2nd and 3rd reading at Council.

☕ Councillor Cafés: Wrapping Up, Reimagining Ahead

After hosting over 14 Councillor Cafés across the city, this community engagement format is wrapping up — but stay tuned for a new version, set to be unveiled at the NWP’s mayoral announcement on September 18.

🏗️ Housing Policy Split at Council

The Community First slate showed a few cracks this week. While some members supported raising inclusionary housing targets to 10% in high-rises, Mayor Johnstone and Coun. Campbell opposed it. The final vote? 5–2 in favour, with Fontaine and Minhas siding with the more ambitious policy.

🎉 Recovery Day Success & Lacrosse Buzz

More than 40,000 people attended Recovery Day in New West — and NWP was proud to be there. Meanwhile, the Salmonbellies are on fire as they chase the Mann Cup. The whole city is saying: Go Bellies Go!

🔥 Late-Breaking News: Metro Vancouver Shake-Up?

Public, media, and political pressure may finally be paying off. Metro Vancouver’s board could soon shrink dramatically, if Premier Eby and the NDP act before the next civic election. FTR unpacks what this could mean.

🍔 North Fraser Métis BBQ & Property Tax Projections

Fontaine, Minhas and the full NWP caucus attended this great community event. Plus, they touch on a new report suggesting a 5–6% property tax increase in the final year of this council’s term.

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