Episode 97: Compensation Conundrum, Lest We Forget, Rent Caps, Vape Limitations, London Bike Lane and more!

🎙️ For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas

This week’s episode dives into some of the most debated issues at New Westminster City Hall and beyond:

✅ Council Compensation Report – A proposal goes to Council Oct 6 to raise the Mayor’s car (aka transportation) allowance from $200 to $830/month, double the Acting Mayor stipend, and triple Councillor transportation allowances. Daniel’s amendments to the curbside management report — impose maximum free 2-hour parking at City Hall and ending automatic stipends — were voted down.

✅ Remembrance Day Crosswalks – Terry Leith, President of the No. 2 Royal Canadian Legion, urged Council to follow Richmond and Maple Ridge in honoring veterans with “Lest We Forget” crosswalks.

✅ Commercial Rent Caps – While a motion went to UBCM, Daniel and Paul highlight how steep property tax hikes in New West have already fueled rising commercial rents for small businesses.

✅ Vape Store Restrictions – A motion to limit the number and location of vape shops passed at UBCM and could soon influence provincial policy.

✅ London Street Bike Lane – Staff scaled back proposed parking cuts from 39% to 9% — a significant shift for residents. Fontaine and Minhas invite community feedback ahead of the Oct 6 report.

✅ Woodward’s Building Concerns – Seniors voiced frustration over lost loading zones and bus stop changes at a Strata Town Hall, raising questions about consultation and accessibility.

✅ Looking Ahead – NWP fundraiser Oct 23 will feature mayoral candidate Daniel Fontaine and the announcement of two new NWP council candidates.

👉 Listen to For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform.