Episode 98: Pay, Perks and Pensions, Canada Post, Golden Grants, London St. Bike Lane & E-Scooter Pilot Project
- Richard Chapman
- Oct 15
- 2 min read
🎙️ For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas
This week’s episode dives into pay, perks, politics, and plenty of lively debate from inside and outside City Hall:
✅ Pay, Perks & Pensions – A new report recommends big increases to elected officials’ compensation — including raising the Mayor’s travel allowance from $200 to $850/month and doubling the Acting Mayor stipend. Daniel joins The Mike Smyth Show (AM 730) to discuss the issue and listener reactions.
✅ Metro Vancouver & Vape Shops – A segment from Daniel’s Connect FM radio interview dives into Metro governance and the growing push to limit vape stores in local communities.
✅ Canada Post at City Hall? – An emergency motion to debate national postal issues sparks questions — and laughs — about what’s actually municipal business.
✅ Woodward’s Sidewalk Redesign – Residents at 6th & 6th speak out against accessibility changes. Hear Woodward Building Strata President Liz Faber’s full presentation to Council.
✅ Grants Going Up – Civic grants are set to rise by 50% — just in time for an election year. Daniel and Paul unpack the political optics and one surprising twist affecting multi-year recipients.
✅ London Street Bike Lane – It’s official: the project is moving ahead after a divided vote, despite ongoing opposition from some residents.
✅ Police Board & Budget Pressures – With nearly 30% property tax hikes this term, Council debates underfunding, responsibility, and rising policing costs.
✅ Liquid Waste Management Plan – A split Council vote makes New Westminster one of the few municipalities opposing Metro Vancouver’s LWMP until an independent wastewater review is complete.
✅ E-Scooters – Thanks to an NWP motion, enforcement will now join education in cracking down on illegal scooter use.
🎟️ Upcoming Event – Don’t miss the NWP fundraiser at The Boathouse Restaurant on Oct 23. Details at nwprogress.ca or Eventbrite.
🎵 Plus — a perfect closer: Twisted Sister wraps up the episode in fitting fashion.
👉 Listen to For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform.
