Episode 40: New hotel opens in Queen’s Park, bye bye crown, factless five part II, three-year old ‘temporary’ homeless shelter

It’s the middle of summer but that doesn’t mean For the Record is taking a break. Councillor Daniel Fontaine has invited Councillor Paul MInhas back for this special “Long Weekend Edition” that you won’t want to miss.

Some of the topics they touch upon include a kick off discussion regarding the City of New Westminster’s rebranding efforts. A new report posted online consolidates public feedback. It has been made public and the number one word to pop out of the ‘word cloud’ was ‘historic’. Go figure! But exactly how will our history be reflected in the City’s new brand identity?

What would a podcast discussion be without an update on the costly mushroom wall and Insect Hotel project which just opened up in Queen’s Park. This segment had everyone behind the microphone in stitches, for obvious reasons.

Patio times have been extended to 11 pm throughout New Westminster this summer as part of a pilot project. Have you noticed the difference? It all comes a result of a motion introduced earlier this year at council.

Outside of the Pride event in August, why has it been so quiet on Columbia this year? Why have all the festivals and events all dried up? We can’t blame the pandemic for this one, so what’s up?

Mayor Johnstone calls out one of his colleagues as being part of the ‘factless five’. So what happens when that same elected official calls out his own council colleagues as being the ‘factless five’? Will that be ruled ‘out of order’ by the very person who used the term in a public forum? We may soon find out.

It’s been almost 3 years since the ‘temporary’ homeless shelter opened up inside the former Army and Navy store on Columbia Street. Will the society that operates the shelter be required to seek an extension to the their temporary use permit – or not? Temporary use permits are supposed to be for a maximum of 3 years before they expire. This will be an interesting file to watch the coming months.

Host Daniel Fontaine also joins CKNW’s Jas Johal for a discussion regarding Chair Mike Hurley’s failed attempt to appoint a friend and major donor to his 2022 election campaign. What was he thinking? Johal and Fontaine chat about this latest goofup at the beleaguered Metro Vancouver.

Be sure to download For the Record with Daniel Fontaine on all major platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcast. A reminder to encourage your friends, family and colleagues to follow the podcast too!

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