Lacing up the Pattullo + Coffee Bingo (ends soon)

Issue #083

Author

Carla McNeil
December 18, 2024

Be In The Know with New West!

  Inside this New West Spotlight Newsletter…

 🌧️ New West Weather - Rain

Rain Riddle - What’s grey, stands in a river when it rains and doesn’t get wet?

 (Answer at the bottom of the newsletter)

 🥳 Subscriber Celebration 🎉 - Enter the draw to Win Chocolate 🍫 

🗓️ New West Events - LOTS of events to choose from! 😆 

🕵️‍♂️ New West Local News - Lacing up the Pattullo + Coffee Bingo (ends soon

 😀 Viral Meme

 📰 Advertise with New West Spotlight - Buy One, Get One Free

Read New West Spotlight Online

 We’ve Got Chocolate - It only takes a minute to enter the draw

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for today - Record high 10.2 2018 - Record low -6.4 2022

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events!

December 18, 2024

👪️ Family Playtime Drop-in (Quayside) – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

💰️ Financial Aid (Welfare) Worker at NWPL – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

👷 Work BC Employment Services Drop-In – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

❓️ Trivia Night at Georgie's Local  – 7:00 PM

🏃 Run Club  – 7:00 PM

👦👧 Connect Youth (13+) – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

🛍️ Makers Alley Market – Massey Theatre

🃏 Holiday Scratch Ticket Giveaway – Starlight Casino

December 19, 2024

👪️ Family Playtime Drop-in (Quayside) – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

🎸 Holiday Ukelele Tuneups – 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

🎸 Holiday Ukulele Tuneup – 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

🎙️ Karaoke Night at Georgie's – 7:00 PM

🤡 Bees Knees Burlesque – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

🎙️ Colossal Thursdays Karaoke at The Terminal Pub – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎅 Meet Constable Claus – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

December 20, 2024

👪️ Family Playtime Drop in (Quayside) – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

🍔 Between 2 Buns  – 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

❄️ Winter Solstice – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎸 Live Music at The Terminal - Mike Van Eyes – 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM

🎲 Friendsday Night Board Games – Doors open at 6:00 PM

💰️ Merry Money – Starlight Casino 

December 21, 2024

⛄️ Winter Discovery Days – 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM

🍭 Holiday Cheer (All Ages) – 12:00 AM to 4:00 PM

💂‍♂️ The Nutcracker – 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM

🎄 Together for Christmas – 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🛍️ Ukrainian Christmas Market – 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🚲️ Youth Cycle Express: $2 Drop-in for Youth – (For youth ages 13 - 18) 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Light up the Night Family Skate – 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

🧑‍🎤 The 21st Christmas Reprise at Sanctuary on 6th – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

🎄 Xxxmas Snow Party - A Famous 5 – Pre-party starts at 7:30 PM

🕺 Saturday Dance Party at Georgie's – 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM

🛍️ Makers Alley Market – Massey Theatre

 🌉 Pattullo Bridge Replacement Moves Forward with Ice-Prevention Technology

Construction on the new Pattullo Bridge replacement is making strides as two more cable stays were installed on the bridge's north side this week. The $1.4 billion cable-stayed bridge, which will connect Surrey and New Westminster, is set to feature 80 cables anchored between a single tower and the bridge deck.

One of the standout features of the new structure will be a cable collar system designed to reduce the risks associated with snow and ice accumulation—an issue commonly referred to as “ice bombs.” This technology, already in use on nearby Port Mann and Alex Fraser bridges, involves dropping chain collars along the cables to knock off snow and ice. It’s a crucial safety measure aimed at preventing ice from falling onto vehicles, a danger that has led to closures and restrictions on similar bridges in the past.

Tackling Snow and Ice with Advanced Systems

Ashok Bhatti, Director of the South Coast Region for the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, confirmed that the Pattullo replacement will use the same collar system as its counterparts, with added remote activation capabilities.

While not foolproof, Bhatti said the system is the most effective option currently available. Alternatives, such as de-icing sprays or robots to manually chisel ice off cables, were deemed inefficient compared to the collar system.

“We’ve canvased many jurisdictions internationally and nationally,” said Bhatti. “At this point, this is the only solution of its kind.”

Engineers hope the new bridge’s design will mitigate the issue further. Unlike earlier bridges, the Pattullo replacement’s cable stays will be positioned outside the travel lanes and separated from the multi-use pedestrian and cycling paths, minimizing the risk of ice and snow impacting traffic. Additionally, the bridge will have fewer cable stays, which could decrease the frequency of snow-related closures.

Bhatti noted that while the system is robust, it cannot eliminate risks entirely due to increasingly severe and unpredictable weather patterns caused by climate change.

A Safer, Modern Design

The new Pattullo Bridge will feature four wide lanes, separated walking and cycling paths, and improved connections to regional road networks. It will offer a much-needed upgrade from the aging existing structure, which has long been a bottleneck for commuters.

Construction progress includes completed in-river foundation piles and ongoing work on the main bridge tower near New Westminster, as well as foundation construction on the Surrey side. The next steps will include work on the bridge’s off-ramps.

Initially slated to open in late 2023, the bridge’s timeline was delayed due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic and the complexities of the project. It is now expected to open in 2024.

A Safer Future for BC Bridges

The new Pattullo Bridge is the latest step in British Columbia’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and improve commuter safety. Though ice-related challenges on cable-stayed bridges remain a concern, the province’s adoption of the cable collar system reflects its commitment to using the best tools currently available.

As work continues, the Ministry of Transportation promises the bridge will deliver not only safety enhancements but also increased capacity and accessibility for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Time is running out, coffee lovers! New Westminster’s Coffee Crawl is nearing its end, with the chance to explore local cafés, collect stamps, and win exciting prizes wrapping up on December 31, 2024. If you haven’t completed your Bean Bingo card yet, now’s the time to sip, stamp, and savor the city’s finest brews. It's a great way to take a break from your Christmas shopping and relax over a great cup of coffee.

What is the Coffee Crawl?

Organized by Haze Realty and Kofsky Mortgage, the Coffee Crawl is a fun and festive way to dive into New Westminster’s lively café scene. From November 1 to December 31, participants have been visiting local coffee shops, enjoying delicious drinks and snacks, and collecting stamps on their Bean Bingo card for every purchase.

Each completed card earns entries into a prize draw:

  • One line = 1 entry

  • Two lines = 3 entries

  • Full card = 10 entries

Winners will be announced on the DRINK NEW WEST Facebook Page and NOT BAD, NEW WEST Instagram by January 15, 2025. Prizes include $20 gift certificates to three participating cafés, so there’s plenty of incentive to join in the fun!

Participating Locations:

Discover some of New West’s best coffee spots by visiting these participating cafés:

How to Play:

  1. Visit a Participating Café: Purchase any beverage or snack from the list above.

  2. Collect Stamps: Have your Bean Bingo card validated at each location.

  3. Submit Your Card: Once you’ve filled your card, drop it off at any participating café before December 31.

  4. Stay Tuned: Winners will be announced in January.

Celebrate Your Coffee Crawl

Don’t forget to share your Coffee Crawl journey on social media using the hashtags #DrinkNewWest, #NotBadNewWest, and #BeanBingoNW. It’s a great way to connect with other coffee enthusiasts and celebrate the vibrant café culture of New Westminster.

With just days left to explore and earn stamps, don’t miss your chance to enjoy this unique Coffee Crawl adventure. Sip, explore, and win—there’s no better way to end the year!

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ What’s grey, stands in a river when it rains and doesn’t get wet? 🌧️ 

 ☂️ An elephant with an umbrella. 🐘 

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