ary Pooni, a New Westminster-born development consultant with deep ties to the city, has climbed to No. 10 on Vancouver Magazine’s Power 50 list for 2025, up from No. 17 last year.

Recognized for his extensive connections in business, politics, and sports, Pooni has played a key role in major development projects across Metro Vancouver, including New Westminster’s Columbia Square plan. Vancouver Magazine describes him as a behind-the-scenes force who keeps high-profile projects moving, with a contact list spanning political leaders, business executives, and sports figures.

Beyond his role in development, Pooni is actively involved in community events, such as Broadway Rocks, and is launching a new podcast, Poonicast, with its first guest being Canucks ambassador Kirk McLean.

Despite his regional and national influence, Pooni remains deeply connected to his hometown. Speaking at a recent New Westminster economic forum, he emphasized his love for the city and noted that much of his family still lives there.

Rich Patterson, chair of the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce, praised Pooni’s leadership and dedication, highlighting his ongoing efforts to give back to the community that shaped him.

As Pooni continues to make an impact across Metro Vancouver, his rise on the Power 50 list reflects not just his influence in development, but his commitment to fostering positive change.

Read the Full Article Here

💉 Stay Protected: Fraser Health’s Immunization Team Provides Free Vaccines

Free Immunization Clinic in New Westminster – Feb. 27, 2025

📅 Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Main Branch – Ash Street Room
716 6th Avenue, New Westminster, BC, V3M 2B3

The Fraser Health Regional Immunization Outreach Team will be available to answer questions and administer free, publicly funded vaccines to eligible community members.

Available vaccines include:
✔ COVID-19
✔ Influenza (Flu)
✔ Hepatitis A & B
✔ Human Papillomavirus (HPV9)
✔ Meningococcal
✔ Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
✔ Pneumococcal
✔ Polio
✔ Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
✔ Varicella (Chickenpox)

Stay protected and up to date with your immunizations! No appointment is needed.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect your health and the well-being of those around you. Here are some key advantages of getting vaccinated:

✅ 1. Prevents Serious Illness

Vaccines boost your immune system, helping your body fight off potentially life-threatening diseases like COVID-19, influenza, measles, and pneumonia. By getting vaccinated, you reduce the risk of severe complications, hospitalizations, and long-term health effects.

✅ 2. Protects Those Around You

Some individuals, such as infants, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems, cannot receive certain vaccines or may not respond well to them. Herd immunity—achieved when a large portion of the community is vaccinated—helps shield these vulnerable populations from serious infections.

✅ 3. Reduces Healthcare Burden

By preventing disease outbreaks, vaccinations help reduce the strain on hospitals and healthcare systems. This ensures that medical resources remain available for other urgent health needs.

✅ 4. Saves Money

Getting vaccinated is free or low-cost for eligible individuals, while treating vaccine-preventable diseases can lead to expensive hospital stays, medications, and lost workdays. Prevention is always more cost-effective than treatment.

✅ 5. Helps Prevent the Spread of Disease

Many infectious diseases spread easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact. Vaccines help stop transmission and limit outbreaks, keeping schools, workplaces, and public spaces safer.

✅ 6. Supports Global Health Efforts

Vaccination has led to the eradication or near-elimination of deadly diseases such as smallpox and polio. Continued immunization efforts can help prevent future pandemics and health crises.

✅ 7. Offers Long-Term Protection

Many vaccines provide years or even lifetime immunity, reducing the need for repeated medical treatments. Booster shots for certain diseases (such as tetanus and COVID-19) help maintain strong immunity over time.

✅ 8. Safe and Scientifically Proven

Vaccines undergo rigorous testing before approval and are continuously monitored for safety. Serious side effects are extremely rare, while the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any minimal risks.

Take Charge of Your Health!

By staying up to date on immunizations, you’re making an informed choice to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Check with Fraser Health’s Immunization Outreach Team to ensure you're covered!

Read the Full Story Here

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️

🦈 What do you get if you cross a shark with ice? 🧊

🥶 Frostbite.

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Gary Pooni Rises to #10 + Free Vaccination Clinic

Issue #146

Inside the New West Spotlight

Read New West Spotlight Online

We’ve got two free tickets to the New West Rotary Club Bevies & Bites event on February 22, 2025. Entering the draw is super quick and easy!

February 19, 2025

February 20, 2025

February 21, 2025

🔝 New Westminster’s Gary Pooni Rises to No. 10 on Vancouver’s Power 50 List