Guilty Verdict + Summer Job

Issue #219

Author

Carla McNeil
May 02, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌧️ Weather - Sunny

 😜 Rain Joke - What do you call a wet day? 💦 

 🔦 Business Spotlight - M Designs Interior Decorating

 🗓️ New West Events - Variety

 🗞️ New West Local News - Guilty Verdict + Summer Job

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

M Designs Interior Decorating

Walking through the tree-lined streets of Queens Park, you might not know that one of your neighbors is quietly transforming homes across Metro Vancouver. Meet Meenu Hamilton, the friendly and down-to-earth force behind M Designs Interior Decorating business with a refreshing approach: Meenu’s mission is to make beautiful, timeless spaces accessible — and affordable — for homeowners who want their homes to truly reflect them.

Born and raised in New Westminster, Meenu returned to her hometown a decade ago after spending time away, settling into a home she designed herself. That project became a turning point. “I wanted our house to feel like it belonged in Queens Park, surrounded by all these beautiful heritage homes,” she shares. With a lifelong love for design — she proudly wallpapered her bedroom at age 11 — Meenu realized she had a passion worth pursuing. After 23 years as a paralegal, she took the leap, launching M Designs Interior Decorating and turning her creative skills into a full-time career.

Today, Meenu works with homeowners across Metro Vancouver, helping them with renovations, new builds, and everything in between. What makes Meenu stand out isn’t just her design talent — it’s her neighborly, honest approach. “People think hiring a designer is expensive,” she says. “But I share all the discounts I receive as a designer with my clients.” From 40% off tiles to substantial savings on lighting and plumbing fixtures, Meenu ensures her clients see the value in every dollar they spend. “I recently helped a client cut their kitchen renovation costs by more than half,” she says. “Those savings matter.”

Meenu believes great design doesn’t have to break the bank. Her clients range from families on tight budgets to homeowners managing large custom builds. Regardless of the project size, Meenu’s goal is the same: to deliver a space that feels personal, timeless, and truly loved. “Every project is unique,” she explains. “I don’t do cookie-cutter designs. I want every home to reflect the people who live there.”

Known for her hands-on, stress-free process, Meenu simplifies decision-making by offering three carefully selected options for key choices like tiles, fixtures, and finishes. “More than three can be overwhelming,” she says with a laugh. “I want to take the stress out of renovations.” Her clients love that she’s involved from start to finish, regularly visiting job sites, taking photos, and making sure everything stays on track. “I like to stay involved through the entire process — not just create the design and step away, but really see it through to the finish with my clients.”

Beyond her design services, Meenu is committed to making the process enjoyable. She’s known for her straight-talking advice, whether it’s steering clients away from trendy but short-lived choices or mediating between different tastes in a household. “If something doesn’t work, I’ll say it,” she jokes. “But always with the goal of helping you love your home for years to come.”

For Meenu, it’s not just about business — it’s about community. She’s proud to live and work in New West; however, she welcomes projects from across Metro Vancouver. Meenu believes, “Everyone deserves to love their home, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to make that happen.”

Curious to see what M Designs Interior Decorating can do for your home?

Meenu is offering a Neighbourhood Design Visit – On Us! — a complimentary in-home design chat exclusively for her New West neighbours only. It's the perfect chance to explore your ideas with someone who truly cares about making your space shine.

Support local and discover how your home could become your favorite place to be.

🍁 Shop Local 🍁 

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 24.5 2016 - Record low 3.7 2024

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

May 02, 2025

🍃 DIY Air Cleaner Workshop – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

🍔 Between 2 Buns – 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🏀 Basketball Showdown – 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

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

👨‍🍳 Culinary Kitchen – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🖼️ Life Drawing – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

🎙️ Weekly Karaoke Every Friday – 7:00 PM at 11:00 PM

🎶 Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical – 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM

🎭️ Vagabond Players Presents The Revolutionists – 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

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

🎙️ Karaoke Friday Nights at Notorious Grey Fox – 9:00 PM until Close

🎲 Board Night Game – Phantom Alley

🍪 Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Week  – Supporting Royal Columbian - Ends May 4

May 03, 2025

🥪 Men's Breakfast – 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

🎳 New Westminster Lawn Bowling Club Open House – 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

🖼️ True North Art Market Crawl – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

🗺️ World Labyrinth Day, New Westminster – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

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

👨‍🍳 Dehl's Gourmet with Owner/Chef Delani Adiamah – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎶 Roots ‘N’ Wings Choir – 7:30 PM

🎶 Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical – 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM

💃 Spring Fling – 7:30 PM to 12:00 AM

🎭️ Vagabond Players Presents The Revolutionists – 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

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

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

🍪 Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Week  – Supporting Royal Columbian - Ends May 4

May 04, 2025

🧘 Yoga for Tots – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

🚶 River Walk – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🎲 Bingo and Brunch – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

⛸️ Public Skate – 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🎶 Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical – 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM

🎭️ Vagabond Players Presents The Revolutionists – 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

🍪 Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Week  – Supporting Royal Columbian - Ends Today

A New Westminster man has been convicted on several serious charges following an extensive investigation led by the New Westminster Police Department’s Major Crime Unit. The case began in October 2023, when a woman flagged down a Special Constable, reporting that she had been violently assaulted inside a suite on Agnes Street. Police acted swiftly, identifying and arresting the suspect the same day.

On April 24, 2025, 34-year-old Ryan Jensen was found guilty in connection with the incident. The charges included aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, injuring or killing an animal, and two counts of breaching a release order.

The conviction is the result of coordinated efforts among multiple specialized teams within the police department. These included the Major Crime Unit, Forensic Identification Unit, patrol officers, Victim Assistance Unit, and the Special Constable who initially responded to the victim’s plea for help. The collaboration ensured both the safety of the victim and the successful prosecution of the accused.

At New West Spotlight, we love sharing great opportunities—and this one’s perfect for students or young adults looking to gain experience in the tourism industry!

Tourism New Westminster is now hiring two Visitor Information Counsellors for the summer through the Canada Summer Jobs program. This seasonal role runs from June 30 to August 29, 2025, and is a fantastic way to get involved in our city’s vibrant tourism scene.

Are you or someone you know: ✅ Between 15–30 years old
✅ A Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
✅ Energetic, outgoing, and passionate about promoting New West
✅ Reliable and professional
✅ Tech-savvy with basic computer and office software skills
✅ A problem-solver with a positive attitude

If that sounds like a fit, don’t wait—applications are open until May 9, 2025!

Let’s help spread the word—New Westminster is hiring! Share this opportunity or apply today and be part of making summer in New West unforgettable.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️What do you call a wet day? 💦

🌈 A “drip-tastic” adventure!

Groan O' Meter

What do you say?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Meme of the Day

Brought to you by New West Spotlight Daily Digital Newsletter
What’s faster than word of mouth? New West Spotlight! It keeps you updated on what is happening locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

Who else do you know in New West who might also enjoy reading the New West Spotlight?

Shall we continue with a daily meme? Vote Today.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in an upcoming issue of New West Spotlight in front of thousands of New West residents?

Not a business owner, but love a local business?

Tell us all about it - send an email to [email protected]

What did you think of today’s issue? (anonymous)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.