Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌧️ Weather - Rain

 😜 Rain Joke - Why did the rain go to school? 🏫

 🔦 Business Spotlight - Yoga at the Quay

 💝 You’re So Sweet - Thank you, Moria C.!

 🗓️ New West Events - Variety

 🗞️ New West Local News - Ryall Park Leads + Burgers and Ballots

 😆 Meme of the Day

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

Read New West Spotlight Online

Yoga at the Quay: A Welcoming Space for Every Body

At Yoga at the Quay, owner Laura O'Reilly has built more than just a yoga studio—she has created a community-driven space that prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, and mindful movement. Situated on the second floor of River Market, this unique yoga space welcomes everyone, regardless of experience, age, body type, or background.

Breaking Stereotypes, Building Community

A common misconception about yoga is that it’s only for the flexible or the already physically fit. Laura is determined to break that stereotype. “We want to remove that misconception that yoga is for an elite few,” she says. “It’s about finding what works well for your body, not achieving a perfect pose.”

To reinforce this message, the studio avoids images that make yoga seem exclusive or unattainable. “When we first created the website, I had to ensure the imagery reflected real people in our community—diverse in culture, body type, age, and mobility. Yoga is for everybody, and we want everything we do to reflect that.”

An Accessibility-First Approach

From the language used in classes to the modifications offered, accessibility is at the heart of Yoga at the Quay. “Many people don’t realize accessibility isn’t just about physical ability—it includes age, socioeconomic status, mental health, and more. We make sure every member feels seen, heard, and supported.”

This commitment means that much of the studio’s operations remain in Laura’s hands. “I’ve tried to outsource some things, but accessibility is so nuanced that it’s important the messaging stays aligned with our values,” she explains. “We don’t post pictures of ‘perfect’ people promising you’ll be perfect too—because there’s no such thing. We offer a safe space for people to come and feel at home in their bodies and minds.”

Supporting Students On and Off the Mat

Beyond yoga classes, the studio has partnered with Douglas College to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in marketing, and business. The studio also stays engaged in the local community, participating in events and offering free monthly kirtan sessions.

For those looking to develop a sustainable wellness habit, the studio offers a special three-month trial membership for $150 off, making it more affordable than a standard two-month membership. “It takes about 90 days to build a habit,” Laura explains. “Most places offer intro passes for just two weeks, but we want to give people the time to integrate yoga into their lives truly.”

How to Join the Community

New students can explore Yoga at the Quay by visiting YogaAtTheQuay.com, downloading the app, or stopping by the studio. The website and app provide class schedules, event listings, and membership details. The studio also posts upcoming events on the community board inside River Market.

“Our main message is that You Are Welcome Here,” Laura says. “Whatever barriers you may face, we’re here to help remove them. This is a space for everyone.”

April 08, 2025

🗣️ English Conversation Circles for Beginners – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

🤰 Minminigal | Fireflies Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group – 10:30 AM

📖 Storytime (3-5 years) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

📚️ BYO Book Club – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

🏥 MAiD Information Session – 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

📝 Work BC Employment Services Drop-In (Queensborough) – 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🍺 🎲 Beer and Board Games – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

❓️ Trivia Tuesdays at Howe Sound New West – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎭️ Trivia Tuesdays at Notorious Grey Fox – 7:00 PM

🎸 Georgie's Local Tuesday Night Jam Session – 7:00 PM

🎸 Calling All Captains w/ Gutter King, IDIOFAME – 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM

 😉  April Special, Permanent Eyebrow - Vita Felice Medi Spa

April 09, 2025

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

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

👶 Mom + Baby Meet Up at Cove Indoor Play – 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 CaRT Peer Navigators – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

👶 Babytime (0-23 months) – 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM

⛑️ Crises Response Team Outreach Worker Drop-ins at the Library – 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

🎒 After-School Drop-In (5-12 years) – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🧘 Children’s Yoga – 4:00 PM at Anvil Centre

📽️ Climate Films: Food Synergy – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

🚲️ CAPs Bike Club Open House – 6:30 PM

🌃 Pyjama Storytime (All ages) – 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM

🍽️ Tour the Sikh Temple in Queensborough & celebrate Vaisakhi! – 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

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

🏃 Run Club  – 7:00 PM

🧘 The Long Exhale-breathing through untenable times – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

💘 Love in Action - Singles Night - Ages 32-48 – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

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

🎤 Open Mic Jam at Bully’s Studio – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

❓️ Trivia Night at Frankie G’s – 7:30 PM

April 10, 2025

🗣️ English Conversation Circles for Intermediates – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

🍼 Babytime (0-12 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

👩‍💼 Resilient Women in Business – 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

👶 Baby Social (0-23 months) – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

💑 City LOVE Scavenger Hunt Date Night For Couples - New Westminster Area – 1:00 PM

🖋️ SFU Writing Consults – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

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

📝 ESL Class – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

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

🎤 Open Mic Jam at Notorious Grey Fox – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🎭️ Comedy Exposed – 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM

⚾️ Ryall Park Leads Race for Queensborough’s First Turf Field 🏈 ⚽️ 

Queensborough may soon be home to its very own artificial turf sports field, as momentum builds around Ryall Park as the preferred location for the much-anticipated project.

The City of New Westminster has been working with a coalition of local sports field users to identify the best location for a new, regulation-sized artificial turf field. After public engagement and community feedback, two sites were shortlisted: Terry Hughes Park and Ryall Park.

During an April 7 city council meeting—held on location at the Queensborough Community Centre—local resident Ken Armstrong made a strong case for Ryall Park. Highlighting the area’s rapid population growth, Armstrong reminded council that Queensborough’s population has more than doubled since 2006, and now accounts for roughly 14% of the city’s total.

“The community is growing quickly and needs the infrastructure to support it,” he said, noting that the nearest artificial turf field is nearly 6 kilometres away, across a congested bridge.

Armstrong’s request was bolstered by the results of the city’s recent public consultation. Dean Gibson, the City’s director of parks and recreation, reported overwhelming support for a Ryall Park location. In contrast, residents showed strong opposition to placing the field at Terry Hughes Park.

“We’re moving into the next phase of the process,” said Gibson, explaining that the city will now conduct a technical analysis to evaluate the feasibility of building at Ryall Park. A recommendation will be brought to council later this month, with staff proposing to narrow the focus exclusively to Ryall Park to streamline progress.

Councillor Daniel Fontaine, who prompted the staff update, hinted at “good news” for the neighbourhood and expressed hope that the community could see a new turf and track field within a few years.

While challenges remain, the project is edging closer to reality—and Queensborough residents may soon have an all-weather, accessible sports facility in their own backyard.

Check out all the details here

 ☑️ Burgers and Ballots: Election Season Heats Up in New West 🍔 

The race is on in New Westminster–Burnaby–Maillardville, and voters aren’t just casting ballots—they’re choosing burgers.

Burger Heaven, the beloved local eatery, has brought back its cheeky “Bun-official Burger Poll” ahead of the April 28 federal election, letting diners “vote” for their favourite political burger creation until April 27.The federal election campaign is officially underway in New Westminster–Burnaby–Maillardville, with at least five candidates entering the race as of April 7.

According to Elections Canada, three candidates have been confirmed:

• Peter Julian, New Democratic Party

• Jake Sawatzky, Liberal Party of Canada

• Lourence Almonte Singh, Independent

Singh was previously nominated as the Conservative Party candidate but was removed from the role last week. Despite the setback, he has chosen to remain in the race as an independent.

Two additional candidates have publicly stated their intention to run:

• Indy Panchi, Conservative Party of Canada

• Tara Shushtarian, Green Party of Canada

The final list of candidates will be released by Elections Canada on Wednesday, April 9, following the official nomination deadline.

Candidate Q&A This Week

Voters will have their first chance to hear directly from several of the candidates during a Q&A session hosted by the New Westminster Downtown Residents Association. The event will be held on Wednesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Anvil Centre.

Confirmed attendees include Julian (NDP), Sawatzky (Liberal), and Shushtarian (Green). The Q&A will be followed by the association’s previously postponed annual general meeting. Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure seating availability.

Conservative Leader Visits New Westminster

On Sunday, April 6, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre made a campaign stop in New Westminster, holding a press conference at the Anvil Centre. He used the opportunity to promote the party’s proposed funding model for drug treatment centres, stating it would help 50,000 Canadians overcome addiction. He also pledged to halt federal support for safe consumption sites.

In response, NDP candidate Peter Julian led a sign-waving rally across the street at Hyack Square, joined by about two dozen supporters.

Read the full story here

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ Why did the rain go to school? 🏫 

To improve its pun-derstanding of humor! 😆 

Meme of the Day

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