Traffic Changes Spark Debate + King Charles Medal

Inside the New West Spotlight

 ⛅️ Weather - Mainly Sunny

 😜 Rain Joke - Why did the rain bring a picnic basket in summer? 🧺😎 

 🗓️ New West Events - Variety

 🗞️ New West Local News - Traffic Changes Spark Debate + King Charles Medal

 😆 Meme of the Day

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

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April 04, 2025

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

🧒 Toddler Time (12-36 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

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

🗣️ English Conversation Circles – Friday Sessions – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

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

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

🎨 Brush Hour Paint Night - Wild Mushrooms – 6:30 PM to 8:30 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

April 05, 2025

🧘 Breathe and Rejuvinate - Free Pranayam Workshop – 7:00 AM

🏓 Pickleball Doubles League 2025 Winter Season – 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

🛍️ Spring Craft Market – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

🗣️ English Conversation Circles – Friday Sessions – 10:30 PM to 12:30 PM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

📱 Smartphone Photography Workshop– 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM

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

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

📚️ Celebrating Poetry Month – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

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

🎭️ Poetry Flood Night – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎸 INGROWN IDAHO WEST COAST 2025 VANCOUVER – 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM

💰️ Reach for the Stars: QPPS Silent Auction – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

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

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

April 06, 2025

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

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

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

⛸️ Public Skate – 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM

🎨 Beading Workshops – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM

🧘 Learn to Meditate – 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM

🎨 Water Marbling Workshop - Coasters – 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

 😉 April Special, Permanent Eyebrow - Vita Felice Medi Spa

 🚑️ Traffic Changes Spark Debate Over Emergency Access to RCH

City officials and health services are addressing growing concerns about ambulance access to Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) due to ongoing road construction and traffic changes in New Westminster.

At a recent city council meeting, resident Pat Muise expressed alarm over what he described as increasing “choke points” around the city, particularly near RCH. He pointed to East Columbia Street, where lane reductions have reportedly delayed ambulances en route to the hospital’s emergency department on multiple occasions.

BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) acknowledged the roadwork but emphasized that they were informed in advance and have adjusted protocols accordingly. Paramedic crews receive daily updates, and dispatchers monitor traffic to help crews find alternative routes during peak congestion.

Fraser Health echoed that questions related to ambulance operations should be directed to BCEHS. They noted that the construction on East Columbia and Sherbrooke streets is part of New Westminster’s “Great Streets” initiative and is expected to wrap up by late April 2025. Once completed, the new emergency department, opening in early 2026 as part of the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower, will be accessed via Sherbrooke Street.

City transportation officials assured the council that emergency vehicle access was a central consideration in redesigning East Columbia Street. The final design includes a painted median specifically to facilitate ambulance passage when needed.

The street transformation is part of broader improvements intended to enhance pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure. This includes wider sidewalks, better lighting, and dedicated bike lanes on both sides of East Columbia. However, some councilors, like Daniel Fontaine, questioned whether these changes have compromised vehicular flow, especially during rush hour, and voiced skepticism over the need for bike lanes on both sides of the road.

City staff emphasized that the road redesign adheres to best practices and stems from multiple city and regional transportation plans. The unidirectional bike lanes aim to improve safety and are feasible at this location due to the road's geometry.

Meanwhile, the second phase of the Royal Columbian Hospital redevelopment continues. The Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower, set for completion in 2025, will include expanded emergency, intensive care, cardiac, maternity, and surgical services. A third phase will follow to upgrade existing hospital infrastructure, ultimately increasing the hospital's capacity by around 50 percent.

The redevelopment is funded by the provincial government, Fraser Health, and the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation.

Read The Full Article Here

 🎖️ Shane Poole Awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal for Community Service

Shane Poole, President of the New Westminster Firefighters, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a prestigious national honor recognizing exceptional service to the community. The medal was presented by Member of Parliament Peter Julian in celebration of Poole’s longstanding dedication and impactful leadership within New Westminster.

The Coronation Medal is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada or its communities, or who have achieved international accomplishments that bring recognition to the country. To be eligible, recipients must have been alive as of May 6, 2023. While the medal may be awarded posthumously, all recipients must have been living on that date.

A total of 30,000 medals will be distributed across Canada throughout the anniversary year, with 4,000 designated for members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The selection process emphasizes merit and inclusivity, ensuring honourees reflect the diversity and strength of their respective communities or organizations.

Shane Poole’s recognition is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and his significant contributions to the safety and well-being of New Westminster residents. His work has left a lasting legacy within the community he serves.

Visit the Official Website Now

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌈Why did the rain bring a picnic basket in summer? 🧺😎

🍬 It wanted to share some cool treats! 🍰 

Meme of the Day

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