Transit Cuts Looming + Caregiver Benefits

Issue #187

Author

Carla McNeil
March 31, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 ⛅️ Weather - Little bit of everything!

 😜 Rain Joke - I’m saving for a rainy day.

 🔦 Local Business Spotlight - Harmony Yoga & Sound

 🗓️ New West Events - Variety

 🗞️ New West Local News - Transit Cuts Looming + Caregiver Benefits

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

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 17.1 2016 - Record low 0.2 2021

Harmony Yoga in New Westminster

In the heart of New Westminster, Karyn Austin has cultivated a space for well-being through her business, Harmony Yoga and Sound. Offering a diverse range of practices, from various yoga styles to soothing sound baths and the uplifting experience of kirtan chanting, Karyn's passion and deep connection to her community shine through. As the sole operator, she manages all aspects of her business, driven by a genuine love for sharing the benefits of yoga and sound.

Karyn's journey into yoga began 20 years ago in London, Ontario, as a young mother seeking something for herself. Inspired by the peace and strength she found in her practice, she pursued teacher training and felt a clear calling to teach, believing that yoga is for everyone, regardless of physical ability. Her enthusiasm for sharing yoga remains strong after two decades.

Adding a unique dimension to Harmony Yoga and Sound is Karyn's musical background. A former keyboard player with a decade of classical music study, she discovered kirtan, a call-and-response chanting tradition, which has become an integral part of her offerings. She finds the collective singing incredibly empowering, particularly for women, and sees the combination of yoga and kirtan as a powerful tool for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

While Harmony Yoga and Sound doesn't have its own dedicated location, Karyn primarily teaches at the well-regarded Dancing Cat Yoga Center in Uptown New West. She also collaborates with other facilitators and is open to bringing her services, such as sound baths, to businesses. Karyn values the strong sense of community she has found in New Westminster since moving there four years ago, noting that word-of-mouth referrals account for a significant portion of her students.

The services offered by Harmony Yoga and Sound cater to various needs. These include group, semi-private, and private yoga classes, as well as immersive sound baths using crystal singing bowls. Karyn also leads engaging kirtan sessions and participates in local festivals, sharing her unique blend of movement, sound, and music with a wider audience. A business sound bath involves Karyn bringing her instruments to a chosen space, guiding participants into relaxation as they are bathed in therapeutic frequencies. She adapts her approach based on the energy of the group, sometimes incorporating gentle movement and breathwork to enhance the experience.

When asked about her favorite class, Karyn expresses a particular fondness for yin yoga, a slow and meditative practice focused on breathwork. In today's busy world, she believes these classes offer a valuable opportunity to slow down and cultivate presence. What sets Harmony Yoga and Sound apart is Karyn's commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. She uses humor to make yoga approachable and emphasizes that it is a "practice, not a perfect". Her popular chakra classes combine gentle movement with an exploration of the body's energy centers. Karyn passionately advocates for the inclusivity of yoga, reminding people that it's a precursor to meditation and about feeling good, not achieving advanced poses.

Addressing common misconceptions, Karyn loves to hear when someone says they are not flexible enough for yoga, as she believes that's a perfect starting point. She emphasizes that yoga is for every body and every life experience, with modifications and props available to support all levels. She also enjoys sharing the Sanskrit names of poses to honor the tradition while ensuring everyone understands the practice. The integration of music, through her harmonium and chanting, adds another unique element to her classes.

Connecting with Karyn and Harmony Yoga and Sound is easy. A Google search for "yoga in New West" often yields quick results. Her website and the Harmony Yoga Facebook group provide further information and contact details. Potential customers can also read reviews on Google to learn about others' experiences. While drop-ins aren't typical, reaching out via email or text is the best way to inquire about classes or book a session.

Karyn's final message is one of encouragement: "If you're scared to try yoga, if you've never tried it, or if you haven't had a great experience with yoga before, I ask you just to give it one more try. Know that the teacher for you is out there". With her dedication to inclusivity and well-being, Karyn Austin and Harmony Yoga and Sound offer a welcoming path to finding balance and harmony in the New Westminster community.

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

March 31, 2025

🧘 Peace, Be Still Monday Meditation – 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

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

📖 Cantonese Storytime (all ages) – 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

🧩 Puzzle Mondays at Steel and Oak – Starts at 5:00 PM

🧵 Needle Felting Workshop – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎶 New West Community Choir – 6:45 PM

🎙️ Begbie's Open Mic – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

April 01, 2025

🚶 Walk with the Mayor for WALK30– 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

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

🏠️ Brow of the Hill Residents Association Meeting – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

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

April 02, 2025

🤝 WAVES WEDNESDAYS: "How to Network" – 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

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

👨 In-person Dark Horse Men’s Group Meeting – 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

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

🏃 Run Club  – 7:00 PM

🎭️ Black Watch by Gregory Burke – 7:30 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

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC — Transit riders in Metro Vancouver will see a significant fare increase starting July 1, 2025, as TransLink moves to address a growing financial crisis. The transit authority's board has approved a 4% fare hike, marking the most substantial increase since 2020.

Under the new rates, single-zone fares will rise by 15 cents to $3.35, two-zone fares will increase by 20 cents to $4.85, and three-zone fares will jump by 25 cents to $6.60. Despite these adjustments, TransLink anticipates a $72 million shortfall this year, with a projected annual deficit of $600 million starting in 2026.

A report released by TransLink warns that without a new funding model, severe service cuts could be implemented by the end of 2025. Possible reductions include slashing bus services by half, reducing SkyTrain and SeaBus trips by up to one-third, and eliminating the West Coast Express commuter service entirely. HandyDART services could see a 35% cut, while funding for local road maintenance and infrastructure upgrades may also be eliminated.

TransLink attributes its financial troubles to several factors. The shift toward electric and hybrid vehicles has reduced fuel tax revenue, with a $34 million drop reported in 2023 alone. Additionally, fare increases have remained below inflation in recent years, while operating costs for projects like the Broadway Subway and Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extensions continue to grow.

Relief funding from the provincial government has helped maintain service levels since the pandemic, but this support is set to expire in 2025. Without intervention from provincial and federal governments, TransLink says transit service reductions will disproportionately affect low-income residents, seniors, and shift workers. Areas such as Langley, White Rock, and parts of the North Shore may lose nearly all transit services, while road congestion is projected to worsen by 20%.

Regional leaders are urging all levels of government to collaborate on a sustainable funding model to prevent the cuts and meet the growing demand for transit. Additionally, TransLink’s Access for Everyone plan outlines ambitions to expand service, including the UBC SkyTrain extension, a North Shore rapid transit link, and Bus Rapid Transit routes. However, without securing the necessary funding, these projects remain uncertain.

As Metro Vancouver's population continues to grow, the future of public transit now hinges on government support and financial restructuring.

Life can sometimes require stepping away from work to care for a loved one who is critically ill, injured, or nearing the end of their life. To provide financial support during these challenging times, Employment Insurance (EI) offers caregiving benefits to eligible individuals.

Caregivers don't need to live with the person they are caring for or even be related to them, as long as they are considered to be like a family member. These benefits can also be shared among multiple caregivers, either simultaneously or consecutively, offering flexibility for families navigating care responsibilities.

Types of EI Caregiving Benefits

The EI program provides three types of caregiving benefits:

  1. Family Caregiver Benefits for Children:
    Designed for those providing care or support to a critically ill or injured child under the age of 18.

  2. Family Caregiver Benefits for Adults:
    Available for caregivers offering care or support to a critically ill or injured person aged 18 or older.

  3. Compassionate Care Benefits:
    Offered to individuals caring for someone of any age who requires end-of-life care.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility for EI caregiving benefits varies depending on employment status. Whether you’re an insurable employee, a self-employed individual, or a fisher, you may qualify if you meet the necessary requirements. Even those providing care outside of Canada could be eligible under specific conditions.

How Much Can You Receive?

The amount you can receive depends on various factors, including your previous earnings. An online estimator tool is available to help applicants determine the potential benefit amount they may qualify for.

After You Apply

Once an application is submitted, personal information is protected under strict privacy regulations. There is typically a waiting period before payments begin, and recipients are required to submit biweekly reports to continue receiving benefits.

EI caregiving benefits are a vital resource, offering financial assistance and flexibility to those stepping up to support loved ones in times of need. For further details or to begin an application, individuals are encouraged to visit the official Government of Canada website.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

💧 I’m saving for a rainy day.

So far, I have an anorak, a couple of macs, and a dinghy.☁️ 

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