Write On Contest + City Council Backlash

Issue #184

Author

Carla McNeil
March 28, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌧️ Weather - Rain, Showers

 😜 Rain Joke - Why did the puddle become a detective? 🕵️ 

 🗓️ New West Events - Variety

 🗞️ New West Local News - Write On Contest + City Council Backlash

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

Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation

New Westminster is known for its strong sense of community, and this spirit will be on full display at the upcoming Simply Caring Dinner and Dance Fundraiser. The event, in support of the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation (RCHF), aims to raise $60,000 for much-needed equipment for the new Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower.

Hosted by Simply Wonderful Nails on Columbia Street, the evening promises live music, delicious food, and a vibrant celebration of community connection.

A Community-Driven Vision

Shawn at Simply Wonderful Nails, a local retailer with a passion for bringing people together, came up with the idea for the event. While his wife Mai, who manages the day-to-day operations, is known by many residents in the neighborhood, Shawn prefers to remain behind the scenes, his dedication to New Westminster and its residents has inspired many. By championing this fundraiser, he’s encouraging others to consider the hospital's impact on the city’s well-being and economy.

"When we support Royal Columbian Hospital, we’re supporting our entire community. It’s not just about healthcare; it’s about making New Westminster a place where people want to live, work, and thrive," Shawn shared.

Why It Matters

The Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower is a transformative addition to the hospital, nearly doubling its size and accommodating a thousand new healthcare workers. With this expansion comes a growing need for updated equipment and resources. Every dollar raised through the Simply Caring fundraiser will directly contribute to ensuring patients receive the best possible care.

For many in our community, Royal Columbian Hospital is more than a medical facility — it’s a lifeline. From emergency services to specialized treatments, the hospital serves as a critical resource for families in their most vulnerable moments.

Community Support in Action

While the event isn’t themed "Supporting Each Other," it’s a sentiment that naturally emerged in conversations leading up to the fundraiser. It’s about strengthening the bonds that make New Westminster a welcoming and resilient city. Every ticket purchased, every dance enjoyed, and every donation made reflects the belief that when we lift each other up, we all thrive.

Local businesses are also playing a crucial role in the success of the event. Simply Wonderful Nails, the presenting sponsor, exemplifies the spirit of community support by using their platform to rally others in aid of the hospital. Additional sponsors and volunteers are contributing their time and resources, making this a truly collaborative effort.

How to Get Involved

Attending the Simply Caring Dinner and Dance is an opportunity to enjoy a fantastic night out while making a tangible difference.

Can’t attend? You can still contribute by making a donation through the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation website or by spreading the word. Every effort counts.

A Brighter Future, Together

As the community gathers to celebrate and support Royal Columbian Hospital, the Simply Caring fundraiser serves as a beautiful reminder of what makes New Westminster special.

"Let’s come together for an unforgettable evening," says Shawn. "Not just for the music and the dancing, but for the people who make this city what it is. Together, we’re making a lasting impact."

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation website.

Let’s raise $60,000 and celebrate the power of community.

See you there!

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 16.7 2023 - Record low 0.3 2023

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

March 28, 2025

🔎 Spring Discovery Days – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🎩 The Magic Festival: Kids Magic Show w/ Magic Max – 1:00 PM at Hidden Wonders Showroom

🍔 Between 2 Buns – 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

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

🎨 Brush Hour Paint Night - Cosmic Peaks – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

🎭️ Retro Games Night (Melody Mangler) – 7:00 PM at Flapper Lounge

🪄 The Magic Festival: Magic at the Metro – 7:00 PM at Metro Hall

🎭️ Black Watch by Gregory Burke – 7:30 PM to 9:00 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

🎭️ 20th Annual The Donspiel (2025) – Royal City Curling Club

🎲 Board Night Game – Phantom Alley

March 29, 2025

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

🔎 Spring Discovery Days – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Child Benefits in Canada – 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

📚️ Book Launch: Isabella Mori's "Believe Me" – 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🤖 Sphero Free Play (All Ages) – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🥂 50th Anniversary Celebration – 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM

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

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

🎭️ 20th Annual The Donspiel (2025) – Royal City Curling Club

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

March 30, 2025

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Spectrum Strong Parents – 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

🔎 Spring Discovery Days – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

🎨 Art Explorers with Clarissa Banos – 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

🖌️ Cindy's Art and Karaoke Cafe – 1:00 PM to 3:30 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

🎶 An Evening with Judy Collins – 7:30 PM at Massey Theatre

🎭️ 20th Annual The Donspiel (2025) – Royal City Curling Club

🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

 📖 2025 Write On! Contest Offers Cash Prizes and Publication for Winning Writers

Aspiring writers and poets have a chance to share their creativity with the 2025 Write On! Contest officially opens for submissions. Organized by the Royal City Literary Arts Society (RCLAS), the contest welcomes submissions from February 1, 2025, to May 4, 2025, across three categories: Non-Fiction, Fiction, and Poetry.

Participants can submit up to three entries across any combination of categories. Non-fiction and fiction entries must not exceed 1,500 words, while poetry submissions should be no longer than one single-spaced page.

The contest features cash prizes for the top three winners in each category, with first-place recipients earning $150, second-place winners receiving $100, and third-place winners awarded $75. Additionally, three honourable mentions will be recognized in each category, with all winning entries published in a special edition of the RCLAS E-Zine.

Entry fees are set at $10 per submission for RCLAS members and $20 per submission for non-members. Those interested in becoming a member can join for an annual fee of $35.

A blind judging process will ensure anonymity, requiring authors to remove any identifying information from their submissions. Cover letters must include the author’s name, contact details, category, title, and payment option. Submissions should be formatted in Times New Roman, size 12, and sent as a Word document.

Past contest winners or honourable mentions may not resubmit previously recognized work, though unplaced entries from previous years are eligible for resubmission.

For further details, including the PayPal payment link and submission instructions, writers can visit the RCLAS website at rclas.com/2025-write-on-contest.

Residents of New Westminster are calling for greater community consultation when the city undertakes new projects or addresses neighborhood concerns. This sentiment was a recurring theme during the city council meeting on March 24, where locals voiced their thoughts on a range of issues.

Among the topics discussed were safety concerns in the downtown area, the creation of a rain garden in the West End, boulevard naturalization efforts in Queen’s Park, and traffic changes in Sapperton.

Downtown Safety Concerns

A downtown resident raised concerns about the growing number of individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction, which she said has impacted the sense of safety in the area. Noise disturbances, aggressive behavior, and discarded drug paraphernalia were highlighted as ongoing issues. In response, council members acknowledged the challenges and directed the residents to resources through the city’s crisis response pilot project.

West End Rain Garden Project

In the West End, residents expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding a curb extension and rain garden project at Seventh Avenue and 16th Street. Concerns included reduced on-street parking, potential maintenance issues, and safety hazards for cyclists and pedestrians. City staff acknowledged the feedback and indicated that the design had been revised to retain some parking while maintaining the project’s green infrastructure goals.

Queen’s Park Naturalization Debate

The city’s plan to rewild a section of the Fifth Street boulevard as part of a biodiversity initiative also drew mixed responses. While some residents supported the move for its environmental benefits, others voiced opposition to the removal of traditional grass and the addition of wildflowers and pollinator-friendly plants. Critics emphasized the need for better consultation with the community on such projects.

Traffic Concerns in Sapperton

A Sapperton resident spoke out against recent road changes, particularly the narrowing of East Columbia Street near Royal Columbian Hospital. He warned that the reduction in lanes has caused traffic congestion and could impede ambulance access. The city acknowledged the concerns, and further discussions are expected.

Calls for Improved Communication

Throughout the meeting, residents stressed the need for the city to engage with neighborhoods before implementing changes. While staff committed to providing clearer communication for future projects, locals emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration.

Council will continue to address these issues in the coming weeks, with further updates anticipated on specific topics.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ Why did the puddle become a detective? 🕵️

🕵️‍♂️ It wanted to solve the case of the missing “splash”! 🌊 

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