Hi everyone,

I wanted to let you know that, as of Wednesday, March 1st, New West Anchor will begin to gate—or restrict—some of our content to ensure that our newsletter subscribers continue to have exclusive access to our local, on-the-ground work.

I want to stress that gating/restricting our content to our subscribers only does NOT mean you will be paying to read our reporting, with the potential exception of some exclusive stories.

Much of the gated content will apply to what I call our hard news coverage—and this does include city council— but it will also apply to our list of events, too.

Long and short of it, if you aren’t subscribed, I’d highly recommend doing so here.

What does that mean?

This means that, from time to time, newsletter subscribers may be asked to log in to confirm your subscription to New West Anchor. A box will pop up, asking you to put in your email to ‘unlock’ the content.

You’ll receive an email to that address with next steps.

Right now, no password input is required.

The emails come fairly quick, but along with double checking your subscription, I ask that you please put us on your safe list to ensure the login emails don’t end up in your spam or junk folders. The body of the email will contain what you see below:

And of course, with technological advancements comes the risk of people trying to scam you, so if you receive any sort of email that looks like it might be from us, but it asks for any personal information—think your SIN, a credit card number, and so on—it’s not us. Please report it.

Why are you doing this?

We are working towards building a sustainable publication model that puts our subscribers/supporters first, while also fairly acknowledging the work done by our tiny team of two. I’m going to be honest: journalism has gone through some incredible changes these last few years, and sometimes it’s a tough gig.

But we’re not giving up on it because we’ve heard time and again that people value local coverage.

What it comes down to? We need—and would love—if you affirmed your support for our FREE, twice-weekly newsletter. 

Backing us as a subscriber means the world to The Anchor, and confirms your belief in reporting for locals, by locals.

What happens if I’m not a subscriber and I click on a gated item?

You will be asked to sign up for The Anchor—a box will appear and you’ll be required to put your email in. We’d love for you to join us!

If you choose not to put your email in, the content will remain restricted, and you will not be able to read it.

How can I support The Anchor?

• Subscribing is a huge help! 

• We’ve also got a shop where you can buy New West-themed merch like sweatshirts, totes, mugs, and more. The money from these sales goes towards supporting our work.

• Are you a local business interested in advertising? We’ve got some pretty accessible packages and would love to partner with you to get the word out about your wonderful work.

• Send us your news tips and events.

Thanks for taking the time to read my note, and I hope you’ll continue to support the work Eva and I are doing to show folks that New West truly is the best. ♥

Ria Renouf
Managing Editor, New West Anchor