⚓️ 50+ things to do in New West

Plus: A local spa officially closes

Author

New West Anchor Staff
June 08, 2023

Welcome to Thursday, New West!

For those of you who didn’t know, it’s Community Bike Month in our fair city.

If you haven’t had the chance to enjoy some of the related events, there are still opportunities to get involved—there’s even a chance to win a $150 gift card to Cap’s through the use of your bike.

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LOCAL NEWS

Left: A photo of the shuttered Head to Toes Spa in March of 2023. Right: A poster in the door of its former location, announcing its permanent closure.

After 24 years, Head to Toes Spa is officially calling it quits.

“On behalf of Head to Toes Spa we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your loyalty in choosing us as your preferred spa for the past 24 years as it has been a pleasure to serve you all.”

The news comes after the location was damaged in a fire in April 2022.

SPONSORED BY CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER

Canada Day at Westminster Pier Park

Saturday, July 1, from 1-6pm

Reflect on the common elements found in all cultures—family, food, movement, and creativity—with various free activities.

Canada Day activities will take place from June 29 until July 2 with a variety of opportunities to participate.

For more information visit: NewWestCity.ca/CanadaDay.

📣 Neighbourhood bulletin

🫘 Food Bank challenge. Mayor Patrick Johnstone announced Monday that New West—for the second year in a row—finished in second place. The competition is a friendly one, encouraging municipalities to raise funds for local food bank services. New West raised more than $51,000.

🎊 River Walk. New West Hospice managed to raise nearly $8,000 from its River Walk event last weekend. These proceeds will help individuals and families with compassionate care during the dying and grieving process. Learn more about New West Hospice here. 

💻 Did you know? Arrieta Art Studio has a Discord channel where people can chat with those they’ve met at the studio’s art events. Keep in touch here. 

🎷 Kick off summer with the Vancouver International Jazz Festival from Jun. 23 until July 2. Enjoy more than 140 shows, including 50 free performances. Visit CoastalJazz.ca.*

*Sponsored Listing

🗞 In other news

Ugh. Things are essentially poised to get pricier: the Bank of Canada increased its interest rate on Wednesday.

Coquitlam trees. The City of Coquitlam is looking for the person—or people—responsible for causing $13,000 worth of damage to trees at various locations including Town Centre Park. The vandalism happened last weekend.

Election-related investigation. As reported by The Record’s Julie MacLellan, Gurveen Dhaliwal is, for now, passing on the reins of the school board to Maya Russell. Dhaliwal is being investigated for being at a polling place as a scrutineer during last October’s vote. (The Record)

I’m on a boat. An assortment of Metro Vancouver mayors were invited to spend time on a yacht. The invite was extended by Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim; the yacht belongs to West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager. Sim told CBC Vancouver that this event was not taxpayer funded. (CBC Vancouver)

Stretching for students. A recent survey found Canadian parents are struggling to save for their child’s education, with a number of respondents saying they’d go into debt or postpone retirement to make it happen. (CTV News)

Kelowna’s former mayor. Colin Basran has yet to enter a plea, after previously being charged with sexual assault. The arraignment in his case has been delayed to June 23. (Global BC)

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

A familiar face is being recognized this Seniors’ Week: Mary Wilson.

This 84-year-old pedestrian advocate recently received recognition from Living Streets BC and the United Way of BC for her work in the community to champion walkability in New West.

For those who don’t know, Wilson helped introduce Jane’s Walks to New West. You can read more about Jane’s Walks here. 

🗓️ New West events

There is a LOT happening in New West over the next week. 50+ things, in fact. See the full list here. Below is just a sample. 😱

Ongoing

  • Our Town. This production is brought to you by the Vagabond Players, and runs until June 24. Tickets start at $15. Various times. Bernie Legge Theatre.

  • Hidden Fragments: Layers of Discovery. Six artists recently met at a workshop where they discovered new methods of working with discarded paper and paint. Be sure to check out their work. On until June 9. Plaskett Gallery, Massey Theatre.

  • Tying it All Together. Check out amazing art from New West Secondary grads. On until June 25. The Gallery at Queen’s Park. 

  • Bike donation drive. On until June 30. Cap’s New Westminster. 434A Columbia St.

  • Self-guided scavenger hunt by bike. Cycle to eight qualifying locations, take a selfie, then submit them to potentially win a prize. You have until June 30 to complete the challenge.

  • Through Our Eyes. Featuring local Indigenous artists from Cedar Sage & Sweetgrass. The group’s goal is to create a forum where they could show their best art, connect, and encourage one another. Daily until July 26. 10am to 5pm. Anvil Centre Art Gallery.

Today, June 8

  • New West Farmers Market. Enjoy artisan fare, fresh fruit and veggies, food trucks, and family fun activities. 3pm. Tipperary Park.

  • Perkele Power. Workout to focus on strength, cardio, and mobility. 5:30pm. Queen’s Park.

  • Expressive Art Therapy drop-in. Brought to you by New West Hospice and Arrieta Art Studio. 6:30pm. Arrieta Art Studio.

  • Hidden Wonders. The man who fooled Penn & Teller twice brings his show, Hidden Wonders, to a new hidden performance space. Tickets start at $50. 7pm. Secret location.

  • NWSS June Revue. Featuring concert and jazz bands, a mass choir, strings and more! Alumni will be joining the stage for a generational finish to this fantastic show. Tickets start at $12. 7pm. Massey Theatre.

  • Karaoke night. Featuring more than 80,000 songs to choose from. 8pm. The Terminal Pub.

Friday, June 9

  • Story time in Spanish. Happening over four consecutive weeks. This free event is sponsored by Family Services of Greater Vancouver & Kinder Books. Registration required. 10am. Second floor, River Market.

  • Ecole Lord Tweedsmuir spring carnival. There will be plenty of entertainment, including a dunk tank, bouncy castles, a 50/50 draw, a petting zoo, and musical cakes. Admission is free, but you can purchase food and games tickets in advance. 5pm. Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary.

  • Jazz Jam swing & social. Presented by the Uptown Swing Collective. Tickets start at $15. Doors open at 6:30pm. New Westminster Secondary.

Saturday, June 10

  • Community bike ride. This edition takes riders from Century House to the River Market and the Waterfront Esplanade. Registration is required, event is free. 10am. Meet at Century House.

  • Indigenous market. Led by Shop First Nations, this market will feature more than two dozen artisans selling wares and food. 11am. River Market boardwalk.

  • Let’s Get Ready to Ride. Make sure your bike is ready for a safe and fun trip. Please make sure to bring your bike. Free event, registration required. 1pm. Century House.

  • New West Letter Xchange. This in-person ribbon cutting will mark the two-year anniversary of the initiative. 4:30pm. Esplanade path along the Quay.

  • APT POP poetry floodlight. This is a monthly poetry reading and open mic event. All are welcome—the event is free. 6:30pm. Arrieta Art Studio.

  • Summer Solstice outdoor dance. 11 to 13-year-olds of New West: get ready to party with a DJ, a concession booth, door prizes, and dancing, of course! Tickets start at $10. 7pm. Moody Park.

Monday, June 12

  • Story time. Baby and toddler story time featuring Jane Whittingham. This is a free weekly event. 10am. Second floor, River Market.

  • Farmers Market Dinner. This event will showcase the beauty of local ingredients. Five courses start at $90 per person, add wine pairings for an extra $50. Advance booking required. 6pm. Piva Modern Italian.

  • Name that Tune! This is a weekly event. Call or email ahead to book your table and have some fun. 7pm. Hops: A Northwest Pub.

Tuesday, June 13

  • WorkBC employment services. Every week, the group hosts a help session for those looking for work. Get one-on-one support from a WorkBC centre specialist. No cost, no registration needed. 4pm. Queensborough Community Centre.

  • Evolution to Revolution. Learn more about bicycles of the past from presenter Gordon Hobbis of Cap’s Bicycles. Event is free, registration required. 7pm. Century House.

Wednesday, June 14

See the full list of 50+ things happening around New West this coming week!

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