Welcome to Thursday, New West.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading all about Betty Brussel, you absolutely must. She is a 10-time world record holder and she’s from New Westminster! Brussel was among those who, on Tuesday, took an historical plunge into təməsew̓txʷ, with the aquatic centre officially open.

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🌡 Temperature check

Today: 🌧️ 15°

Friday: ⛅️ 17°

Saturday: 🌧️ 14°

Sunday: 🌤️ 16°

Monday: 🌤️ 18°

7-day forecast

LOCAL NEWS

An update from The Stage New West

The Stage New West’s Stefanie Swinnard provided an update on Tuesday regarding issues related to a previous contractor, as well as funding related to childcare.

“The good news is I have reached a settlement with the contractor in question, and while it is still a lot more money than we have, it is still something we are able to work out,” says Swinnard, referencing her initial update related to what she says was construction work gone wrong.

On the update related to the ability to offer childcare through The Stage, Swinnard previously explained that the ministry responsible for assigning the subsidy had denied its 2023-2024 plan, and that there has been no word on movement on this front. This, despite a recent call to get an update on adjudication—which has resulted in no new info, according to her latest share. 

Swinnard says time is ticking, and that the pendulum she swings from between dealing with these issues and putting on wonderful events with the kids who take part in The Stage’s programs has been rough.

“The emotional toll that this is taking is immense. I wish I had all good news, it’s not all bad obviously…but we still need to apply some pressure.”

Swinnard is again pointing folks to the GoFundMe for those able to donate, as well as an email template to write to MLA Jennifer Whiteside (New Westminster) in support of The Stage if you are inclined.

📣 Neighbourhood bulletin

Missing. New West resident Marcus Manson has been missing since late Monday night, and his family is worried for his well-being. You can take a look at a full description of Manson as well as a photo of him by visiting the New West Police Department’s website. 

🍺 Would you do this? Steel & Oak has been the talk of the town with word they’re giving away free beer for a year to the folks who get an S&O tattoo. Registration for one of the available designs—there are only 12—opens tomorrow.

🍰 Donate your baking. New West Farmers’ Market is out with a call asking folks to pass along their baked goods to them. The baking will be used for a golden-ticket style event. Anyone who donates will get a one-year market membership. Get the full details and register to donate. 

🖥️ Don’t forget! New West’s recreation programs for the summer will begin registration at 10am today.

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🗞 In other news

Harrison Lake. A wildfire was discovered in the resort area on Tuesday night. Officials say it is on the east side of the lake, and that it is in between some provincial recreational sites and camping grounds. (CityNews Vancouver)

Who is this? Mounties in Coquitlam are trying to find a person who spat at a McDonald’s employee through a drive-thru window. This happened at the 2725 Barnet Hwy. location on May 1, and it was caught on video. (CTV Vancouver)

Surrey stadium. The push for a 12,000-seat stadium in Surrey is getting another boost with the countdown to Vancouver hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup games. The current potential spot for the stadium is around the Tom Binne Park in the Whalley neighbourhood. (Global BC)

Decision. A BC Supreme Court justice says Dr. Bonnie Henry’s decision to extend a vaccine mandate for health care workers last year was overall fair. The justice did say that the orders did violate Charter Guarantees of Conscience and Religion, but that the choice was reasonable to protect people. (Global BC)

🤩 Community spotlight

Dive in, New West!

Ten-time world record holder Betty Brussel of New West was among the first of many excited swimmers to experience the aquatic portion of təməsew̓txʷ on Tuesday.

“The new aquatic space at təməsew̓txʷ features a wide range of amenities to appeal to all types of swimmers and pool users. From the large 50m competition lap pool, to the family-friendly leisure pool, relaxing hot tubs, steam room, and sauna, there is something here for everyone to enjoy,” says Dean Gibson, director of Parks and Recreation. “We are extremely proud of this new facility and the positive impact it will have on community recreation. We invite everyone of all ages and abilities to come and experience everything təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre has to offer.”

This is the City of New West’s largest capital project to date, with openings of the centre taking place in stages. There will be a grand opening celebration on June 1.

🗓️ NEW WEST EVENTS

Today, May 16

• New West Farmers’ Market. 3pm. Tipperary Park.

• Stanley Cup Playoffs: New West viewing parties. 7pm. Various city facilities.

• Resilience in the Rubble: book signing. 7pm. 103-78 10th St. (Columbia Square.)

• Karaoke night. 7pm. Georgie’s Local.

• Trivia night. 7:30pm. Sapperton District Taphouse.

Friday, May 17

• Friendsday night board games. 527 Front St. Mews.

• Dance party. 9pm. Georgie’s Local.

Saturday, May 18

• Public cycle meet-up. 7am. Meet at 40 Capilano Way.

• Rotary bottle drive. 9am. 166 6th St.

• Asian Heritage Month. 10am. Fraser Discovery Centre.

• New West Craft market. 11am. River Market.

• Pop-up art workshops. 11am. Please call 604-616-2653. Kinder Books. River Market.

• Beading workshop. 2pm. Ruslib Vancouver Russian Library and Speaking Russian Club, 200-733 6th St.

• The Phantom Series. 4pm. 527 Front St. Mews.

• Board Game Night. 5pm. 103-78 10th St. (Columbia Square.)

• Ghost Town Riot presents: unique covers and weirdness. 6pm. The Terminal.

• Stanley Cup Playoffs: New West viewing parties. If needed. 7pm. Various city facilities.

• Fascinating Rhythm. 7:30pm. Anvil Theatre.

• Shahin Najafi. Tickets start at $59. 8:30pm. Massey Theatre.

• Dance party. 9pm. Georgie’s Local.

Sunday, May 19

• Asian Heritage Month. 10am. Fraser Discovery Centre.

• Fascinating Rhythm. 2pm. Anvil Theatre.

• Die Job, Less Miserable (YYC), Cheer Up Champ, Jonny Bones. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 7pm. Bully’s Studios.

Monday, May 20

• Poker night. 6:30pm. Sapperton District Taphouse.

• Stanley Cup Playoffs: New West viewing parties. If needed. 7pm. Various city facilities.

• Open mic night. 7pm. Begbie’s.

• Trivia night. 8pm. The Terminal Pub.

Tuesday, May 21

• WorkBC workshop. 4pm. Queensborough Community Centre.

• Another Gravel bike club. 5:45pm. Another Beer Co.

• Open mic: standup comedy. 6pm. The Terminal Pub.

• Trivia night. 6:30pm. Kelly O’Bryan’s.

• Open mic night. 7pm. Georgie’s Local.

• Name that tune! 7pm. Hops New West.

Wednesday, May 22

• Blood donation event. 1pm. Anvil Centre.

• Discovering Asia. For ages 11-18 years. 5pm. New West Youth Centre.

• Mornings with Peter book launch. 5pm. New West Public Library.

• Trivia night. 7pm. Georgie’s Local.

Ongoing

• Walking with SYM. On until May 29. Anvil Centre community gallery.

• Pause: A Showcase of Presence. On until June 2. The Gallery at Queen’s Park.

• The Long Road Home. On until July 2. Amelia Douglas Gallery at Douglas College.

• Hip to be Square. On until July 5. Clubhouse Co-working. River Market.

That’s it!

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