Episode 74: Rallying for Ryall, Pier Park Connection, Taxes Skyrocketing, Walkers' Caucus, Consultation Protocols

It was another hectic week of civic politics in New Westminster. There were no shortage of issues to discuss on this week's podcast! You'll want to hear our big announcement about the May 22nd event.The podcast starts off with a discussion regarding what constitutes effective consultation in New Westminster. Should a number of hot button issues including the public toilet at the InterUrban building, rewilding and naturalizing, West End rain gardens and the homeless shelter at Army and Navy be subject to new 'enhanced' communication and community consultation protocols? Should they have been designated as 'signature' or 'materially significant' civic projects/programs?Are some of the most effective lobbyists at New West city hall a group of Queensborough Middle School students? They recently wrote to the Mayor and Council asking that Ryall Park get new investments which would include a new turf and track field. There were some very compelling submissions which will be hard to ignore!Pier Park East and Pier Park West finally get reconnected - at some point soon. This will become a wonderful new public amenity for local cyclists, pedestrians and residents living downtown and beyond. While the date has yet to be determined, it's only a matter weeks before you can walk contiguously along our waterfront. But what about that connection to Sapperton?CKNW host Mike Smyth asks Coun. Daniel Fontaine to join him to discuss a column written by the Vancouver Sun's Doug Todd. It focuses on the skyrocketing taxes in New Westminster and whether unfettered growth and densification has impacted the increases.Will the American flag in Queen's Park Arena finally be taken down? Four city councillors indicate they might be interested - but are they?Let's talk about some upcoming events including the 3rd Annual Spring Fundraiser for the NWP which just announced it was SOLD OUT. How about the April 22nd Councillor Cafe - Queen's Park Edition which is expected to get a healthy crowd of local residents in attendance.May 22nd...who will be announced as the special guest for the next Councillor Cafe in Queensborough? Have a listen to find out. You hear it first right here!If you enjoy this podcast, be sure to encourage your friends and family to follow us! It's available on Apple Podcast, Spotify and all major platforms.