Episode 90: Billions Over Budget & a Basement Bistro

🎧 This Week on For the Record: Secret Votes, Costly Cafés & a Mayoral RevealCoun. Daniel Fontaine flies solo this week as Coun. Paul Minhas is away on holiday — but there’s no shortage of hot topics to dig into on this episode of For the Record.🚫 Metro Vancouver: Transparency on Trial?We start with the bombshell decision by Metro Vancouver directors to halt an independent review into the disastrous North Shore wastewater treatment project. Once pegged at $700M, the project’s price tag has exploded to nearly $4B — and now, thanks to a behind-closed-doors vote, the public may have to wait until 2027 (after the court case wraps) for answers. Is this move a step toward accountability — or just more damage to Metro’s already fragile credibility?🎙️ Media Reactions: CBC, CKNW & Global Speak Out This episode features commentary and coverage from top media outlets:CBC Early Edition host Stephen Quinn chats with Daniel FontaineJas Johal of AM 730 weighs in with his own pointed takeGlobal BC rounds it out with a full story featuring Fontaine himself🍽️ Bistro 511: A Costly Café or a Bottomless Pit?Global TV is shining a light on Bistro 511, the little-known 'cafeteria' tucked away in the basement of city hall. Used mainly by city staff, the bistro has cost taxpayers over $360,000 in subsidies over the past three years — and it continues to run a deficit. We unpack the findings and ask: Is this really the best use of public money?🏚️ New West Ranks #2 in HomelessnessAccording to the latest homeless count, New Westminster now has the second highest per capita homelessness rate in Metro Vancouver. With a local MLA in Cabinet and another serving as Speaker of the Legislature, why do the numbers keep rising — and could new provincial mental health, housing, or treatment investments make a difference? If so, what's taking so long?🌈 NWP Summer Circuit & a Mayoral Reveal on the HorizonThe NWP have been making the rounds this summer — including stops at the New West Farmer’s Market, Fridays on Front, and the upcoming Pride Festival on August 16. 📅 Mark your calendar: On September 18, NWP will make a major announcement — unveiling their new candidate for Mayor of New Westminster. 🍔 In the meantime, join the crew for the next Burger & Beer Fundraiser at Kelly O’Bryan’s on August 19!🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 💬 Enjoying the show? Share it with your friends, family, and neighbours — word of mouth helps keep local conversations alive.