Author: Ava Richardson

New Westminster, B.C., is extending school zone speed limits as students return to class this fall. The city’s move aims to improve safety for children and reduce traffic risks near schools. The updated rules will lower speed limits in designated school zones during peak hours. Officials hope this will give drivers more time to react to pedestrians and cyclists, especially young students navigating streets on their way to school. City leaders say the change is part of a broader strategy to make streets safer for everyone. Traffic calming measures, like extended school zones, have been shown to reduce accidents and…

New Westminster, B.C., council has approved an 18-month extension for an overdose prevention site on Begbie Street. The decision was made after a divided discussion among councillors and the community. The site, operated by Starship Health Contact Centre in partnership with the Purpose Society and Fraser Health, will continue its work to provide supervised consumption services. Council also required Fraser Health to address ongoing community concerns as part of the permit extension. The council received 32 letters from local residents, with roughly half supporting the extension and half opposing it. Supporters emphasized the site’s role in saving lives, while critics…

Police in New Westminster launched a large operation Wednesday night after tracking a camper van connected to an assault in East Vancouver. The van, parked in a lot at McBride Boulevard and 8th Avenue, drew a heavy police presence as officers attempted to detain the suspect. Authorities began investigating the assault around 7 p.m. in East Vancouver and traced the vehicle to New Westminster. Officers believed the suspect may have been inside the RV and called on the individual to exit the vehicle. Witnesses reported seeing police surround the camper van while issuing repeated commands for the person inside to…

A New Westminster city councillor is raising questions about the taxpayer-funded cafeteria in city hall, pointing to its significant financial losses. The cafeteria, located in the basement of city hall, is open to the public but mainly serves city staff. The menu includes affordable items like a $4 sandwich and a full breakfast starting at $5.75. Councillor Daniel Fontaine highlighted that the cafeteria has lost nearly $350,000 of public funds in the past three years alone. He believes the cafeteria’s continued operation is hard to justify given nearby food options and the city’s sharp 23% property tax increase over the…

The British Columbia Court of Appeal has overturned a man’s second-degree murder conviction related to a fatal stabbing in New Westminster, B.C. This decision means Ryan Crossley, who was sentenced to life in prison, will face a new trial. In April 2024, Ryan Crossley was found guilty by a jury of second-degree murder for the death of Robert Powshuk on November 19, 2021. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole eligibility for 14 years. Ryan’s brother, Curtis Crossley, admitted guilt to manslaughter in August 2023. Curtis received a sentence of nine and a half years in prison, according…

New Westminster is seeing steady growth this year. The city is focusing on improving infrastructure and community services for its residents. Several new projects have started to support this growth. City officials announced plans to upgrade local roads and parks. These improvements will make the city safer and more enjoyable. New bike lanes and sidewalks are also being added to encourage walking and cycling. A new community center is under construction. It will offer space for events, sports, and educational programs. The center aims to bring people together and support healthy lifestyles. Local businesses in New Westminster are also growing.…

A small cafeteria inside New Westminster City Hall is under scrutiny after claims it has lost nearly $350,000 in taxpayer money over the past three years. The cafeteria, known as the Five Eleven Bistro, is located in the basement of city hall. Though it is open to the public, it mostly serves city staff. Many residents were unaware of its existence until a recent financial report brought it to light. A standard breakfast at the bistro costs less than $6. However, critics say this low price comes with a high cost for taxpayers. City Councillor Daniel Fontaine recently shared concerns…