r/NewWest • • 27d ago

⚠️⚠️ MEGATHREAD ⚠️⚠️ New Westminster and BC Elections 2026: Candidates, Voting, and Astroturfing

74 Upvotes

New Westminster has not one but two elections coming up next month. Here's what you need to know about both.

Provincial snap election: October 24, 2026

Premier David Eby has called a snap provincial election for October 24, one week after municipal voting day. New Westminster falls within the Burnaby-New Westminster, New West-Coquitlam, and Richmond-Queensborough provincial ridings.

Provincial Election Candidates:

Burnaby-New Westminster

New Westminster-Coquitlam

Richmond-Queensborough

To vote provincially, eligibility and registration requirements are the same as the municipal election. Check your registration and find your voting location at elections.bc.ca.

Who can vote in the Provincial Election

You can vote in B.C.’s upcoming provincial election if you are:

  • a Canadian citizen,
  • 18 or older on October 24, 2026, and
  • a resident of B.C. since April 23, 2026.

Where to Vote in the Provincial Election

Advance voting is open in locations across the province on between October 16-21 | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (local time). You don’t need a special reason to vote at advance voting. It’s an option for all eligible voters. Voters can vote at any advance voting place in the province, and all advance voting places are wheelchair accessible.

Make sure to check your Where to Vote card or visit wheretovote.elections.bc.ca to find voting places and the dates they are open.

Final Voting is open on Saturday, October 24 | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific time).

Your "Where to Vote" card

Elections BC will send a Where to Vote card to registered voters. Your Where to Vote card lists your assigned voting place on Final Voting Day and advance voting options in your electoral district. You can use your Where to Vote card as one of two pieces of voter ID, but you don’t need it to vote.

AMAs

Municipal, provincial, and school board candidates are welcome to reach out via modmail to arrange a verified AMA on the sub. We welcome candidates of all political affiliations as long as our rules are respected.

AMAs List

Political Discussions

Verified AMAs and news articles about significant election news are welcome here on r/newwest. For the bulk of political Q&A and discussion, please head to our sister sub, r/NewWestPolitics.

Astroturfing and political spam

I've so far identified 18 accounts in the leadup to this election season that appear to be spamming this subreddit and our sister subreddit with commentary that violates our rules. Most fit the same pattern: accounts created around or during prior election periods that appear out of nowhere to post one-sided political content, then go quiet again once voting wraps up. They typically have little to no karma and no history outside of election season or political discussions. New and resurrected accounts are welcome here for the majority of topics, but if your account exists solely to push a political agenda, you may find your participation limited by our basic account and activity requirements. This is universal across political affiliations; please don't spam our sub.

Municipal election: October 17, 2026

Two main elector organizations are fielding candidates this cycle, along with one independent:

Who can vote?

You must meet all the qualifications to vote:

  • Be 18 years of age or older on October 17, 2026
  • Be a Canadian citizen
  • Have lived in BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration
  • Live in New Westminster (no minimum days required), or own property registered in your name in New Westminster for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration
  • Not be disqualified by law from voting

How to vote

General Voting Day
October 17, 2026: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Advance Voting Days
October 7, 8, 9, 10, & 14, 2026: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

New Westminster uses a "vote anywhere" model, meaning you can vote at any of the 15 voting locations on general voting day. Nine advance voting opportunities are available over five days, including October 9, when five locations across the city will be open simultaneously. All eligible voters may apply to vote by mail. Click here for more details.

Eligible voters in New Westminster can vote for one mayor, six councillors and seven school trustees.

To register or check your registration: elections.bc.ca or call 1-800-661-8683. You can also register in person on voting day with two pieces of ID.

Find more info at the New West City Website.


r/NewWest • • 18d ago

Monthly Discussion Monthly Promotion and Events Thread

12 Upvotes

Have something happening in New West this month? This is the place to share it! Whether you’re hosting an event, launching a business, or just want to spread the word about something cool in the community, drop it here!

Here are a few examples of what you can post:

  • Local festivals, markets, or community events
  • Craft fairs, art shows, or book clubs
  • Car meets, hobby meetups, or fitness classes
  • New service offerings like hairstylists, cleaners, or handypeople
  • Local business promotions, grand openings, or limited-time offers for your fellow redditors

Promoting something? That’s fine, just keep it local and relevant to the community.

Let us know what’s going on this month!


r/NewWest • • 1d ago

⚠ Community Only 🏡 Thank You #NewWest – Patrick Johnstone

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176 Upvotes

r/NewWest • • 18h ago

Discussion thoughts on firehouse subs?

31 Upvotes

I would usually order through the app and get a deal combo that's around 13 dollars. The deal is no longer available, and now the combo is around 21 dollars. i find it absurd they are charging that much. I would rather just go to gastronomia italia


r/NewWest • • 1d ago

Photos Two new food options coming soon to uptown

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52 Upvotes

New businesses opening soon uptown along 6th St in the old Artusi (Uptown Bistro) and Saigon Ivy (Rollzzy) locations. Wish them both success with their openings and can’t wait to try them out! I’ve had Rollzzy down on Robson and it was pretty tasty.


r/NewWest • • 22h ago

Photos Walk around QB/Port Royal today

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26 Upvotes

Still strange not to see the Pattullo's span. Fair few people out, some election, but, thankfully, more on the Halloween side of things!


r/NewWest • • 1d ago

Discussion What’s the story with paramount?

39 Upvotes

New-ish to the area. I haven’t been but I walk past paramount a lot and I’m kind of fascinated, an alcohol-free strip club? I've never heard the likes of it. I'm sure it exists (in dry countries or regions around the world), and I understand some people don't drink, but I still can't get my head around it.

Whats the history of it? I’m guessing some licensing thing. What's it really like in there? What's the vibe like? Again, totally understand you don't need alcohol to have a good time, but I always thought booze and boobs go hand in hand lol


r/NewWest • • 1d ago

Question arundel mansions

16 Upvotes

hello all, i have been trying to do some research on the arundel mansions history and possible deaths in or around the building! i get a real creepy vibe from my room and i had a completely absurd dream last night. any insight would be helpful!!

sincerely,

someone who whole-heartedly believes in ghosts


r/NewWest • • 1d ago

⚠ Community Only 🏡 CBC: New centre-right mayor rises to power in New Westminster

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103 Upvotes

r/NewWest • • 1d ago

Question Looking for some cute small locally made gifts

3 Upvotes

I am part of a tradeswoman committee that spans Canada and the USA, I want to send everyone that worked so hard over the year a little box of locally made gifts. I checked out a few stores but it is hard to find items that they have 11 of.

So far I have earrings and some local chocolate from Origins Chocolate Bar.

The theme is empowerment and feminism. If anyone has an online store (or Etsy) they recommend or a physical store.

Thanks!


r/NewWest • • 2d ago

⚠ Community Only 🏡 Follow Unofficial Election Results from the City of New Westminster

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67 Upvotes

r/NewWest • • 1d ago

Question One Fifty Braid Train Noise Question

2 Upvotes

Hey Everyone!

I will be signing my lease from the US so will not get a chance to visit the apartments in person. I got some virtual tour videos of units I like from Management (B13 & B14).

Now I am neither light nor tight sleeper - somewhere in between. Can you share your experience with train honking noise?

Thank you!


r/NewWest • • 2d ago

⚠️⚠️ MEGATHREAD ⚠️⚠️ It’s Municipal Election Day in New Westminster. Go vote! [Megathread]

75 Upvotes

It's election day, and the polls are opening in only half an hour. If you haven't had a chance to visit an advance polling station or mail in your ballot, make sure to vote today.

How to vote in the New Westminster Municipal Election

General voting day for the New Westminster Municipal Election is today, October 17, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Find a voting location through New Westminster City's online voting location map (Printable PDF Version), at elections.bc.ca, or from the list below. You can vote at any election voting location.

To register or check your registration, visit elections.bc.ca or call 1-800-661-8683. You can also register in person on voting day with two pieces of ID (PDF of eligible ID).

Full list of voting locations for General Voting Day, Saturday October 17, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm :

  • Queen Elizabeth Elementary School, 921 Salter St
  • Connaught Heights Elementary School, 2201 London St
  • Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary School, 1714 Eight Ave
  • Lord Kelvin Elementary School, 1010 Hamilton St
  • St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 1010 Fifth Ave
  • Century House, 620 Eighth St
  • Fraser River Middle School, 800 Queens Ave
  • Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St
  • Ecole Qayqayt Elementary School, 85 Merivale St
  • The Armoury, 530 Queens Ave
  • Herbert Spencer Elementary School, 605 Second St
  • Glenbrook Middle School, 701 Park Cres
  • F.W. Howay Elementary School, 91 Courtney Cres
  • Skwo:wech Elementary School, 331 Richmond St
  • Sapperton Pensioners Hall, 318 Keary St

Accessibility and Assistance

All voting places in New Westminster are accessible. Curbside voting is available at voting places for voters who are unable to enter a voting place.

If you need help voting, election staff can assist you, or you may bring someone you know and trust to help you vote.


For full election details, including links to candidates, see the New Westminster Elections 2026 megathread


AMAs

We've been fortunate to have multiple candidates conduct AMAs on this sub for the Municipal election. Read their answers here:

Note that while our invite was open to all candidates and we were hoping to include a variety of voices, no candidates or team members from the New West Progressives reached out to our team to arrange an AMA.


Don’t forget: The BC Provincial Election is one week away on October 24. Advance voting runs October 16–21. Find your voting place at wheretovote.elections.bc.ca.


r/NewWest • • 2d ago

Question Good tax account

9 Upvotes

I'm looking for a good tax accountant for a family member that has not done their taxes in a very long time. Apparently, they forgot! Fairly straightforward but need someone pretty quickly.


r/NewWest • • 2d ago

Question Anyone living in a condo with 2 vehicles? What do you do?

7 Upvotes

We are looking to move to New West and a lot of the condos only offer one parking stall. I’m looking to hear from couples or families with 2 vehicles, what do you do?

Edit- one vehicle is a work vehicle and the other is a personal vehicle. So getting rid of one isn’t an option.


r/NewWest • • 2d ago

Lost/Missing Lost Scarf at Edinburgh, 16th, Dublin, 15th

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7 Upvotes

Hi New West, walked around these areas at 7 pm Oct 16 and lost a scarf that's really important to me. If you ever find it please let me know!

Edit: I have looked myself on the day of at 11 pm, unfortunately didn't find anything :(


r/NewWest • • 2d ago

Question Physio recommendations for post-op shoulder rehab (AC joint rebuild)?

4 Upvotes

Hello there, I recently moved to New West from east van and I'm looking for a new physiotherapist.

I recently had reconstructive shoulder surgery (AC joint rebuild) following an injury. Before that happened, I was an active golfer, kickboxer, and chef.

I'm looking to find a physio who has experience rehabbing this specific surgery—and bonus points if they actually enjoy any or all of those sports/activities...

I've seen lots of people here recommending Jayme Gordon over at Royal City Physio, but I'd love to hear any other local physios I should look into.

Thanks in advance


r/NewWest • • 3d ago

Question Moving from London, UK to Metro Vancouver — would you choose New West over Downtown Vancouver?

26 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’m planning to relocate from London, UK, to Metro Vancouver early next year and would really appreciate some local perspectives!

I’m in my thirties, single, and looking forward to building a new life in Canada. I enjoy being active, playing sports, meeting new people, exploring restaurants and cafés, and generally making the most of city life.

I’m considering a job opportunity near Columbia SkyTrain Station in New Westminster. However, I’ve always imagined myself living in Downtown Vancouver, or possibly Olympic Village, because I love the idea of modern high-rise living, beautiful views and being close to everything the city has to offer.

Ideally, I’d love a modern high-rise condo with spectacular skyline, mountain or water views, in a safe, walkable neighbourhood with good amenities and convenient SkyTrain access. I’m hoping to live without a car initially.

I’d initially be working four days a week, potentially reducing to three days a week after about six months.

I’m now wondering whether living in New Westminster itself might be a better choice than commuting from Vancouver.
I’d particularly love to hear from anyone who has lived in both Downtown Vancouver and New Westminster.

How does the lifestyle compare, especially for someone single and in their thirties? Is it easy to meet people, make friends and find social activities in New West?

For those who moved from Downtown Vancouver to New West, do you miss the city lifestyle, or do you actually prefer living here?

What are the opportunities like for sports, fitness, social groups and activities?

Which neighbourhoods would you recommend for modern high-rise condos with spectacular views, a safe environment and good walkability?

I’ve been particularly interested in Quayside. What’s it like living there, and how convenient is it for restaurants, groceries and SkyTrain?

Does anyone regularly commute between Columbia Station and Downtown Vancouver? How manageable is the journey during peak hours?

If you were in my position, would you live in New West close to work, or choose Downtown Vancouver and commute?

I’m used to public transport in London, but I appreciate that Metro Vancouver is quite different. I’m hoping to find somewhere I can genuinely enjoy living, build a social circle and make the most of this exciting new chapter.
I’d really appreciate any honest opinions or personal experiences. Thank you! 😊


r/NewWest • • 4d ago

Approved AMA I'm Maureen Curran, BC Green Party candidate for the riding of New West Coquitlam. AMA on Tuesday Oct 20th from 11:30-12:30

60 Upvotes

Hello! The short timeline of this snap election has meant there are no all candidate meetings and a very limited chance to get around to the doors - so I'm looking for creative ways to connect and make it possible for you to ask me the questions you want answered before you mark your ballots. A friend suggested I do an AMA - and so here I am, trying new things!

I've been living in New West for 20 years and working in Tri-cities for almost 30. Thanks to raising two boys and helping coach or manage their soccer and Little League teams, as well as being on Tweeds PAC and other committees, I've had the good fortune to meet and work with a lot of New Westies. When I was at SFU, I also got to travel around the lower mainland to work in a dozen different School Districts, which gave me a chance to see what the wider picture is and how communities around BC are being affected by the policies of past and present governments.

I look forward to hearing about what you want to see in an MLA, and sharing ideas about what New West needs to see from its provincial government.


r/NewWest • • 4d ago

Question Teenager activities

26 Upvotes

My daughter and I moved to New West this past summer. She’s new at NWSS and having trouble infiltrating friend groups. They’re all pretty tight groups coming from middle schools together. She’s joined a couple clubs at the school but is still feeling uncomfortable and disconnected. Does anyone have any advice? Are there any after school clubs or things in the community that might connect her to other likeminded teens in the area?


r/NewWest • • 3d ago

Discussion Rmt new west

0 Upvotes

Looking for a "fat friendly" RMT in New West, preferably male. Thank you in advance!


r/NewWest • • 4d ago

Question any good comic/ collectible stores??

15 Upvotes

tired of going downtown and havent been anywhere since the one near metro closed 🫠


r/NewWest • • 2d ago

Old Woman Yelling at the Clouds New shop dt skytrain area…

0 Upvotes

Just saw that they’ve leased the end unit to a cannabis business. Why are we sandwiching the area with a bar on one end and a cannabis shop on the other. I would have much preferred to see another dental office in that space tbh. That area has much more potential.


r/NewWest • • 4d ago

Question Looking for copies of those old b&w photos of new west they have displayed around town

4 Upvotes

You know those old photos they have all round downtown of New West? Is there a place where the city or the heritage society sells them? I'd love to buy some and add them to my gallery wall

Cheers guys!


r/NewWest • • 4d ago

Discussion Construction near New West Station.

14 Upvotes

The intersection by the spaghetti factory was closed this morning with construction crews performing measurements. Guessing they are getting ready for utility work.