iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Community First New West

Patrick Johnstone @pjnewwest.bsky.social · 22h

Hey #NewWest, I’m blowing the dust off my old Reddit account and am doing an AMA over on Reddit.com/r/NewWest tomorrow, starting at 10:00am. Be kind! Be curious!

reddit.com

r/NewWest

Welcome to /r/NewWest! New Westminster is a historically important city in the Lower Mainland region and the former capital of British Columbia, Canada. It is a member municipality of the Greater Vanc...

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Community First's 2026 platform is now live! This document outlines a clear, positive direction for New Westminster, building on accomplishments we are proud of. It does not shy away from doing what is right: investing in the city and people that we love. www.communityfirstnw.ca/platform

communityfirstnw.ca

Platform

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Reposted by Community First New West

Patrick Johnstone @pjnewwest.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

We had some flag raisings over the last few days at @douglascollege.bsky.social & the City of #NewWest as New West Pride launches thier “Extended Cut” Pride Week of great events that mark the Rage-and-Joy dichotomy that is Pride in 2026! 🏳️‍⚧️ Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈

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Reposted by Community First New West

Patrick Johnstone @pjnewwest.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

When we see climate disruption in front of us, it’s not the time to give up on climate action. It’s the time to double down.

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

For many parents, swimming registration has become the most stressful day of the year. Our idea was to offer swim lessons as part of the school curriculum at a reduced cost. This spring, Tasha Henderson and School Board Trustee Cheryl Sluis collaborated on a pilot project.

communityfirstnw.ca

Making a Splash: New Westminster Pilots School-Based Swim Lessons to Ease Registration Stress

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Reposted by Community First New West

Patrick Johnstone @pjnewwest.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

I’m not nervous, you’re nervous. About to chat with Lyndsay Duncombe at CBC about the 5th Anniversary of the Heat Dome, the experience in #NewWest, the work we have done to respond, Andy he work we have to do yet to keep folks safe.

Patrick looks a bit out-of-sorts with the CBC BC studios.

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Reposted by Community First New West

Patrick Johnstone @pjnewwest.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

I'm really proud of #NewWest for taking leadership on this. Identifying vulnerable people and buildings, equipping first responders better, funding cooling kits and retrofits, planning long-term to deal with the urban heat island, and now BC leading bylaws... www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

cbc.ca

The B.C. heat dome had a deadly impact on New Westminster. 5 years later, cooling is top of mind | CBC News

Five years after extreme heat killed 33 people in New Westminster, the city has built out a network of cooling stations and passed bylaws aimed at cooling apartments.

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Reposted by Community First New West

Patrick Johnstone @pjnewwest.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Damn, I’m proud of #NewWest for leading the country on protecting vulnerable renter. We made the bold choice to protect residents; we defended it in court; we forced change to Provincial regulation; now cities across Canada (see Ottawa here) are learning from our example and doing the same! 🎉

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Reposted by Community First New West

Patrick Johnstone @pjnewwest.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

First ride on the AAA multi-use path across the new staľęŵasem Bridge. It’s called “Riverview” for good reasons!

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Reposted by Community First New West

Patrick Johnstone @pjnewwest.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Ribbon cutting for the new Acute Care Tower at RCH! 160 years of RCH bringing care & compassion to those in need - now with $2Billion of investment by the Province since 2020! It was fitting that the health care professionals who work do this work every day were centred in the celebrations! #NewWest

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Walk with the mayor! It's basically a moving version of his 'Ask The Mayor Anything' booth 🚶

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Reposted by Community First New West

Matthew Laird @matthewlaird.ca · 04/04/2026

Is the opposition out volunteering in the community, as this man does on almost every day of his life, or are they at home complaining on the internet as usual.

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Reposted by Community First New West

Kathryn Harrison @profkharrison.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

This is needed, province-wide, to save lives in the next heat dome (and there will be another.) The building code protects those in new buildings, but the most vulnerable are renters in the older bldgs. New Westminster Requires a Cool Room in Rental Units to Save Lives thetyee.ca/News/2026/04...

thetyee.ca

New Westminster Requires a Cool Room in Rental Units to Save Lives | The Tyee

A new bylaw calls on landlords to provide at least one room that stays at or below 26 C in extreme heat.

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Reposted by Community First New West

Brandon Yan 甄念本 @brandonyan.com · 01/04/2026

Endorse

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Reposted by Community First New West

Jen St. Denis @jenstden.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

New Westminster had the highest per-capita death rate during the 2021 heat dome. City council just passed a motion requiring landlords to have one "cool" room in all rental units. Reporting by @kehyslop.bsky.social thetyee.ca/News/2026/04...

thetyee.ca

New Westminster Requires a Cool Room in Rental Units to Save Lives | The Tyee

A new bylaw calls on landlords to provide at least one room that stays at or below 26 C in extreme heat.

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

It's true! @pjnewwest.bsky.social is seeking re-election in New Westminster 🎉 If you'd like to support Mayor Johnstone and Community First, consider becoming a member of or donating ❤️ www.communityfirstnw.ca

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Reposted by Community First New West

Amina @ayasinvan.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Last night I went to the B.C. Housing led meeting on the “Tiny Home Village” proposed on 20th Street in New West. The meeting was filled with coordinated attendees who came to spread misinformation drilled into them by the bigoted chaos agents known as NWP in #newwest. Some of the misinfo incl: 1/

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Reposted by Community First New West

Patrick Johnstone @pjnewwest.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Yesterday I attended the Capacity Café at the #NewWest Youth Hub. This was a chance to hear from youth in the City – who were pretty frank with us about their lived experience – and hear what community support looks like from their experience...🧵

Patrick and Youth Hub staff stand in front of a bright wall mural

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Community First has standards for how we engage with the community, and for what is said in the spaces we moderate and are responsible for. We strive to be welcoming and open to everyone, and want our social media spaces to reflect that. With that, we have created a policy that will be followed.

A card outlining that Community First will be creating a social media policy in order to moderate its spaces.

A card outlining what things Community First won't tolerate on its social media:
Discrimination, vulgarity/aggressivenes, threats, spam or solicitation, defamation, persistent trolling, malicious gossip, personal attacks, misinformation, disinformation.

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Community First knows that providing housing is crucial to helping solve homelessness. That's why we're taking action by approving the Heart & Hearth housing investment that the Province is making in New West. This is how we work together with senior government to find solutions, not point fingers.

Two rows of tiny homes form a small village for people experiencing homelessness.

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Community First and all of New West are thinking of the people of Tumbler Ridge tonight. Tight knit communities are a special thing and it's heartbreaking and scary when something like this happens. We hope everyone near and far is thinking of them as this will leave scars for a long, long time.

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Reposted by Community First New West

Patrick Johnstone @pjnewwest.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

A great Canadian once said: “I ain’t no movie star, but I can get behind anything” #NewWest

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Community First was excited to hear the announcement made by BC Housing to make Purpose Society's shelter operate 24/7. This is the kind of investment that's is made possible when you lead with compassion, bring others to the table, and meaningfully work with them.

communityfirstnw.ca

Expanded Access at the Purpose Society’s Army & Navy Shelter Is Good News for Dignity and Safety

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Reposted by Community First New West

Patrick Johnstone @pjnewwest.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Here is the last (but not least!) of my Top 10 List for #NewWest for 2025: boosting support for non-profits & community partners who make the city thrive. Arts, culture, festivals, sports & everything that brings New West together. Happy New Year everyone, let’s make 2026 the best year it can be!

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Reposted by Community First New West

Mihai Cirstea @mihai-cirstea.bsky.social · 27/12/2025

This New West project checks all the boxes: ✅ Fully protected bike lane ✅ Vehicle access maintained ✅ No lost parking (I don't care about this but it's often the main concern) ✅ One-way orientation reduces rat running on this residential street Should be the standard for all local bikeways!

A new protected bike lane on 7th St New West

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Reposted by Community First New West

Patrick Johnstone @pjnewwest.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

#4 on my 2025 list is our progress on one of the region’s biggest issues: affordable housing. We need more investment here from all levels of government, but here in #Newwest we are saying yes to affordable housing, and it is getting built.

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Reposted by Community First New West

Patrick Johnstone @pjnewwest.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Looking back at 2025, here is the first in my Top 10 (in no particular order) #NewWest accomplishments for 2025.

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Reposted by Community First New West

Patrick Johnstone @pjnewwest.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

Another budget discussion at #NewWest Council last night. Our Capital budget has 492 line items. After 3 years of complaining our infrastructure is lacking, NWP members voted *against* the capital budget with zero ideas of what they would change? (except vaguely "get someone else to pay for it").

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Reposted by Community First New West

Brandon Yan 甄念本 @brandonyan.com · 28/11/2025

New West leading where Vancouver is failing

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Community First stands with Councillor Nakagawa. Hateful, violent rhetoric has no place in New West, particularly on party social media pages directed at elected officials. New Westminster is a welcoming place and our politics need to reflect that.

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

We were happy to be at the New West Firefighters' Charitable Gala last night. It may be the Inaugural one, or it may be reincarnated from decades past, but either way, a very worth cause. It was amazing to see the amazing New West community show up and look pretty snazzy while doing so.

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

CF Mayor Patrick Johnstone and Councillor Ruby Campbell were there last night for the ribbon cutting at the new and improved Uptown Plaza! The improvements include wider sidewalks, more tables and seating, new landscaping and trees, bollards, and the ability to program the plaza for events.

Guests from Musqueam Nation, the Uptown BIA, and Community First Mayor Patrick Johnstone and Councillor Ruby Campbell cut a ribbon with big scissors to officially open a new pedestrian plaza.

Two people are addressing a crowd to unveil a new pedestrian plaza. Large light up letters saying UPTOWN are behind them.

People playing a large version of Connect 4 and Jenga to celebrate the opening of a new pedestrian plaza.

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

Mayor Johnstone rode the 155 bus alllll the way across New West today with @movementyvr.bsky.social for Go By Transit Week 🚍

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

On this National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, Community First members gathered with the community to show respect, listen, learn and remember. New West has done a lot to surface the truth and to practise reconciliation and we are proud to be part of a community where this is important to so many.

Hundreds of community members gather in Queens Park in New Westminster in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Many people are wearing orange shirts.

Mayor Patrick Johnstone talks with members of the Indigenous community at an event held in Queens Park in New Westminster in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

We had a blast at #NewWest Pride this weekend! Our electeds and volunteers loved connecting with the community ❤️ Thank you to everyone who came by to make a bracelet with us, and thanks to the organizers of New West Pride for such an amazing event 🏳️‍🌈

A women is making bracelets with letters and coloured beads at a table.

Three people are talking at a street festival celebrating New West Pride.

Two people are talking, one of them is standing and the other is sitting at a red booth that says "Ask the Mayor".

Mayor Patrick Johnstone is speaking on stage with a microphone at New West Pride festival.

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

It's officially Pride Week in #NewWest ! 🏳️‍🌈 Community First Mayor Patrick Johnstone and Councillor Jaimie McEvoy went on down to celebrate with New West Pride who was hosting a kickoff event on Sunday. With so many more events planned before the main festival next weekend, we'll be busy celebrating!

Mayor Patrick Johnstone and Councillor Jaimie McEvoy enjoy a drink at a table at a pub. There is a Pride-themed table cloth.

A colourful document listing all of the events that will be taking place in New Westminster for Pride Week.

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

We had a awesome time at Fridays on Front last night!! ❤️ Thank you to everyone who came by to ask a question to @pjnewwest.bsky.social or share your favourite places in the city with us! #NewWest We'll be out again at New West Pride next week 🎉

Community First Mayor Patrick Johnstone and School Board Chair Maya Russell sit being a red booth labelled "Ask The Mayor"

A map of the city of New Westminster with stickers on it.

Two people talking to eachother at a street festival.

Someone is sitting in a chair at a booth, and someone else is standing at the booth asking a question.

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

It's Friday! 🎉 You know what that means? Fridays on Front! Come say hey to your Community First team down at Front Street Mews, tonight from 6-10 PM Oh ya, it's Fiesta Latina night 💃

A pedestrianized street full of people, trees, and festival booths.

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

Recently, Community First council members took part in the 2025 Point-in-Time Homeless Count. While results in New West were marginally below regional trends, CF members reaffirmed their commitment to working with all partners to find long-term solutions.

communityfirstnw.ca

Homelessness Count: New Westminster’s Results and Progress

The recently-released report of the 2025 PiT Count conducted in March showed region-wide homelessness increasing by 9%, while the increase in New Westminster was held to 7%.

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Community First New West @communityfirstnw.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

Hey #NewWest ! We're on Bluesky now 👋 We'll be at Fridays on Front on August 8 and New West Pride on August 16!! Come say Hi to your Community First Mayor @pjnewwest.bsky.social , councillors, and school board trustees! 🏳️‍🌈

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