Adopt-a-Catch Basin + Celebrate Our Firefighters

Issue #392

Author

Carla McNeil
October 22, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌧️ Weather - A mix of sun and clouds

 😜 Rain Joke - What do you call a happy puddle? 👢🎉

 🗓️ New West Events - Plenty of options to enjoy!

 🗞️ New West Local News - Adopt-a-Catch Basin + Celebrate Our Firefighters

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Lights, Camera, Community: The New West International Film Festival Turns 15

When the lights dim and the first frame flickers to life at Landmark Cinemas, something magical happens — a sense of connection that stretches across borders, stories, and generations. This October 24–26, the New West International Film Festival invites you to experience that magic right here in New Westminster.

President Cathy Sostad of the New West International Film Society beams with pride as she shares the festival’s journey. “It began 15 years ago,” she says, “when a group of environmental activists wanted to spark community discussions about climate action through film.” What started as the New West Doc Fest has grown into an international celebration of independent filmmaking — now welcoming voices from around the world while staying true to its local roots.

A Weekend of Stories Worth Seeing

The festival lineup spans eight screenings over three days, each offering something different — from documentaries and animation to comedies, thrillers, and thought-provoking shorts. “You’ll see films from Iran, Turkey, and the UK, as well as homegrown work from B.C. and New Westminster filmmakers,” Cathy explains.

The opening night feature, The Painted Life of E.J. Hughes, is a heartfelt documentary by a filmmaker who grew up in nearby Maillardville. Following its world premiere at the Vancouver International Film Festival, its New West screening feels like a homecoming. “It’s a lovely beginning to our festival,” Cathy smiles.

Other themed screenings include Animation, Tales of the Unexpected, At the Crossroads, In the Shadows, and Canada on Film, which showcases nine short Canadian works capped by a lively Q&A session. “For the price of one ticket, you’ll see nine different stories — and maybe meet the filmmakers who created them,” she says.

More Than Movies — It’s a Local Experience

Held entirely in Cinema 4 at Landmark Cinemas, the event offers ease and intimacy. “It’s all in one venue — you don’t have to wander between locations,” Cathy explains. “It couldn’t be easier to get to; it’s right on the SkyTrain platform.”

The red-carpet area welcomes attendees with friendly volunteers and local photographer Natalia Botero, who captures candid festival moments. “People love taking photos with filmmakers,” Cathy adds. “It’s such a joyful atmosphere.”

Festivalgoers can expect lively Q&A sessions after many screenings, where audiences ask filmmakers about their inspiration and process. One of Cathy’s favourite memories came from a film about drag culture, when an older attendee nervously asked, “What does drag mean?” The moment sparked an open, warm conversation that brought the audience together. “It was such a reminder of why we do this — to connect through curiosity,” she says.

Stories That Stay With You

Each year, the film selections form their own organic theme. “This year, it’s really about community and the human need for connection,” Cathy reflects. “You’ll see it through serious documentaries, heartfelt dramas, and even comedies.”

In one memorable past screening, an Indigenous filmmaker who trained at Capilano University showed his first short film to a packed audience. He made his film on his North Vancouver Res, and all his family from the community were able to see the film on the big screen for the first time. “He’d screened in Toronto before, but this was the first time he shared his work close to home,” Cathy recalls. “That energy — laughter, pride, belonging — that’s what this festival is all about.”

Behind the Scenes and Beyond

Entirely volunteer-run, the New West International Film Festival thrives on local support. Volunteers handle everything from programming to logistics. “It takes a lot to put this together,” Cathy says, “but if you love movies or community events, your skills probably fit.” Those interested can visit newwestfilmfest.com or chat with organizers during the festival weekend.

Looking ahead, Cathy hopes to expand the festival’s reach with pop-up film events and deeper community engagement. “My dream is for it to be a fixture on everyone’s New Westminster calendar — like the Culture Crawl,” she says.

Whether you’re a lifelong cinephile or a first-timer curious about the world of independent film, the New West International Film Festival is the perfect place to start. Come for the stories, stay for the conversations, and leave inspired by the creative heartbeat of your own community.

🎟️ Tickets and festival passes available now at newwestfilmfest.com.

Supporting local businesses means supporting the heart of our community!

Address: Landmark Cinemas - on the Skytrain Platform

390 - 800 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster, BC.

🍁 Shop Local 🍁 

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 16.1 2017 - Record low 2.7 2018

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

October 22, 2025

👶 Mom + Baby Meet Up at Cove Indoor Play – 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 CaRT Peer Navigators – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

👶 Babytime (0-23 months) – 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM

🎒 After-School Drop-In (5-12 years) – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

📖 Reading Buddies (6-9 years) – 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

📚️ Pyjama Storytime (all ages) – 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM

👨 MKP Vancouver Welcome Home Celebration – 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

❓️ Georgie's Local Trivia Night – 7:00 PM

🎭️ Drag Trivia w/ Scarlett Rose at Flapper Lounge – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🏃 Steel & Oak Run Club – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Connect Youth (13+) – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

❓️ Frankie G’s Trivia Night – 7:30 PM

October 23, 2025

🗣️ English Conversation Circles at the Welcome Centre – 9:30 AM to 11 :00 AM

👶 Babytime (0-12 months) – 10:30 AM to 11 :00 AM

🍼 Baby Social (0-23 months) – 11 :00 AM to 12:00 PM

📖 Tigrinya Storytime (All ages) – 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

🍅 Farmers Market – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

👻 Halloween Costume Swap – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

🧄 Gardening: Garlic – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

💰️ Fundraiser for NWP Mayoral Candidate – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Karaoke Night – 7:00 PM

🎭️ Game On at Flapper Lounger – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎙️ The Terminal Pub Colossal Thursdays Karaoke – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎤 Notorious Grey Fox Open Mic Jam – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

October 24, 2025

🧒 Toddler Time (12-36 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

👶 Babytime (0-12 months) – 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM

🍼 Baby Social (0-23 months) – 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

🗣️ English Conversation Circles – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

📚️ French Reading Buddies (6-9 years) – 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

🎃 Harvest Workshop Pumpkim Carving – 5:00 PM and 7:00

🎲 Friendsday Night Board Games – 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM

🎨 Brush Hour Paint Night - Foggy Pines – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

🎲 Howe Sound Hitmix Bingo – 7:00 PM

🎙️ Weekly Karaoke Every Friday – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🎸 Live Music at The Terminal - Mike Van Eyes – 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM

🎙️ Notorious Grey Fox Karaoke Friday Nights – 9:00 PM until Close

🏓 Rally for Health: A Pickleball Invitational – IPOP Burnaby (Lougheed Mall)

As the leaves start to fall, they don’t just cover the sidewalks — they can also clog up local drains! When catch basins get blocked by leaves, litter, or snow, rainwater can’t flow properly, leading to localized flooding on streets, sidewalks, and even near homes. 🚧💧

You can make a big difference right in your neighbourhood! By adopting a catch basin, you’ll help keep it clear and ready for the rainy season. With hundreds of drains across New Westminster, community support is key to keeping our city safe and dry. 🌆❤️

🌿 Here’s how you can help:
1️⃣ Find a catch basin near your home or business.
2️⃣ Keep it clear of leaves and debris.
3️⃣ Sign up to officially “adopt” your drain!

Let’s work together to keep New West flowing smoothly this fall! 💦🍁

👉 Learn more and sign up today: newwestcity.ca/adopt-a-catch-basin

A huge round of applause to our New Westminster Firefighters, who skated their way to 1st place in their division at the Surrey Firefighters’ Break the Ice Hockey Tournament! 🥇👏

This annual tournament is about more than just hockey — it helps raise awareness and funding for Mental Health and Addiction initiatives, supporting both citizens and first responders on their journey toward mental wellness. 💙

By taking part, our firefighters not only brought home a win on the ice but also helped break the stigma and spark important conversations around mental health readiness.

Way to go, team! 🏆💪
Your dedication to both the game and the community truly shines.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ What do you call a happy puddle? 👢🎉

🥳 A “joyful splash”! 💦

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