Blind Date With a Book + Student Commute Crisis

Issue #499

Author

Carla McNeil
February 06, 2026

Inside the New West Spotlight

 ⛅️ Weather - A mix of sun and clouds

 😜 Rain Joke - What did the raindrop say to the leaf? 🍃 

 🗓️ New West Events - More can’t-miss moments ahead.

 🗞️ New West Local News - Blind Date With a Book + Student Commute Crisis

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Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 12.6 2015 - Record low -9.9 2014

🤖 Tin Man Reveal

This week’s Tin Man stops:

💇‍♀️ Good Look Hair Design
👕 Zesty Lemon

👀 Curious who figured it out first?
The answers are waiting on our Instagram and Facebook pages!

A brand-new Tin Man photo drops this Monday.
Guess right and you’re in the draw 🎁 

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

February 06, 2026

🧒 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 – Friday Sessions – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

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

🍸️ Cocktails and Conjuring at the Flapper Lounge – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

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

🎲 Howe Sound Hitmix Bingo – 7:00 PM

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

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

February 07, 2026

🌿 Ocean Wise Invasive Removal and Planting Event – 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

🗣️ Spanish Conversation Drop-in – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

❤️ Love New West at Anvil Centre – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

🖼️ New West Craft at River Market – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

⚽️ U14 Girls New West Soccer Club Fundraiser Event – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🧘 Awaken the Heart Sound Journey – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

🎭️ PechaKucha Night - New West - Volume 38 – 8:00 PM to 10:00

🕺 Saturday Dance Party at Georgie's – 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

February 08, 2026

🧶 Knitting & Crocheting Circle – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🎉 Super Bowl 2026 at Royal City Curling Club – Bar opens at 12:00 PM

📿 World of Art Beading Workshop – 2:00 PM to 3:45 PM

🎉 Frankie G's for the Super Bowl – 3:00 PM

🎉 Condom Packing Party in New West with HIM – 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Sunday Night Open Mic! – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Find Your Next Book Crush

Looking for a little literary spark this Valentine’s season? The New Westminster Public Library is playing matchmaker with Blind Date with a Book—a reader-favourite that pairs you with a surprise title wrapped and ready to steal your heart.

Using their expert matchmaking skills, librarians have carefully selected books you might not normally choose, inviting you to step outside your usual “type” and discover something unexpected. Whether it’s a cozy romance, gripping mystery, or hidden gem you’d never pick off the shelf, this is your chance to fall in love with a new read.

No awkward small talk, no pressure—just the thrill of a mystery book waiting to be unwrapped. Once you’ve gone on your literary date, the library would love to hear how it went!

📚 Available for a limited time this Valentine’s season.
💌 Don’t forget to tag New Westminster Public Library and share your match!

🚌 Parents and Students Call on Province to Honour School Bus Promise

Image via AI

Parents, students, and community leaders gathered this week to call on the provincial government to honour its election promise and fund a free, permanent school bus service between Queensborough and New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS).

More than 80 people attended the February 4 rally, including middle school students, parents, local elected officials, and NWSS students who joined during their lunch break. Speakers emphasized that public transit is not a realistic option for many Queensborough students, with commutes stretching up to 90 minutes compared to a 20–25 minute school bus ride.

Parents shared concerns about student safety, rising stress levels, and the uncertainty surrounding transportation for the upcoming school year. School district representatives confirmed that roughly 250 students currently rely on the service and that no confirmation has yet been received about funding beyond June 2026.

Community members stressed that the bus service reduces traffic congestion, improves safety, and ensures equitable access to education. As one speaker noted, reliable transportation isn’t just about getting to school — it’s a bridge to a fair education for Queensborough students.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ What did the raindrop say to the leaf? 💧🍃 

🧲“You really know how to catch me!”🎯

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