Climate Action Levy + Farmers’ Market Awards

New Westminster residents will see a change to the city’s climate-related utility charges beginning next year, following council’s decision to eliminate the 3.5 per cent climate action levy effective January 1, 2027.

At a special meeting on November 6, council voted 6-1 in favour of removing the levy as part of its discussions on the 2027 budget. The levy is collected from electric utility customers and generates approximately $2 million annually for the city’s Climate Action Reserve Fund.

The motion was supported by Mayor Daniel Fontaine and councillors Ken Armstrong, Karima Budhwani, Rick Folka, Paul Minhas and Maryann Morrison. Councillor Tasha Henderson voted against it, raising concerns about how the city would continue funding its climate initiatives without the annual revenue.

Henderson noted that the levy supports the city's climate team and questioned whether eliminating it would mean cutting climate programs or finding alternative funding. She also pointed to the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Plan, which council unanimously adopted on October 5, with implementation already underway.

Folka described the levy as a tax on green energy paid by New Westminster residents, while Henderson said removing the $2 million in annual revenue would be equivalent to a two per cent property tax increase.

The Climate Action Reserve Fund was established in 2022 using $26 million from the sale of provincial low-carbon fuel standard credits. It was intended to support one-time investments in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help the city prepare for climate impacts.

The decision comes as questions remain about how New Westminster will fund its climate adaptation and mitigation work moving forward.

Read the Original Freshet News Article

🍅 Shine a Spotlight on Your Favourite Farmers’ Market, Vendor or Volunteer!

Know a farmers’ market, vendor or community champion who makes a difference? Now’s the time to give them the recognition they deserve! Nominations are officially open for the 2026 BC Farmers’ Market Awards, celebrating the people and organizations who help bring fresh local food, talented artisans and stronger community connections to neighbourhoods across British Columbia.

The annual awards recognize outstanding contributions in several categories, including farmers’ markets, market managers, farm and non-farm vendors, volunteers, live entertainers, community partners, youth engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

There’s also a special local connection for New Westminster: the New West Farmers’ Market was last year’s winner in the Medium Market category, making this a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people and markets that help keep local food communities thriving.

Members of the public, vendors and eligible farmers’ markets can submit nominations in several categories. Whether it's a market that brings neighbours together, a vendor whose products make every visit special or a volunteer who goes above and beyond, this is a chance to shine a spotlight on their contributions.

Nominations close Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Longlist nominees are expected to be announced December 17, with award winners celebrated online following the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets Annual General Meeting on March 9, 2027.

Have someone in mind? Don't wait to show your appreciation!

Submit Your Nomination Before December 13!

Click here to submit your question to our local Lawyer Cassady Law LLP

⏰ FINAL CALL, DETECTIVES!

Today is the LAST DAY to guess for this week’s prize!

🎁 This week’s prize (November 5 - November 11):
Win a Gift Card for Local Business or Grocery Store from Lower Mainland Purpose Society

Head to Facebook and Instagram and drop your guess.
👉 Your play guide is here.

You play on Facebook and Instagram. You win in the newsletter.

Thanks to Dynamic Health & Fitness and Fuel Hut for sponsoring

🕵 “The First Detective on the Scene” 🕵‍♀️ monthly prize!

⛈ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧

🌧️ Why did the umbrella quit its job? 🌂💨

Too much pressure from above. ☔

Groan O' Meter

What do you say?

Meme of the Day

Brought to you by New West Spotlight Daily Digital Newsletter

What’s faster than word of mouth? New West Spotlight! It keeps you updated on what is happening locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

Who else do you know in New West who might also enjoy reading the New West Spotlight?

Click to Share the newsletter

Shall we continue with a daily meme? Vote Today.

Want to see your local business in the spotlight?
We’d love to feature you in an upcoming issue of New West Spotlight, where thousands of New West residents discover what’s new and local.

Check out our advertising options here.

Not a business owner but have a favorite local spot?

Tell us all about it - email us at [email protected]

Climate Action Levy + Farmers’ Market Awards

Inside the New West Spotlight

Read New West Spotlight Onlin

Wednesday November 11, 2026

Thursday November 12, 2026

Friday November 13, 2026

📝 New Westminster to Eliminate 3.5% Climate Action Levy in January 2027