Door-to-Door Scam + WALK30 Challenge

Issue #552

Author

Carla McNeil
March 31, 2026

Inside the New West Spotlight

 ⛅️ Weather - Cloudy with sunny breaks

 😜 Rain Joke - Why is the weather so moody lately? ❄️🌸☀️🍂

 🗓️ New West Events - Find Your Next Local Spot

 💝 You’re So Sweet - Thank you, Sylvia P.!

 🗞️ New West Local News - Door-to-Door Scam + WALK30 Challenge

 🔗 Use the links above to skip to your favorite section.

 📧 Did someone forward you our New West Spotlight? You can Subscribe Here!

Thank you, Sylvia - you’re awesome!

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 22.2 1900 - Record low -1.1 1880, 1935,1936, 1945

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

Tuesday March 31, 2026

 🫖 Tea & Talk With MP Jake Sawaksky - Inn at the Quay 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🎤 Ukulele Level 1 at Mechanics of Music Studio – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

🚢 Faces of the Fraser: Marine Industry – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

🍺 Steel & Oak Beer and Board Games – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 Howe Sound Hot B*tch Rock & Roll Bingo – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎭️ Notorious Grey Fox Trivia Tuesdays – 7:00 PM

💃 Intro to Social Swing Dancing (6 Weeks) – 7:00 PM t 8:15 PM

🕺 Repertoire and Sequences (6 Weeks) – 8:30 PM t 9:45 PM

Wednesday April 01, 2026

☕️ April Waves Wednesday – 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

🎨 Acrylic Pouring at Arrieta Art Studio – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

🎤 Find Your Voice at Mechanics of Music Studio – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

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

🎲 Howe Sound Drag Bingo & Trivia – 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

Thursday April 02, 2026

🌳 Tree Sales Online – 10:00 AM

👪️ Family Place Storytime & Play Lab – 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

📝 Resume Clinic with BCNSP – 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

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

❓️ Steel & Oak Thursday Trivia Night – 7:00 PM to 9:00 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

Seniors Targeted in Suspected Home Repair Scam

A recent incident in New Westminster is raising concerns about door-to-door scams targeting seniors, after a vigilant neighbour helped prevent a potential fraud.

On March 25, police responded after a resident raised concerns about her 90-year-old neighbour. Two men in an unmarked vehicle had reportedly approached the senior, offering chimney cleaning and sealing services and requesting a large upfront payment.

Officers later learned the resident had been asked to pay $12,000, and advised her not to proceed. The investigation remains ongoing.

The situation highlights a common scam tactic, where individuals offer unsolicited home repair services, often using high-pressure sales tactics or false claims of urgent damage to convince homeowners to pay large sums — sometimes in cash.

Police are reminding residents to take their time, verify businesses, and consult someone they trust before agreeing to any unexpected services.

The incident also underscores the strength of the New West community, where neighbours look out for one another.

Looking for a simple way to boost your health this spring? The WALK30 Challenge is back this April, inviting New Westminster residents to get moving and join a region-wide push for more daily walking.

The goal is simple: walk for 30 minutes a day throughout April. Whether it’s a stroll through your neighbourhood, running errands on foot, or exploring local trails, every step supports better physical and mental well-being.

As part of the challenge, Mayor Patrick Johnstone will host a series of “Walk with the Mayor” events, offering a chance to connect, get active, and chat about local issues.

🗓 Walk with the Mayor Schedule

📍 April 8 | 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. — Queensborough (Port Royal)
A scenic Fraser River walk starting at the Q2Q Ferry dock, exploring the Queensborough Perimeter Trail. Topics include flood preparation, neighbourhood growth, and the Q2Q Ferry.
(~40 mins | 2.6 km | mostly flat, some uneven surfaces)

📍 April 16 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. — Victoria Hill & Glenbrook Ravine
A nature-focused walk starting at Queen’s Park Arena, passing through Victoria Hill and Glenbrook Ravine. Discussions include parks and invasive species.
(~55 mins | 3 km | stairs, uneven paths, moderate hills)

📍 April 22 | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. — Brow of the Hill
A neighbourhood walk starting at Toronto Place Park, with conversations around housing, renters, and community growth.
(~45 mins | 2.6 km | moderate to low grades)

All walks are free, drop-in, and take place rain or shine — no registration required.

In addition to the walks, participants can join the broader WALK30 Challenge for a chance to win prizes while building healthier habits.

🔍️ Spot the details

Today’s Tin Man mystery has some great clues.

🎁 This week’s prize (Mar 26 - Apr 01):
Win a $50 Gift Certificate from Vita Felice Medi Spa.

Think you know the spot?
Head to Facebook and Instagram and drop your guess.

🎉 Third time’s the charm!

Our previous winners were unable to claim the prize within the 48-hour window, so we spun the wheel again… and we officially have a new winner!

Geraldine Patricia

You’ve won One Ukulele with Two Lessons from Neil Douglas Guitar Shop 🎸

To claim your prize, please email us within 48 hours at
[email protected]

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ Why is the weather so moody lately? ❄️🌸☀️🍂

🤷‍♀️ It can’t decide what season it wants to be. 🌤️🌧️

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