Fuel Prices Impact + Queer Art Market

Issue #548

Author

Carla McNeil
March 27, 2026

Inside the New West Spotlight

 ☁️ Weather - Mainly cloud

 😜 Rain Joke - Why do clouds look suspicious lately? 👀🕵️

 🔦 Business Spotlight - Jake Sawatzky Member of Parliament

 🗓️ New West Events - More Than a Few, Just for You

 🗞️ New West Local News - Fuel Prices Impact + Queer Art Market

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

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Jake Sawatzky Member of Parliament

A Fresh Face with an Open Door

In New Westminster, BC, community connection matters. That’s the spirit behind Jake Sawatzky’s approach to his role. While many picture federal work happening far away, his focus stays local. His goal is simple: to be present, approachable, and ready to help residents navigate whatever challenges come their way.

For Jake, it’s about making sure people feel comfortable reaching out—no matter how big or small the concern.

The Story Behind the Role

Behind the title is a day-to-day role grounded in people. When he’s in New Westminster, Jake spends much of his time meeting residents, answering questions, and helping solve problems tied to federal services.

He understands that contacting a government office can feel intimidating. Many people hesitate, unsure if their issue is important enough. That’s something he hopes to change. As he shares, if it matters to a resident, it matters to his office.

That belief shapes how he shows up—less formal, more human, and always focused on listening first.

Everyday Help That Makes a Difference

Jake Sawatzky’s office supports residents in ways many might not expect. From passport and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada delays to Canada Revenue Agency questions and Veterans Affairs support, his team helps navigate systems that can often feel overwhelming.

Their role is to act as a bridge. When something feels stuck or confusing, they step in to guide the process forward.

Accessibility is key. Residents don’t always need a formal appointment. Whether it’s a quick question or a more complex issue, the door is open.

Building Real Connections in New West

For Jake, some of the most meaningful work happens face-to-face. Whether at local events or through casual conversations, these moments help him stay connected to what matters most in New Westminster.

These interactions shape how he represents the community. They also build trust. Residents are not just constituents—they are neighbours with real stories and needs.

He is also mindful of different groups in the community, including young families and seniors, and is looking for ways to better support them.

He is also creating more casual ways to connect. Through “Java with Jake” events, residents can meet him in a relaxed setting, ask questions, and have real conversations. It’s another way he is making himself accessible in the community.

A Simple Philosophy: Start the Conversation

At the heart of Jake’s work is a simple idea: make it easy for people to ask for help. His office operates with what he describes as an “open door” mindset.

Residents are encouraged to reach out early, even if they’re unsure where to begin. Having basic information ready can help, but the most important step is simply starting the conversation.

It’s a philosophy rooted in removing barriers and making government feel more accessible.

Your Invitation to Reach Out

For residents of New Westminster, BC, the message is clear: you don’t have to navigate things alone. Jake and his team are here to help.

Whether you have a question, need support, or just aren’t sure where to start, reaching out is the first step. His office welcomes calls, visits, and conversations from the community.

From everyday concerns to more complex situations, this open-door approach is helping build stronger connections across New West—one conversation at a time.

📍 628 6th Ave. Unit #611 (6th floor), New Westminster, BC V3M 6Z1
📞 (604) 775-5707

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Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 20.0 1941 - Record low -2.2 1908, 1954

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

Friday March 27, 2026

🌊 Spring Discovery Days: Learning from the River – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

📕 Teen Anime and Manga Meetup (Ages 11-18) – 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

🍸️ March Business Social Sips – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

📕 Club de Junk Journaling en Español – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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

🎭️ HEDGELORE: Stepping into folklore Art Exhibition – 6:30 PM to 12:00 AM

🎲 Howe Sound Hitmix Bingo – 7:00 PM

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

🎶 Douglas College Choir & Concert Bands – 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

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

Saturday March 28, 2026

🌊 Spring Discovery Days: Learning from the River – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🎵 2026 Leigh Brandt Muscle Classic – 10:00 AM

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

🌿 Glenbrook Ravine Restoration - Weed Pull – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

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

🛍️ Ukrainian Easter Market – 12:00 PM

💻️ Fraud Prevention: Free Data Destruction – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🧵 Rug Tufting at Arrieta Art Studio – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

📖 Ukrainian Storytime (All Ages) – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

📚️ Silent Reading Club – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

🎸 Jazz Cats Social - Impressions Big Band – 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM

🎭️ HEDGELORE: Stepping into folklore Art Exhibition – 6:30 PM to 12:00 AM

🎶 INVENTED FOLKSONGS: Album Release + Exhibit – 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM

🎙️ Karaoke Saturdays at Kelly & Carlos O’Bryan’s – 9:00 PM to 12:30 AM

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

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

Sunday March 29, 2026

🌊 Spring Discovery Days: Learning from the River – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🧶 Loom Knitting – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

👪️ ADHD Support Group at Arrieta Art Studio – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🎤 Cindy's Art and Karaoke Cafe – 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

📿 March Beading Workshops – 2:00 PM 4:00 PM

🙋 Heritage New West Annual General Meeting – 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

🎭️ Stand Up For Recovery New Westminster – 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

🎭️ HEDGELORE: Stepping into folklore Art Exhibition – 6:30 PM to 12:00 AM

Image via AI

New Westminster residents are already feeling the pinch at the pump — and experts warn grocery bills could be next.

Gas prices across Metro Vancouver, including New West, have been hovering around $2.14 per litre, driven in part by ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While the impact is immediate at gas stations, analysts say the ripple effects could soon show up in everyday essentials.

Higher fuel costs mean it’s more expensive to transport food — especially items like meat, dairy, produce, and seafood, which rely on refrigerated trucks. As a result, households in New Westminster could see noticeable increases in grocery bills as early as late April.

Experts estimate that a typical Canadian family of four may spend an additional $400 to $600 per year on food if high oil prices persist.

Local small businesses are also under pressure. From restaurants and delivery services to tradespeople, many are absorbing rising fuel costs for now — but some may eventually need to pass those increases on to customers.

There are also concerns about a potential second wave of price increases later this year, as rising energy and fertilizer costs push food production expenses even higher.

For New Westminster residents, it could mean a continued squeeze on the overall cost of living in the months ahead.

Art, Makeup and Community at Visible AF

An evening of creativity, community, and self-expression is coming to New Westminster in celebration of Trans Day of Visibility.

On March 30 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., the Visible AF Queer Art Market & Femme Makeup Workshop: Authentic & Fearless will bring together local artists, performers, and community members for an all-ages event at the Anvil Centre.

Hosted by local drag artist Justin Abit, the event features a vibrant Queer Art Market showcasing work from LGBTQ+ artists, makers, and small businesses. Attendees can also take part in a Femme Makeup Workshop, led by a professional artist, offering practical tips for everyday application — whether you’re just starting out or refining your skills.

There will also be face painting for kids, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all ages to celebrate identity and creativity.

Presented by New West PRIDE, Downtown’s Living Room, Anvil Centre, and the City of New Westminster, the event highlights the power of visibility, connection, and community.

🤖 This week’s Tin Man stops:

⛪️ First Church of Christ, Scientist

🍗 Chicken Hens Up

🥛 Coco

🍕 Captain's Oven Pizza

💇‍♀️ Spotlight Hair Salon

🚘️ New West Auto-Care

🤸 Dynamic Health & Fitness

🎉 We have a winner! 🎉 

Big congratulations to this week’s How Well Do You Know New West? winner:

Michael Bernier

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

To claim your prize, please email us at [email protected]. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 

Thank you to everyone who played and shared their local knowledge — we love seeing New West experts in action!

🔍️ Want to play again?  
Learn how to join the fun

Head to Facebook and Instagram to catch the next Tin Man mystery!

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ Why do clouds look suspicious lately? 👀🕵️

⚙️ They’re planning something. 💭

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