Lumber Mill Struggles + New West Cultural Crawl

Issue #364

Author

Carla McNeil
September 24, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 ☀️ Weather - Mainly Sunny

 😜 Rain Joke - Why did the rain join a dance class? 💃🕺 

 🗓️ New West Events - Plenty of options to enjoy!

 🗞️ New West Local News - Lumber Mill Struggles + New West Cultural Crawl

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

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 20.3 2014 - Record low 8.3 2018, 2023

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

September 24, 2025

💰️ Financial Aid (Welfare) Worker at NWPL – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

👶 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

🤝 Connect at the Quay at Dehl’s Gourmet – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

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

🎨 Family Paint Party at Taverna Greka – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

🏃 Run Club  – 7:00 PM

📝 Famous Last Words New Westminster – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

👦👧 Connect Youth (13+) – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

🎤 Open Mic Jam at Bully’s Studio – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

❓️ Trivia Night at Frankie G’s – 7:30 PM

September 25, 2025

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

🍼 Baby Social (0-23 months) at NWPL – 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM

🗣️ The Talking Circle at Anvil Centre – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🍅 Farmers Market – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

👮 NWPD Recruit Networking Event – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

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

🎭️ Game On with Melody Mangler at Flapper Lounge – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

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

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

🎭️ Vagabond Players Presents Making A Killing – 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

September 26, 2025

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

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

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

🎶 Live Music with Rocky Riobo at Flapper Lounge – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

🎲 Friendsday Night Board Games – Doors open at 6:00 PM

🎲 Hitmix Bingo - Howe Sound – 7:00 PM

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

💃 Live Band Swing Dance at Sapperton Hall – 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

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

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

🎲 Board Night Game – Phantom Alley

Image via AI

Canada has stepped back from two long-standing legal battles with the U.S. over softwood lumber duties, disputes dating back to 2017 and 2019. Ottawa says the move is intended to improve the chances of reaching a broader trade deal, but the decision is leaving British Columbia’s forestry sector facing immediate challenges.

In New Westminster, Kermode Forest Products is among those hit hardest. About a quarter of its lumber supply is sold to American buyers, but with U.S. duties now climbing to 35 per cent, the company is seeing higher costs, reduced demand, and growing financial pressure. The uncertainty is raising concerns for local workers and suppliers who depend on the mill’s operations.

Industry groups warn that while the federal strategy may support long-term negotiations, small processors are left exposed to soaring tariffs. Across B.C., lumber distributors have already seen prices rise and customers back away.

The provincial government says it will launch two programs with Ottawa to support workers and communities affected by the tariffs. For cities like New Westminster, where the forestry sector remains a vital employer, the outcome of the dispute could have lasting economic consequences.

Explore, Collect, Win

🎉 Get ready, New West! The 22nd Annual Cultural Crawl is back October 4–5, 2025 (11 am–5 pm) — and this year, we’re leveling up with something totally NEW: a FREE gamified digital passport! 📲✨

For one epic weekend, New Westminster will transform into a citywide playground of art, culture, and creativity. Studios, galleries, museums, and cultural venues — more than 50 stops! — are throwing open their doors, inviting you to explore, discover, and play.

🔥 Here’s the game plan:
✅ Check In – Visit as many venues and events as you can.
✅ Score Points – Every stop gets you closer to the win.
✅ Claim Prizes – Redeem your points for awesome New West–themed rewards.
✅ Play Free – No app, no hassle, just fun.

🚀 Getting started is EASY:
1️⃣ Sign up at tourismnewwestminster.com/new-west-cultural-crawl
2️⃣ Get your passport instantly by text + email.
3️⃣ Check in with QR codes + GPS during the Crawl.
4️⃣ Rack up points + snag prizes! 🎁

🌟 Don’t just see the Crawl — EXPERIENCE it like never before.
👉 Sign up today and let the adventure begin!

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ Why did the rain join a dance class? 💃🕺 

It wanted to learn how to “sway”! 💃🎶

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