Mass Sturgeon Death + Komagata Maru Path

Issue #363

Author

Carla McNeil
September 23, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 ☀️ Weather - Sunny

 😜 Rain Joke - What’s a rainy day’s favorite dessert? 🍰🍭🍦 

 🗓️ New West Events - Plenty of options to enjoy!

 💝 You’re So Sweet - Thank you, Debbie M.!

 🗞️ New West Local News - Mass Sturgeon Death + Komagata Maru Path

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

Thank you, Debbie - you’re awesome!

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 19.3 2024 - Record low 6.0 2015

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

September 23, 2025

📖 Storytime (3-5 years) – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

📱 Bring Your Own Device Tech Cafe! – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

📝 Work BC Employment Services Drop-In – 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

📚️ Young Readers Book Club (9-12 years) – 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🍺 🎲 Beer and Board Games – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

❓️ Trivia Tuesdays at Howe Sound New West – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🪡 Sewing Beginner(16+ years) at təməsew̓txʷ – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

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

Photo credit: Fraser River Discovery Centre

Tsawwassen First Nation is investigating a sharp rise in sturgeon deaths along the Fraser River, where dozens of carcasses have surfaced in recent weeks. One collected fish, 1.6 metres long, is being preserved for a study that will see carcasses returned to the river with electronic trackers to reveal how they drift and where risks may be highest.

Provincial reports show 71 dead sturgeon since July, 65 from the lower Fraser. Nearly 50 were discovered in the past month alone, compared to 42 for all of 2024 and far fewer in earlier years. White sturgeon, which can grow up to six metres and live over 100 years, hold cultural significance for First Nations and have been protected from harvest since 1994.

Researchers point to multiple stressors behind the die-off: rising summer water temperatures exceeding 20 C, incidental capture in fishing nets, habitat loss, vessel strikes, and disease. A recent spike in sightings may also reflect heightened reporting during the salmon fishery.

The Tsawwassen team aims to gather 20 carcasses, document injuries, and use genomics to study sturgeon behaviour in the Fraser. The lower Fraser population is assessed as threatened but remains without legal protection.

🌟 Big news for trail lovers! The Komagata Maru Perimeter Trail in Queensborough now has two brand-new outdoor fitness stations—completed in July 2025—bringing even more ways to stay active while enjoying the outdoors.

💪 Station 1 features pull-up bars and parallel bars, perfect for building upper body strength, stretching, and even rehabilitation exercises.
🏃 Station 2 offers an elliptical machine for low-impact cardio plus a hand cycler that’s fully accessible for wheelchair users.

♿ Accessibility has been a key focus for this project. All equipment is installed on rubber surfacing, making it safer, more comfortable, and easier to use for people of all abilities. From older adults looking for gentle exercise to fitness enthusiasts ready for a challenge, there’s something here for everyone.

🌳 The stations are spread along the perimeter trail, making it easy to mix cardio and strength training into your walk, jog, or cycle.

🙌 Whether you’re stopping mid-run, joining a friend for a casual workout, or just curious to try something new, these stations invite you to get moving, have fun, and enjoy the fresh air.

✅ Next time you’re on the trail, check them out—and make fitness part of your adventure!

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ What’s a rainy day’s favorite dessert? 🍰🍭🍦 

A “puddle” of chocolate cake! 🍫🎂 

Groan O' Meter

What do you say?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

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?

Shall we continue with a daily meme? Vote Today.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in an upcoming issue of New West Spotlight in front of thousands of New West residents?

Not a business owner, but love a local business?

Tell us all about it - send an email to [email protected]

What did you think of today’s issue? (anonymous)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.