New West Spotlight
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New Turf + Spring Carnival

New Turf + Spring Carnival

Issue #247

Carla McNeil
May 30, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

🌤️ Weather - Sunny

😜 Rain Joke - I’m reading a book on anti-gravity. 📖

🔦 Business Spotlight - Derrick Thornhill Realtor

🗓️ New West Events - Variety

🗞️ New West Local News - New Turf + Spring Carnival

😆 Meme of the Day

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Meet Derrick Thornhill: The Realtor Who Calls New West Home

718 2nd Street

It’s rare to find someone who lives, works, and builds community all within a few blocks of where they grew up. That’s exactly what makes Derrick Thornhill of Stonehouse Realty such a local gem in New Westminster.

If you’ve ever walked past his bright, street-level office on Second Street, you’ve likely seen Derrick at his desk, waving to neighbours as they pass by. After more than 30 years selling homes in New Westminster, Derrick has earned a reputation not just as a top real estate professional, but as someone who genuinely cares about the people and neighbourhoods that make up the Royal City.

More Than a Realtor—A Neighbour You Already Know

Born and raised right here in New Westminster, Derrick didn’t always sell homes in his hometown. In fact, he spent his early career in the Tri-Cities. But when it came time to raise his own family, there was no question—he returned to New West.

“I realized I already knew the answers to the questions buyers ask,” Derrick explains. “Where are the good schools? Which parks are nearby? What’s the best route to the SkyTrain?” That local knowledge became the foundation of his business.

Derrick’s specialty is residential resale homes—no flashy new condo towers or distant developments. His focus is right here, helping families, couples, and first-time buyers navigate what can be a stressful process with a steady hand and a wealth of experience.

An Open-Door Approach—Literally

While many realtors work remotely or behind appointment-only doors, Derrick keeps it simple. His office door is open. “The best way to reach me is to walk right in,” he laughs. And yes, there’s coffee ready for those who stop by.

Derrick’s face-to-face approach carries over into how he mentors the younger agents in his office. “Digital tools are great, but nothing builds trust like looking someone in the eye,” he says. That belief in human connection has served him—and his clients—well for decades.

Local Expertise That Goes Beyond Square Footage

Derrick’s knowledge of New West homes runs deep. He’s often been through the very houses you’re looking at—sometimes more than once over the years. Whether it’s a classic Queen’s Park beauty or a hidden gem in the West End, Derrick can likely tell you the history of the home, the street, and maybe even the neighbours.

His community involvement runs just as deep. From hosting pumpkin patch fundraisers for the women’s shelter, to sponsoring local youth sports, to throwing tailgate parties before Salmonbellies games, Derrick believes in giving back to the city that’s given him so much.

A Service-First Mindset

What really sets Derrick apart is his dedication to putting people before the deal. “I always tell my clients—leave your home the way you’d want to find it,” he says. Whether you’re buying or selling, Derrick’s goal is to make the process feel respectful, collaborative, and—believe it or not—enjoyable.

Derrick will often use phrases like “there is always another bus “ to clients disappointed that they missed a particular home. Or, “I’m not in a hurry to sell your home.” I’m focused on securing the best offer, at the highest price possible in the current market. If you’re curious to learn more, Derrick invites you to stop by his office at 718 Second Street. Say hello, grab a coffee, and see for yourself why so many New West families have trusted him with one of life’s biggest decisions.

Supporting local businesses means supporting the heart of our community!

Address: 718 2nd Street, New Westminster, BC

Phone: 604-546-1971

Already know, like, and trust this business? Be sure to support Derrick Thornhill and leave him a Google Review

🍁 Shop Local 🍁

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 22.2 2015 - Record low 7.9 2014

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Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

May 30, 2025

🕺 Dance Fit – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

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

👶 Babytime (0-12 months) – 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

💑 City LOVE Scavenger Hunt Date Night For Couples - New Westminster Area – 1:00 PM

🗣️ English Conversation Circles – Friday Sessions – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🖼️ London Drugs May Photo Walk! – 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

🍔 Between 2 Buns – 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

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

👨‍🍳 Culinary Kitchen – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

💁 Andito Si Ate: A Conversation on Care Work – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎮️ Gamer's United – 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

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

May 31, 2025

🏃 S & O Beer Run – 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM

🗣️ English Conversation Circles – Saturday Sessions – 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

🥁 New to New West Intercultural Festival and Information Fair – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

🛍️ Fandom Bazaar 2025 – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

💑 City LOVE Scavenger Hunt Date Night For Couples - New Westminster Area – 1:00 PM

👜 Trendy Tote Bag- Paint Your Own – 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🚲️ Youth Cycle Express: $2 Drop-in for Youth – (For youth ages 13 - 18) 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

🎭️ Live Music Saturday's with Rocky Riobo – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🍫 Basic Principles of Chocolate – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

👻 The Ghosts Of New Westminster – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

🎩 The Magic Max Show – 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM

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

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

June 01, 2025

🚶 28th annual Westie Walk – 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

🎨 Storytime and Art Workshop with Tiffany Stone (for ages 4+) – 11:00 AM at Kinder Books

👩‍🦰 Mama’s Glow Up Party – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

💑 City LOVE Scavenger Hunt Date Night For Couples - New Westminster Area – 1:00 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

⛸️ Public Skate – 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

⛑️ Personal Emergency Preparedness – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

🏞️New Turf, New Energy: Queen’s Park East Field Upgrade Set for Summer 2025

A Fresh Playing Surface Is Coming to One of New Westminster’s Most Loved Parks

Big changes are ahead for Queen’s Park East, as the City of New Westminster prepares to roll out a full artificial turf replacement starting in June 2025. With the project expected to wrap up by late summer, this long-anticipated upgrade is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safe, modern, and accessible recreational spaces for the community.

After years of service, the current turf has reached the end of its lifecycle. Community input and third-party testing confirmed it’s time for a refresh, and the benefits of this upgrade will be felt across every game, practice, and casual kickaround.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just a surface-level improvement. The new turf will:

✅ Improve safety by eliminating uneven surfaces and worn areas that pose risks to users.
✅ Enhance performance with modern materials that offer better shock absorption, traction, and ball response.
✅ Extend durability, handling heavy use and tough weather conditions with ease, while reducing maintenance costs over time.
✅ Feature updated field markings, thoughtfully designed in consultation with local soccer, lacrosse, and slo-pitch/baseball groups.

This project is all about creating a better experience for the community, whether you're training for a tournament or just enjoying a sunny day at the park.

What to Expect During Construction

Construction will take place Monday to Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional Saturday work.

A few temporary changes around the park:

🚧 A section of the parking lot west of the field will be closed and used as a staging area for equipment.
🚶 Some walkways and nearby roads may be temporarily closed or rerouted to allow safe vehicle access. Detours will be clearly marked to help you navigate around the site.

The City is working to minimize disruptions and will provide regular updates throughout the project.

Stay in the Know

Keep track of progress or ask questions via:
📞 604.527.4567
📧 [email protected]
🌐 newwestcity.ca/queens-park-turf

The City of New Westminster thanks all residents and visitors for their patience and understanding as Queen’s Park East takes this exciting step forward.

Check here for more information and updates on the project

🎪 The Lord Tweedsmuir Spring Carnival Is Back — Bigger, Bouncier, and Better Than Ever! 🎉

Carnival fun awaits!

Get ready for a whirlwind of fun, flavour, and family-friendly excitement — the Ecole Lord Tweedsmuir Spring Carnival is making its grand return on Friday, June 6, 2025, and you won’t want to miss a moment of it!

From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 1714 Eighth Avenue, the school grounds will be transformed into a lively carnival packed with non-stop entertainment. Entry is completely FREE, and for just $15 in advance (or $20 at the door), you can grab a wristband that unlocks unlimited access to all the best attractions!

🎈 Wristband Perks Include:

Gigantic bouncy castles for high-flying fun
Unlimited classic carnival games with prizes
Magical face painting and temporary tattoos
Whimsical balloon animals and custom caricatures
One-of-a-kind “pre-loved stuffy” adoption booth
A special small prize per wristband (while supplies last)

And what’s a carnival without mouth-watering treats? Foodies, rejoice! Tacofino and the Little Miss Coffee truck will be serving up your favourites, while the Tweeds PAC Grill keeps things classic with hot dogs straight off the grill. Snack your way through a delicious lineup of popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream, chips, freezies, and more!

Organized by the dedicated Tweeds PAC, this annual event is a celebration of community spirit, family fun, and the joy of kicking off summer in style. Whether you’re there for the games, the grub, or the good vibes, there’s something for everyone at this not-to-be-missed neighborhood bash!

🗓 Event Snapshot: