Patullo Bridge Update + The Cove Turns One

Issue #352

Author

Carla McNeil
September 12, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 ⛅️ Weather - A mix of sun and clouds

 😜 Rain Joke - Why did the raindrop go to therapy? 🧑‍⚕️ 

 🗓️ New West Events - Plenty of options to enjoy!

 🗞️ New West Local News - Patullo Bridge Update + The Cove Turns One

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Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 23.6 2013 - Record low 7.1 2014

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

September 12, 2025

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

🥗 Nutrition Made Easy – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Century House

🕺 Maya & Jorja’s Drop-In Class – 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

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

🎨 Brush Hour Paint Night - Summer Sunflower– 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

🎲 Hitmix Bingo - Howe Sound – 7:00 PM

🎶 Quayside turns 10: Anniversary Show – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Century House

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

🎭️ Thalia Comedy Open Mic – 7:30 PM at Arrieta Art Studio

🎸 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

September 13, 2025

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

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

🛍️ Hyack Square Market Days – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🎭️ New West Comic Fest – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

🛝 Leader in the Park at Westminster Pier Park – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM

🎉 Brazilian Heat Fest – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Thrive Parents Autumn Picnic in the Park – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🗣️ Invisible a Society of Prison – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🎶 Sing to Heal – 4:00 PM at Sanctuary on 6th

🎸 Live Music Saturdays with Angie Faith – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

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

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

September 14, 2025

🏃 45th Annual Terry Fox Run – Registration opens at 9:00 AM

📝 Our City, Our Homes pop-up info session – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

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

🛝 Leader in the Park at Westminster Pier Park – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM

🎉 The Cove Turns ONE! – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🥗 OPA! A Greyhaven Lunch & Social at Stefano’s – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🐶 Animal Health Clinic at St Barnabas Church – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

⛸️ Public Skate – 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM

🎨 Abstract Art Build at Anvil Centre – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

☠️ Death Cafe New Westminster – 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM

🥯 Baking (Ages 6-12) at Queensborough Centre – 2:15 PM to 3:45 PM

📚️ Summer Reading Club Wrap Up Party – 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Sunday Night Open Mic! – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

The long-awaited Pattullo Bridge replacement is now expected to open to traffic by Christmas, according to B.C. Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth. The new span, connecting Surrey and New Westminster, has faced years of delays and rising costs, climbing from $1.38 billion to $1.64 billion.

Originally scheduled for completion in 2023, the project was delayed first to 2024 and then to fall 2025. Officials cite pandemic disruptions, inflation, supply chain challenges, and extended work on the province’s tallest bridge tower as reasons for the setbacks.

While the province says vehicles will be using the bridge by year’s end, work such as dismantling the old structure will continue into 2026.

Local businesses in New Westminster say the prolonged construction has been devastating. Alejandro Diaz, who owns a downtown restaurant, reports that traffic congestion has driven sales down by as much as 35 percent. Many business owners are calling for government support and an awareness campaign to bring customers back once the project is finished.

Critics argue the delays highlight mismanagement of major infrastructure projects at a time when fast-growing communities like Surrey urgently need improved transportation links.

The Cove Indoor Play is celebrating its first birthday, and you’re invited to join the fun! Since opening, The Cove has been a safe, welcoming, and neurodivergent-friendly space where little ones (ages 0–5) and their families can connect, play, and grow together. Now, it’s time to celebrate one incredible year of community!

📅 Sunday, September 14, 2025
🕛 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Get ready for an afternoon packed with excitement:

  • Meet Chase from Paw Patrol 🐾

  • Dance your heart out at our all-ages dance party 💃

  • Cuddle with bunnies thanks to Rabbitats Rescue Society 🐇

  • Sing along with Tiny Souls, dive into crafts, and enjoy storytime 📚🎨

  • Explore local vendors and community partners while the kids play

And don’t forget the amazing raffle prizes—from sports tickets and gift cards to spa sessions, art programs, and even a family photo shoot! 🎟✨

👉 Reserve your time slot today to join the celebration. Can’t make it but still want to support The Cove? Donate here to help us keep building a bright future for families.

Come for the fun, stay for the memories—let’s celebrate ONE year of The Cove together! 🎂

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ Why did the raindrop go to therapy? 🧑‍⚕️ 

It needed to work through its emotional puddles! 🫂

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