Stay Cool New West + Art in Moody Park

Issue #644

Author

Carla McNeil
July 01, 2026

Inside the New West Spotlight

🍁❤️🍁Happy Canada Day! 🍁❤️ 🍁

 🌧️ Weather - Cloudy with showers

 😜 Rain Joke - Why does it rain in July? ☔️🌦️ 

 🗓️ New West Events - Discover What’s On

 🗞️ New West Local News - Stay Cool New West + Art in Moody Park

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Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 35.0 1942 - Record low 7.2 1909

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

Wednesday July 01, 2026

🌊 Colours of the Fraser – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🍁 Canada Day 2026 – 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎸 Brew Pub Sessions: Marten Borch – 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

🎤 Find Your Voice at Mechanics of Music Studio – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

❓️ Georgie's Local Trivia Night – 7:00 PM

🎲 Howe Sound Drag Bingo & Trivia – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🏃 Steel & Oak Run Club – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Connect Youth (13+) – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Thursday July 02, 2026

⚽️ Goals Without Borders – 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

📝 Resume Clinic with BCNSP – 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM

🎙️ Rock Room Karaoke Nights at The Legion – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

🛍️ Kids Market – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

🍅 New West Farmers Market – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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

❓️ Steel & Oak Thursday Trivia Night – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

💃 Downtown's Front Yard: Salsa In The Park – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

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

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

🐢 ASRC: Summer on the Coast starts! – All Day

Friday July 03, 2026

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

🎲 Howe Sound Hitmix Bingo – 7:00 PM

🍸️ Cocktails and Conjuring at the Flappper Lounge – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

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

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

Five years after the devastating 2021 heat dome claimed 33 lives in New Westminster, the city continues to build on the lessons learned from one of the darkest chapters in its history.

During the five-day extreme heat event between June 25 and July 1, 2021, 33 New Westminster residents lost their lives—the highest per-capita heat-related death toll in British Columbia. Province-wide, the BC Coroners Service reported 619 heat-related deaths.

The tragedy prompted New Westminster to rethink how it prepares for extreme heat, leading to a range of initiatives aimed at protecting residents, particularly seniors, people living alone, and those without access to air conditioning.

Today, the city has 13 misting stations installed throughout the community, offering both cooling mist and drinking water during hot weather. New drinking fountains have also been added, cooling centres are opened during heat events, and more trees are being planted to provide shade and reduce the urban heat island effect.

Earlier this year, New Westminster also became one of the first municipalities in Canada to adopt a bylaw requiring landlords to ensure at least one room in rental units remains at or below 26°C overnight between April and October. The city had previously prohibited landlords from banning portable air conditioners in rental homes.

Mayor Patrick Johnstone says the city remains committed to improving heat preparedness, acknowledging that while significant progress has been made, more work remains to ensure vulnerable residents are protected during future extreme weather events.

Health officials say the city's proactive approach has become an example of how communities can adapt to rising temperatures and better prepare for the impacts of climate change.

As another summer begins, city officials are reminding residents to stay hydrated, check on vulnerable neighbours and family members, and make use of New Westminster's cooling resources whenever temperatures rise.

Looking for a relaxing way to spend a summer afternoon? Arts New West is bringing music, creativity, and community back to Moody Park this July—and everyone is invited.

Art in Moody Park returns with four free drop-in sessions behind Century House, offering a welcoming space to enjoy live performances, get creative, and connect with neighbours in one of New Westminster's most beautiful parks.

The month-long series features two afternoons of live music on July 7 and July 21, where visitors can sit back, enjoy local performers, or join in at the interactive doodling stations. Pens, paper, and collaborative art activities will be available until 3 p.m., making it easy for everyone to unleash their creativity.

On July 14 and July 28, the focus shifts to hands-on art workshops, giving participants the chance to explore their artistic side in a fun and supportive outdoor setting.

Presented by Arts New West in partnership with Century House Senior Services, the program is designed for all ages and experience levels. Whether you're an artist, a music lover, or simply looking for a peaceful afternoon in the park, there's something for everyone.

Best of all, every session is free, drop-in, and no registration is required.

Event Details

📅 July 7 – Live Music (1–2 p.m.) + Doodling Stations (until 3 p.m.)
📅 July 14 – Art Workshop (1–3 p.m.)
📅 July 21 – Live Music (1–2 p.m.) + Doodling Stations (until 3 p.m.)
📅 July 28 – Art Workshop (1–3 p.m.)

📍 Behind Century House, Moody Park
620 Eighth Street, New Westminster

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To claim your prize, please email, within 24 hours, us at [email protected]. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ Why does it rain in July? ☔️🌦️ 

🌞 Even the sun needs a water break. 🌊 

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