Top 5 Livable City + Youth Soccer Fundraiser

Issue #497

Author

Carla McNeil
February 04, 2026

Inside the New West Spotlight

 ⛅️ Weather - A mix of sun and clouds

 😜 Rain Joke - Why do clouds always get invited to parties? 🌧️ 🎉 

 🔦 Business Spotlight - Beem Credit Union

 🗓️ New West Events - More can’t-miss moments ahead.

 🗞️ New West Local News - Top 5 Livable City + Youth Soccer Fundraiser

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Beem Credit Union

A Familiar Corner With a Fresh Sign

At the corner of Sixth Street and Hamilton in New Westminster, there is a financial institution many locals already know. Though the sign looks new, the relationships inside are anything but. Beem is the result of several long-standing BC names coming together, creating a new credit union built on decades of experience.

The New Westminster branch has been part of the neighbourhood for more than 25 years. Some members still stop in just to chat. Others come for advice, reassurance, or a second opinion. The atmosphere is welcoming, unhurried, and familiar. It feels less like a transaction and more like a conversation.

That feeling is intentional. For the team at Beem, especially in New Westminster, banking is about people first.

Built From Many Stories, United by Purpose

Over the last few years, Interior Savings, Gulf & Fraser, and other long-standing BC credit
unions merged to form Beem. More recently, BlueShore Financial has begun integrating into the Beem brand.

The goal was not growth for the sake of growth. It was about preparing for the future. Smaller credit unions faced challenges keeping up with changing technology and member expectations. By coming together, Beem could invest in modern systems while keeping the personal service members value.

The transition was not without challenges. Systems changed. Processes shifted. Staff and members needed patience. The team focused on communication early, explaining what was happening and why. Members were encouraged to ask questions, share concerns, and stay involved.

Seeing the positive results now makes the effort worthwhile. The mergers created a credit union that can move forward confidently while staying grounded in its roots.

Full-Service Banking With a Key Difference

Beem Credit Union offers a full range of personal and business banking services. That includes day-to-day accounts, lending, mortgages, investments, and wealth management. Many people are surprised to learn that credit unions can do everything the big banks do.

The key difference is ownership. Members are not just customers. They are owners. Every member holds a share in the credit union and receives dividends. Members also have a voice in major decisions, including mergers.

This sense of ownership creates trust. Decisions are made with members in mind, not shareholders elsewhere. In New Westminster, the branch has long supported investment-focused members, while also adapting to new families, businesses, and people looking for mortgages and everyday banking.

Advice is central to every interaction. The focus is always on solving concerns, not selling products.

A Branch That Knows Its Community

New Westminster has a close-knit feel, even as it continues to grow and change. The Beem team values that balance. Members range from long-time residents to newcomers discovering the city for the first time.

Many members come in just for conversation. Staff know names, families, and stories. That personal connection is not rushed. It is part of what makes the branch feel like a safe place to talk about finances.

Community involvement extends beyond the branch walls. Beem supports local events, lends equipment when needed, and shows up visibly in the neighbourhood. The team regularly participates in Bevies and Bites and supports Rotary Club initiatives that fund multiple community causes.

These efforts are not about branding alone. They are about being present and fostering environments where local people and local businesses can thrive.

Technology That Creates More Time for People

Innovation matters at Beem, but not at the expense of relationships. The credit union continues to invest in technology so members have options. Accounts can be opened from home. Members can connect by phone or video. Digital tools make everyday banking easier.

These improvements allow staff to focus less on technical steps and more on advice. Automated reminders help members stay informed, while personal follow-ups ensure no one feels overlooked.

Even as systems improve, Beem keeps the human touch. Staff still reach out. Conversations still matter. Technology supports the relationship rather than replacing it.

A Philosophy Grounded in Care

At the heart of Beem Credit Union is a simple belief. When people feel heard and supported in their financial journeys, good outcomes follow. The New Westminster team, lead by Branch Manager, Nazira Nasser, lives that philosophy daily.

The environment can be challenging. Interest rates change. Economic conditions shift. Not every offer can be matched. When that happens, honesty comes first. Members are encouraged to make the best choice for their situation, even when that means exploring all available options.

Success is measured in smiles, trust, and long-term relationships. The team knows they've done their job when members come back not because they have to, but because they want to.

An Open Invitation to New Westminster

Beem Credit Union’s New Westminster branch is easy to find. Just look near the KFC and Wendy’s on Sixth Street. But what keeps people coming back is not the location. It is the feeling inside.

From long-time members to first-time visitors, everyone is welcome to stop in, ask questions, or simply say hello.

From its familiar corner in New Westminster, Beem Credit Union continues to grow alongside the community it serves.

👩‍💼 Beem Credit Union
📍 760 6th Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 3C7
📞 General Inquiries: 1-855-336-2336

 🙋‍♀️ Branch Manager - Nazira Nasser - 604-517-5165

Supporting local businesses means supporting the heart of our community!

Already know, like, and trust this business? Be sure to support Insert Beem Credit Union and leave them a Google Review.

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Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 12.4 2018 - Record low -6.3 2025

🧭 A familiar place. A new challenge. 📍 

The next Tin Man clue drops at 6:15 AM on New West Spotlight’s Instagram and Facebook.

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

February 04, 2026

🍽️ S.A.M. #95 Annual Awards Banquet – 5:00 PM

🎨 Acrylic Pouring at Arrieta Art Studio – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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

🧔‍♂️ Inperson Dark Horse Men’s Group Open Intake Meeting – 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

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

🎶 Spice Wannabe: The Spice Girl Tirbute – 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

❓️Frankie G’s Trivia Night – 7:30 PM

February 05, 2026

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

💗 Chronic Conditions Self-Management Program – 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM

🍼 Baby Social (0-23 months) – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

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

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

🔢 Effective Tax Strategies – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

🎨 Brush Hour Paint Night - Mushroom Forest – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Karaoke Night – 7:00 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

February 06, 2026

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

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

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

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

📚️ French Reading Buddies (6-9 years) – 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

🍸️ Cocktails and Conjuring at the Flapper Lounge – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

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

🎲 Howe Sound Hitmix Bingo – 7:00 PM

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

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

There’s another reason to love where you live — New Westminster has been ranked the 5th Most Livable City in Canada by The Globe and Mail, and 2nd among medium-sized cities nationwide. 👏

The national rankings assessed nearly 60 indicators, including housing, safety, education, community connection, amenities, and climate resilience. The goal? To spotlight communities where people can truly thrive, belong, and plan for the future.

This recognition reflects the collective efforts of City Council, dedicated City staff, community partners, and residents, all working together to build a city that balances growth with livability. From vibrant neighbourhoods and accessible amenities to a strong sense of community and long-term resilience, New Westminster continues to stand out as a place people are proud to call home.

Whether you’ve lived here for decades or are new to the city, this ranking is a reminder that New Westminster isn’t just livable — it’s flourishing.

This Saturday, February 7, the heart of New Westminster will be on full display as the New Westminster Soccer Club U14 Girls Team hosts a cheerful, community-driven fundraiser at Save-On-Foods in Downtown New West.

From 1:00 to 5:00 pm, neighbours, families, and shoppers are invited to stop by 1025 Columbia Street to support local youth athletes who are working hard both on and off the field. The afternoon is designed to be simple, fun, and meaningful — whether you’re picking up groceries or just passing through.

Enjoy $2 popcorn, spin the prize wheel for rewards points, and enter a raffle for Vancouver Whitecaps tickets. Every small contribution adds up, and there’s even more reason to feel good: 50% of all funds raised will be donated to BC Children’s Hospital, helping support children and families across the province.

For these young players, the fundraiser is about more than soccer. It’s about teamwork, generosity, and learning the value of giving back to the community that cheers them on. By stopping by, you’re helping nurture confidence, sportsmanship, and compassion — qualities that last far beyond the game.

Come say hello, share a smile, and help turn an ordinary Saturday into something truly special. 💙⚽

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

💧 Why do clouds always get invited to parties? 🌧️ 🎉 

💦 Because they bring the rain! ☔️ 

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