Walk With The Mayor + Gas Line Ruptures

Issue #183

Author

Carla McNeil
March 27, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌧️ Weather - Rain

 😜 Rain Joke - 😆 What do you call a wet day with a lot of laughter? 😆 

 💝 Testimonials - Thank You, Lori P.!

 🗓️ New West Events - Variety

 🗞️ New West Local News - Walk With The Mayor + Gas Line Ruptures

 📰 Advertise with New West Spotlight - Buy One, Get One Free

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 16.9 2015 - Record low 0.1 2019

Cabaret of Wonders

Discover the Wonder: Magic Lives and Breathes in New Westminster with Alex Zander

Have you ever wanted to recapture that sense of childlike wonder and amazement? Look no further than right here in our very own New Westminster, where magician Alex Zander is bringing the magic back to our lives in spectacular fashion. From intimate theater shows to larger cabaret experiences and even a magic festival, Alex and his "magic family" are dedicated to creating unforgettable moments for our community.

Alex's journey into the world of illusion began early, nurtured by supportive parents who encouraged his "fringe hobby". He found a kindred spirit in Billy, and their shared passion led them to countless trips on the SkyTrain and bus, converging at New West station to attend magic club meetings and push each other to be better. This early friendly rivalry and collaboration blossomed into a lasting partnership, with Alex and Billy now producing events together for weddings, corporate gatherings, and fundraisers.

For those seeking a truly unique experience, the Hidden Wonders Theater offers an intimate setting for magic shows. While often booked solid, Alex and his team, including Billy, Sean, Lori, and Hannah, work tirelessly to bring incredible magic to audiences. Recognizing the demand for their captivating performances, Alex and Billy have launched a new venture called Cabaret Wonders. This exciting project allows them to connect with larger groups at their own locations or in bigger venues like the Metro Theater and Flappers Lounge across Metro Vancouver. So, if your group is too large for the 30-seat Hidden Wonders, Cabaret Wonders can bring the magic directly to you.

Mark your calendars for some enchanting fun during the upcoming spring break! Alex is involved in a magic festival packed with different magic shows. He's also sharing his knowledge through magic classes as part of the Vancouver Magic Academy, held on Wednesdays, and presenting his family-friendly Magic Max show, an outdoor adventure-themed performance perfect for kids. Alex's dedication to children's entertainment shines through, emphasizing the importance of skilled, safe, and inclusive performances for young audiences.

Alex highlights a common misconception about magic: the idea that it's not "cool". He emphasizes that magic is indeed cool now, prevalent in film, television, and music videos. He encourages audiences to relax and enjoy the mystery without feeling the need to figure everything out. In fact, he finds the moments of genuine bafflement, even between fellow magicians like himself and Billy, to be the most precious. It's this rare sense of wonder that they share with the public.

As a full-time magician in Canada, Alex acknowledges that it's both a challenge and a privilege, made possible by the support of loved ones and the community. He extends a sincere thank you to the residents of New Westminster for their continued support of their "humble little magic theater".

If you're eager to experience the magic for yourself, Alex encourages you to check out cabaretofwonders.com for tickets to their new shows. And don't forget the magic festival over spring break for even more opportunities to be amazed. By supporting these local shows and events, you're not just enjoying incredible entertainment; you're also supporting the passion and dedication of talented local artists like Alex and his magic family. So come on out, New Westminster, and let the wonder of magic brighten your day!

Thank you, Linda - you are so sweet!

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

March 27, 2025

🔎 Spring Discovery Days – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🧶 Crafternoon: Beginner Cross Stitch (Ages 6+) – 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🛍️ Season Opener Block Party – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

💀 Death Café – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

🧵 Needle Felting Workshop – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎸 Ukulele 101 (Ages 8+) – 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

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

🎩 The Magic Festival: An Evening of Magic – 7:00 PM at Rick Bronson's House of Comedy

🎙️ 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

🎭️ 20th Annual The Donspiel (2025) – Royal City Curling Club

🎸 Led Zep Again – Massey Theatre

March 28, 2025

🔎 Spring Discovery Days – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🎩 The Magic Festival: Kids Magic Show w/ Magic Max – 1:00 PM at Hidden Wonders Showroom

🍔 Between 2 Buns – 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

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

🎨 Brush Hour Paint Night - Cosmic Peaks – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

🎭️ Retro Games Night (Melody Mangler) – 7:00 PM at Flapper Lounge

🪄 The Magic Festival: Magic at the Metro – 7:00 PM at Metro Hall

🎭️ Black Watch by Gregory Burke – 7:30 PM to 9:00 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

🎭️ 20th Annual The Donspiel (2025) – Royal City Curling Club

🎲 Board Night Game – Phantom Alley

March 29, 2025

🏓 Pickleball Doubles League 2025 Winter Season – 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

🔎 Spring Discovery Days – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Child Benefits in Canada – 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

📚️ Book Launch: Isabella Mori's "Believe Me" – 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🤖 Sphero Free Play (All Ages) – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🥂 50th Anniversary Celebration – 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM

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

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

🎭️ 20th Annual The Donspiel (2025) – Royal City Curling Club

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

New Westminster residents—lace up your walking shoes and step outside! Walk with the Mayor is back, and Mayor Patrick Johnstone is inviting YOU to join a series of guided community walks as part of the WALK30 Challenge. This is your chance to get moving, explore different neighborhoods, and chat casually with the mayor about the city’s future—all while enjoying some fresh air!

🌳 Upcoming Walks with Mayor Patrick Johnstone

📅 April 1, 2025 – Ryall Park Walk
⏰ 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Starting Point: Ryall Park (Salter Street Entrance)
🚶 Route: A scenic 3-kilometer riverfront loop along South Dyke Road, where you’ll soak in waterfront views and discuss the mental health benefits of urban green spaces.

📅 April 12, 2025 – 22nd Street Walk
⏰ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Starting Point: 22nd Street Station
🚶 Route: A 2-kilometer journey through the Westend and Connaught Heights, featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the 22nd Street Station Vision and upcoming changes in the neighborhood.

📅 April 15, 2025 – Massey-Victory Heights Walk
⏰ 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Starting Point: Skwo:wech Elementary School (Devoy Street Entrance)
🚶 Route: A 1.5-kilometer loop (with a few hills!) through Massey-Victory Heights, focusing on New Westminster’s Official Community Plan and the new People, Parks, and Play strategy for city parks.

🌦️ Rain or shine, the walks are ON! No registration is needed—just show up at the scheduled time and place, ready to walk and chat.

💲 Cost: Free
🌐 More Info: Visit the WALK30 website to learn more.

With routes lasting just 25 to 45 minutes, this is a fantastic way to get some steps in, explore the city, and connect with your community. Whether you want to discuss local issues, meet new people, or simply enjoy a walk in good company—this is your invitation.

🚶‍♂️ Will we see you there?

A construction accident caused a significant gas leak on Sixth Street in Uptown New Westminster yesterday morning, leading to street closures and temporary business shutdowns.

The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. on March 26, when an excavator struck a gas line during roadwork near Belmont Street. Emergency crews from New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services responded promptly to ensure the area was secure and free from ignition hazards.

As a precaution, Sixth Street was closed to traffic and pedestrians between Fifth and Sixth avenues. While Westminster Centre remained open, businesses on the west side of Sixth Street were temporarily closed.

FortisBC crews arrived on-site to assess the damage and managed to bring the gas leak under control by 11:15 a.m. Repairs were completed by approximately 2:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon.

Following initial containment, the street reopened to single-lane traffic. Most businesses resumed operations, though two commercial establishments remained without gas service. FortisBC stated that gas would be restored to the affected businesses once final repairs were completed.

The New Westminster Police Department thanked the public for their patience and advised drivers and pedestrians to remain cautious while crews finalized the restoration process.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

😆 What do you call a wet day with a lot of laughter? 😆

💦 A “splash” of fun! 🌊 

Groan O' Meter

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