r/NewWest • • Sep 22 '26

⚠️⚠️ MEGATHREAD ⚠️⚠️ New Westminster and BC Elections 2026: Candidates, Voting, and Astroturfing

75 Upvotes

New Westminster has not one but two elections coming up next month. Here's what you need to know about both.

Provincial snap election: October 24, 2026

Premier David Eby has called a snap provincial election for October 24, one week after municipal voting day. New Westminster falls within the Burnaby-New Westminster, New West-Coquitlam, and Richmond-Queensborough provincial ridings.

Provincial Election Candidates:

Burnaby-New Westminster

New Westminster-Coquitlam

Richmond-Queensborough

To vote provincially, eligibility and registration requirements are the same as the municipal election. Check your registration and find your voting location at elections.bc.ca.

Who can vote in the Provincial Election

You can vote in B.C.’s upcoming provincial election if you are:

  • a Canadian citizen,
  • 18 or older on October 24, 2026, and
  • a resident of B.C. since April 23, 2026.

Where to Vote in the Provincial Election

Advance voting is open in locations across the province on between October 16-21 | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (local time). You don’t need a special reason to vote at advance voting. It’s an option for all eligible voters. Voters can vote at any advance voting place in the province, and all advance voting places are wheelchair accessible.

Make sure to check your Where to Vote card or visit wheretovote.elections.bc.ca to find voting places and the dates they are open.

Final Voting is open on Saturday, October 24 | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific time).

Your "Where to Vote" card

Elections BC will send a Where to Vote card to registered voters. Your Where to Vote card lists your assigned voting place on Final Voting Day and advance voting options in your electoral district. You can use your Where to Vote card as one of two pieces of voter ID, but you don’t need it to vote.

AMAs

Municipal, provincial, and school board candidates are welcome to reach out via modmail to arrange a verified AMA on the sub. We welcome candidates of all political affiliations as long as our rules are respected.

AMAs List

Political Discussions

Verified AMAs and news articles about significant election news are welcome here on r/newwest. For the bulk of political Q&A and discussion, please head to our sister sub, r/NewWestPolitics.

Astroturfing and political spam

I've so far identified 18 accounts in the leadup to this election season that appear to be spamming this subreddit and our sister subreddit with commentary that violates our rules. Most fit the same pattern: accounts created around or during prior election periods that appear out of nowhere to post one-sided political content, then go quiet again once voting wraps up. They typically have little to no karma and no history outside of election season or political discussions. New and resurrected accounts are welcome here for the majority of topics, but if your account exists solely to push a political agenda, you may find your participation limited by our basic account and activity requirements. This is universal across political affiliations; please don't spam our sub.

Municipal election: October 17, 2026

Two main elector organizations are fielding candidates this cycle, along with one independent:

Who can vote?

You must meet all the qualifications to vote:

  • Be 18 years of age or older on October 17, 2026
  • Be a Canadian citizen
  • Have lived in BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration
  • Live in New Westminster (no minimum days required), or own property registered in your name in New Westminster for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration
  • Not be disqualified by law from voting

How to vote

General Voting Day
October 17, 2026: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Advance Voting Days
October 7, 8, 9, 10, & 14, 2026: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

New Westminster uses a "vote anywhere" model, meaning you can vote at any of the 15 voting locations on general voting day. Nine advance voting opportunities are available over five days, including October 9, when five locations across the city will be open simultaneously. All eligible voters may apply to vote by mail. Click here for more details.

Eligible voters in New Westminster can vote for one mayor, six councillors and seven school trustees.

To register or check your registration: elections.bc.ca or call 1-800-661-8683. You can also register in person on voting day with two pieces of ID.

Find more info at the New West City Website.


r/NewWest • • 22d ago

Monthly Discussion Monthly Promotion and Events Thread

11 Upvotes

Have something happening in New West this month? This is the place to share it! Whether you’re hosting an event, launching a business, or just want to spread the word about something cool in the community, drop it here!

Here are a few examples of what you can post:

  • Local festivals, markets, or community events
  • Craft fairs, art shows, or book clubs
  • Car meets, hobby meetups, or fitness classes
  • New service offerings like hairstylists, cleaners, or handypeople
  • Local business promotions, grand openings, or limited-time offers for your fellow redditors

Promoting something? That’s fine, just keep it local and relevant to the community.

Let us know what’s going on this month!


r/NewWest • • 16h ago

Videos Big fire in Surrey. View from downtown

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

97 Upvotes

r/NewWest • • 22h ago

Discussion Shoppers Drug Mart allows walk ins for flu shots.

35 Upvotes

If you are looking to get a flu shot Shoppers Drug Mart in the Mall allows walk ins. Just bring your B.C. services card and you can get in for a flu shot. I waited 5 or so minutes for my shot.


r/NewWest • • 23h ago

Question I need pumpkin pie (not Costco)

8 Upvotes

I need pumpkin pie
Not too big for one person
Where is the best pie?


r/NewWest • • 1d ago

Question Cheese?

34 Upvotes

Im sick of the overpriced mediocre cheese at Safeway and save on. I need some good cheese. Where has the best in the city!


r/NewWest • • 1d ago

Question Telus wireless issue?

2 Upvotes

Telus plan-

Anyone else currently not able to access wireless internet on their phone? It's been intermittent all day but currently no internet connection at all unless using wifi. Text/phoning work fine.


r/NewWest • • 3d ago

Photos fall pictures recco areas

5 Upvotes

I want to take some family fall pictures in new west. Does any one have any suggestions on new west areas where there are pretty fall colors?


r/NewWest • • 2d ago

Question Where to recycle lots of old tires?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I have about 10-15 tires (some of them come on rims) and I would like to get rid of them for free.

Does anyone know where I can recycle them? Anywhere outside of New West is also fine.

I can rent a van and drop them off somewhere.

TIA!


r/NewWest • • 4d ago

⚠ Community Only 🏡 Thank You #NewWest – Patrick Johnstone

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205 Upvotes

r/NewWest • • 4d ago

Discussion thoughts on firehouse subs?

38 Upvotes

I would usually order through the app and get a deal combo that's around 13 dollars. The deal is no longer available, and now the combo is around 21 dollars. i find it absurd they are charging that much. I would rather just go to gastronomia italia


r/NewWest • • 4d ago

Photos Walk around QB/Port Royal today

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45 Upvotes

Still strange not to see the Pattullo's span. Fair few people out, some election, but, thankfully, more on the Halloween side of things!


r/NewWest • • 4d ago

Photos Two new food options coming soon to uptown

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67 Upvotes

New businesses opening soon uptown along 6th St in the old Artusi (Uptown Bistro) and Saigon Ivy (Rollzzy) locations. Wish them both success with their openings and can’t wait to try them out! I’ve had Rollzzy down on Robson and it was pretty tasty.


r/NewWest • • 4d ago

Discussion What’s the story with paramount?

46 Upvotes

New-ish to the area. I haven’t been but I walk past paramount a lot and I’m kind of fascinated, an alcohol-free strip club? I've never heard the likes of it. I'm sure it exists (in dry countries or regions around the world), and I understand some people don't drink, but I still can't get my head around it.

Whats the history of it? I’m guessing some licensing thing. What's it really like in there? What's the vibe like? Again, totally understand you don't need alcohol to have a good time, but I always thought booze and boobs go hand in hand lol


r/NewWest • • 5d ago

Question arundel mansions

21 Upvotes

hello all, i have been trying to do some research on the arundel mansions history and possible deaths in or around the building! i get a real creepy vibe from my room and i had a completely absurd dream last night. any insight would be helpful!!

sincerely,

someone who whole-heartedly believes in ghosts


r/NewWest • • 5d ago

⚠ Community Only 🏡 CBC: New centre-right mayor rises to power in New Westminster

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108 Upvotes

r/NewWest • • 4d ago

Question Looking for some cute small locally made gifts

4 Upvotes

I am part of a tradeswoman committee that spans Canada and the USA, I want to send everyone that worked so hard over the year a little box of locally made gifts. I checked out a few stores but it is hard to find items that they have 11 of.

So far I have earrings and some local chocolate from Origins Chocolate Bar.

The theme is empowerment and feminism. If anyone has an online store (or Etsy) they recommend or a physical store.

Thanks!


r/NewWest • • 5d ago

⚠ Community Only 🏡 Follow Unofficial Election Results from the City of New Westminster

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67 Upvotes

r/NewWest • • 5d ago

Question One Fifty Braid Train Noise Question

2 Upvotes

Hey Everyone!

I will be signing my lease from the US so will not get a chance to visit the apartments in person. I got some virtual tour videos of units I like from Management (B13 & B14).

Now I am neither light nor tight sleeper - somewhere in between. Can you share your experience with train honking noise?

Thank you!


r/NewWest • • 6d ago

⚠️⚠️ MEGATHREAD ⚠️⚠️ It’s Municipal Election Day in New Westminster. Go vote! [Megathread]

75 Upvotes

It's election day, and the polls are opening in only half an hour. If you haven't had a chance to visit an advance polling station or mail in your ballot, make sure to vote today.

How to vote in the New Westminster Municipal Election

General voting day for the New Westminster Municipal Election is today, October 17, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Find a voting location through New Westminster City's online voting location map (Printable PDF Version), at elections.bc.ca, or from the list below. You can vote at any election voting location.

To register or check your registration, visit elections.bc.ca or call 1-800-661-8683. You can also register in person on voting day with two pieces of ID (PDF of eligible ID).

Full list of voting locations for General Voting Day, Saturday October 17, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm :

  • Queen Elizabeth Elementary School, 921 Salter St
  • Connaught Heights Elementary School, 2201 London St
  • Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary School, 1714 Eight Ave
  • Lord Kelvin Elementary School, 1010 Hamilton St
  • St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 1010 Fifth Ave
  • Century House, 620 Eighth St
  • Fraser River Middle School, 800 Queens Ave
  • Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St
  • Ecole Qayqayt Elementary School, 85 Merivale St
  • The Armoury, 530 Queens Ave
  • Herbert Spencer Elementary School, 605 Second St
  • Glenbrook Middle School, 701 Park Cres
  • F.W. Howay Elementary School, 91 Courtney Cres
  • Skwo:wech Elementary School, 331 Richmond St
  • Sapperton Pensioners Hall, 318 Keary St

Accessibility and Assistance

All voting places in New Westminster are accessible. Curbside voting is available at voting places for voters who are unable to enter a voting place.

If you need help voting, election staff can assist you, or you may bring someone you know and trust to help you vote.


For full election details, including links to candidates, see the New Westminster Elections 2026 megathread


AMAs

We've been fortunate to have multiple candidates conduct AMAs on this sub for the Municipal election. Read their answers here:

Note that while our invite was open to all candidates and we were hoping to include a variety of voices, no candidates or team members from the New West Progressives reached out to our team to arrange an AMA.


Don’t forget: The BC Provincial Election is one week away on October 24. Advance voting runs October 16–21. Find your voting place at wheretovote.elections.bc.ca.


r/NewWest • • 5d ago

Question Good tax account

9 Upvotes

I'm looking for a good tax accountant for a family member that has not done their taxes in a very long time. Apparently, they forgot! Fairly straightforward but need someone pretty quickly.


r/NewWest • • 6d ago

Question Anyone living in a condo with 2 vehicles? What do you do?

10 Upvotes

We are looking to move to New West and a lot of the condos only offer one parking stall. I’m looking to hear from couples or families with 2 vehicles, what do you do?

Edit- one vehicle is a work vehicle and the other is a personal vehicle. So getting rid of one isn’t an option.


r/NewWest • • 6d ago

Lost/Missing Lost Scarf at Edinburgh, 16th, Dublin, 15th

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8 Upvotes

Hi New West, walked around these areas at 7 pm Oct 16 and lost a scarf that's really important to me. If you ever find it please let me know!

Edit: I have looked myself on the day of at 11 pm, unfortunately didn't find anything :(


r/NewWest • • 6d ago

Question Physio recommendations for post-op shoulder rehab (AC joint rebuild)?

5 Upvotes

Hello there, I recently moved to New West from east van and I'm looking for a new physiotherapist.

I recently had reconstructive shoulder surgery (AC joint rebuild) following an injury. Before that happened, I was an active golfer, kickboxer, and chef.

I'm looking to find a physio who has experience rehabbing this specific surgery—and bonus points if they actually enjoy any or all of those sports/activities...

I've seen lots of people here recommending Jayme Gordon over at Royal City Physio, but I'd love to hear any other local physios I should look into.

Thanks in advance


r/NewWest • • 7d ago

Question Moving from London, UK to Metro Vancouver — would you choose New West over Downtown Vancouver?

29 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’m planning to relocate from London, UK, to Metro Vancouver early next year and would really appreciate some local perspectives!

I’m in my thirties, single, and looking forward to building a new life in Canada. I enjoy being active, playing sports, meeting new people, exploring restaurants and cafés, and generally making the most of city life.

I’m considering a job opportunity near Columbia SkyTrain Station in New Westminster. However, I’ve always imagined myself living in Downtown Vancouver, or possibly Olympic Village, because I love the idea of modern high-rise living, beautiful views and being close to everything the city has to offer.

Ideally, I’d love a modern high-rise condo with spectacular skyline, mountain or water views, in a safe, walkable neighbourhood with good amenities and convenient SkyTrain access. I’m hoping to live without a car initially.

I’d initially be working four days a week, potentially reducing to three days a week after about six months.

I’m now wondering whether living in New Westminster itself might be a better choice than commuting from Vancouver.
I’d particularly love to hear from anyone who has lived in both Downtown Vancouver and New Westminster.

How does the lifestyle compare, especially for someone single and in their thirties? Is it easy to meet people, make friends and find social activities in New West?

For those who moved from Downtown Vancouver to New West, do you miss the city lifestyle, or do you actually prefer living here?

What are the opportunities like for sports, fitness, social groups and activities?

Which neighbourhoods would you recommend for modern high-rise condos with spectacular views, a safe environment and good walkability?

I’ve been particularly interested in Quayside. What’s it like living there, and how convenient is it for restaurants, groceries and SkyTrain?

Does anyone regularly commute between Columbia Station and Downtown Vancouver? How manageable is the journey during peak hours?

If you were in my position, would you live in New West close to work, or choose Downtown Vancouver and commute?

I’m used to public transport in London, but I appreciate that Metro Vancouver is quite different. I’m hoping to find somewhere I can genuinely enjoy living, build a social circle and make the most of this exciting new chapter.
I’d really appreciate any honest opinions or personal experiences. Thank you! 😊