September will be ending with a bang in New West.
From civic offerings to entertainment options to festivals, there is plenty to do in the week ahead. Here is a look at some of the events happening in New Westminster Sept. 23 to 29.
For council watchers
New Westminster city council meets on Monday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. in council chamber at New Westminster City Hall, 511 Royal Ave. You can also watch the meeting online. The agenda includes a wide variety of topics, including: a quarterly update on the 2024 capital and operating budgets; fees and rates bylaws (including increases being proposed as part of next year’s budget); an update on council’s strategic priorities plan; an interim density bonus policy (and revisions to the existing interim development review framework); and an update on the development of a citywide public toilet strategy. The meeting also includes a couple of proclamations, an opportunity for open delegations, readings of a number of bylaws, and consideration of five motions submitted by council members.
For education enthusiasts
After a summer hiatus, the New Westminster school board will hold its first meeting of the 2024/2025 school year on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. You can attend it in person at the board office (811 Ontario St.) or online via Zoom. The agenda, which had not been posted at the Record’s press time, is available online.
For folks interested in the city’s future
The City of New Westminster is hosting a drop-in event where residents can chat with city staff, ask questions, and share their thoughts about the future of the 22nd Street SkyTrain station neighbourhood. It’s part of the reGENERATE Vision work that is underway to create a vibrant, connected and climate-friendly community around the station. The drop-in event is on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pentecostal Assembly Church, 2201 Eighth Ave.
For anyone interested in applying for city grants
The city is holding an information session about the New Westminster community grant program. You can learn how to apply, important dates, and how to have your questions answered. The in-person session is on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at New Westminster City Hall. An online session is on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. on Zoom. You can submit questions in advance to [email protected]. More information is available online.
For movie buffs
The City of New Westminster’s heritage crew are leading this Archives in Film event, which includes the screening of Aliens (1986) and discussion of the influence of archives in the film. This event, which is open to anyone aged 16 and older, is on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St. You can register online for this event; admission is $5.
For fans of comics and other fun stuff
New West Comic Fest returns to New West, with this year’s event featuring 50 tables of comic creators, comic traders, artists, and illustrators and so much more. It’s on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sapperton Community Hall, 318 Keary St.
For folks who are intrigued by ghosts or spooky stories
Ghostly Tales from Beyond is the theme of the Royal City Literary Arts Society’s latest Tellers of Short Tales session. Attendees will hear from the sister team of Gina Armstrong and Victoria Vancek, co-founders of the award-winning Haunted History BC. These spooky sisters have a knack for weaving historical facts with ghost stories makes their content engaging and educational. The night includes an open-mic (time permitting) opportunity, where folks can share a short story or spooky poem. It’s on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave.
For music and culture lovers
The Mushtari Begum Festival of Indian Classical Music and Dance promises to be a memorable evening, as some of the finest Canadian and Indian artists showcase their talents at the 13th annual Mushtari Begum Festival of Indian Classical Music and Dance. It’s on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. Tickets are available online.
For dance fans
Classic film scholar and movie musical maven Michael Van Den Bos will provide an entertaining evening looking at the career of Bob Fosse, who is considered a key figure in 20th Century American dance. This sure-to-be entertaining evening – All that Bob Fosse! – includes a look at Fosse’s early movie appearances, his choreography for classic film musicals and television work, and his years directing musical films, including the Oscar-winning Cabaret and Fosse’s own semi-autobiographical All That Jazz. It’s on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. in the Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces in the Massey Theatre complex, Studio 1B, 735 Eighth Ave. Tickets are available online.
For anyone interested in Ukrainian food, music or culture
The first Ukrainian New West Fest includes games and activities, a photo booth with traditional Ukrainian costumes, a children’s play area, workshops, a beer garden, Ukrainian food – and much more. The day culminates in a live music concert celebrating Ukraine's heritage, followed by an evening of regional snacks and drinks. It’s on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 2 to 10 p.m. at Holy Eucharist Cathedral, 501 Fourth Ave. Everyone is welcome to attend; no registration or tickets are required.
We’re excited to welcome Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack) back to #RiverFest2024! Join @coastalwolfpack1 for their Coast Salish songs and dance at 1pm on Sept 28th.
— FraserRiverDiscovery (@thefrdc) September 14, 2024
Check out the lineup: https://t.co/swa2sH0v8M
Thanks to @PortVancouver, our RiverFest presenting sponsor! pic.twitter.com/iKFhkgysWf
For families
RiverFest returns to New Westminster in celebration of World Rivers Day and BC Rivers Day. It’s on Saturday, Sept. 28 and Sunday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr. You can get all the details here.
- Saturday’s fun includes live music, the Lucille Johnstone Workboat Parade, and an exhibitor expo with an artisan market on the riverfront boardwalk and a Family Fun Zone inside Fraser River Discovery Centre (free admission).
- Sunday’s lineup includes activities at the FRDC (free admission) and guided walks in various locations along the river (New Westminster, Richmond, and Burnaby).
For history buffs or water lovers
The Samson V Maritime Museum is opening its doors for BC and World Rivers Day. Community members can tour the Samson V, the last steam-powered sternwheeler in BC and learn about the different parts of the vessel through a fun scavenger hunt. It’s open on Saturday, Sept. 28 and Sunday, Sept. 29 from noon to 4 p.m. on New Westminster’s waterfront (near the Inn at the Quay and River Market)
