New West Spotlight Podcast

Looking for unique fashion, affordable home finds, vintage treasures or a more sustainable way to shop? New Westminster has a secondhand-shopping scene worth exploring! In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil takes you on a local shopping tour featuring seven secondhand destinations around the Royal City. We'll visit Pound Picks, where clothing is sold by weight; Found...

What happens when you combine one of British Columbia’s oldest cities with Victorian homes, historic cemeteries, mysterious stories and more than a century of local history? You get Spooky New West. In this Halloween-season episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil explores the darker and stranger side of New Westminster, BC — while making an important distinction between documented...

October rain has arrived, and New Westminster has plenty of delicious ways to make a grey day feel a little warmer. In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil explores local comfort-food favourites, from hearty Ukrainian classics and fresh local meats to seasonal Italian dishes, sourdough pizza and familiar Canadian meals. Whether you’re looking for a cozy restaurant dinner, s...

Looking for something fun to do with the kids in New Westminster? In this family-friendly episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil explores some of the city's best places for playing, creating, reading, learning, exploring and getting active. From the Fraser River waterfront to Queen's Park, from children's books and pottery to hands-on river discovery, this episode is packed with i...

Think you need to spend a lot of money to have a great day in New Westminster? Think again! In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil puts New West to the budget test: what can you do for $0, $5, $10 or $20? From free waterfront adventures and library visits to affordable recreation and an interactive Fraser River experience, we're finding practical ways to explore New Westmi...

Good Morning, New West! Breakfast Spots Worth Waking Up For Start your morning with Carla McNeil as she explores six New Westminster breakfast and brunch spots, each with its own personality, menu and neighbourhood feel. From creative brunch plates and house-made pastries to classic diner breakfasts, Dutch pancakes by the Fraser River and Canadian comfort food in Sapperton, this episode takes a ta...

How many different kinds of walks can you find in New Westminster? Quite a few. In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil explores walking routes and outdoor spaces around the Royal City for different moods, ages and reasons — from scenic Fraser River strolls and dog-friendly walks to family outings, quiet nature escapes and walks that can easily be combined with food, shoppi...

This week on New West Spotlight, Carla McNeil explores Ukrainian food, culture and community in New Westminster. The journey begins at Kozak Ukrainian Eatery, where traditional Ukrainian dishes and baking offer an introduction to the cuisine. From there, we look at the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral and the role of language, faith and community in preserving Ukrainian heritage. The ep...

The Fraser River is more than a beautiful backdrop to New Westminster. It helped shape the city's history, economy, transportation network, industries, public spaces, and identity. In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil takes a curious look at New Westminster's relationship with the Fraser River—from its role as a historic working waterfront to the riverfront parks, public...

What happens behind the doors of New Westminster’s colleges and clinical training centres? In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil takes a curious look at an often-overlooked part of life in the Royal City: the institutions training people for careers in healthcare, wellness, and community support. From Registered Massage Therapy and dental hygiene to nursing, healthcare as...

In this episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil takes listeners on a warm, flavourful tour through New Westminster’s international dining scene. From spicy Mexican dishes to comforting Ukrainian fare, this episode celebrates the city’s cultural diversity through food — highlighting how local restaurateurs bring the world’s flavours home to New West. Featured Places & Events: El Santo — 680...

Lacrosse and New Westminster have been connected for generations, and few local traditions carry the same history as the New Westminster Salmonbellies. In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil explores the story behind one of Canada's most unusual sports team names, the Salmonbellies' connection to New Westminster, Queen's Park Arena, the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, and...

Where should you stay when visiting New Westminster, BC? In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores five very different accommodation options across the city—from a waterfront hotel overlooking the Fraser River and boutique accommodations in historic Downtown to apartment-style heritage suites and neighbourhood stays in Queensborough and along 12th Street. Whethe...

From retro video games and trading cards to comics, anime, LEGO, horror memorabilia, and tabletop games, New Westminster is home to a surprising number of specialty collectible shops. In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil explores five local destinations where nostalgia, pop culture, and community come together. Whether you're an avid collector, a lifelong gamer, or simpl...

Looking for your next favourite restaurant in New Westminster? In this week's episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil explores some of the newest restaurants and cafés to open across the Royal City. From handcrafted coffee and rich Japanese ramen to hearty sandwiches, comforting brunch favourites, authentic Indian cuisine, and Dutch-inspired comfort food, discover the latest additi...

Think you're "not artistic"? Think again! In this week's episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores the many ways you can discover your creative side right here in New Westminster. From pottery painting and Turkish mosaic lamp workshops to paint nights, fibre arts, and community art programs, this episode is packed with fun ideas for date nights, girls' nights out, famil...

Behind every handcrafted table, custom cabinet, and beautifully finished piece of woodwork is a story of patience, creativity, and skill. In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil celebrates the talented makers and craftspeople who help shape New Westminster through furniture making, custom woodwork, architectural millwork, and creative craftsmanship. Rather than focusin...

Looking for a fun night out that's not just dinner and a movie? In this week's episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores some of New Westminster's best places to play, laugh, and connect. From classic arcade games and exciting escape rooms to billiards, board games, and hidden pinball bars, discover local destinations perfect for families, couples, friend groups, and an...

Did you know you can experience Dutch, Ukrainian, Greek, Mexican, Italian, and Filipino flavors without ever leaving New Westminster? In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil takes listeners on a culinary journey through the Royal City, highlighting the diverse cultures and traditions that shape New Westminster's food scene. From hearty Dutch breakfasts at Angelina's Du...

📌 Clipcast-Optimized Episode Description Episode Title: Why Is New Westminster Called the Royal City? New Westminster is known throughout British Columbia as "The Royal City," but where did that nickname come from? In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores the fascinating history behind New Westminster's royal connection. Travel back to 1859 when Queen Victoria...

Every day, thousands of people travel through New Westminster by SkyTrain, bus, bike, car, and on foot. But transportation in New West is about more than simply getting from one place to another—it's about connection. In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores how the city's transportation network shapes everyday life. From the five Expo Line SkyTrain stations an...

Summer has arrived in New Westminster, bringing with it farmers markets, fresh pastries, waterfront strolls, community festivals, and some of the city's most beloved seasonal traditions. In this warm and uplifting episode of New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores the flavours and experiences that make summer in New West so special. From browsing local produce at the New West Farmer...

📌 Clipcast-Optimized Episode Description Episode Title: Patio Season in New West: Best Spots to Eat, Sip & Stay Awhile In this sunny and feel-good episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil celebrates the return of patio season in New Westminster. From waterfront dining and rooftop cocktails to casual neighbourhood patios and riverside strolls, this episode highlights some of the best local s...

In this warm and nostalgic episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil offers listeners a heartfelt preview of the 44th Annual New Westminster Heritage Homes Tour happening May 31st. Rather than covering every stop on the tour, this episode highlights several remarkable homes that reflect the city’s rich architectural and personal history — including Irving House Museum, the Murchie House, Chit...

In this uplifting and community-focused episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores the many free and low-cost activities, family programs, and creative spaces available throughout New Westminster. From free library workshops and family playgroups to seniors’ programs, waterfront walks, and trial dance classes for kids, this episode highlights how New West continues to create welcoming...