Articles by Janis Cleugh
What’s On: Nov. 12, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Thursday, Nov. 12, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: METROPOLIS SANTAS A diverse array of Santas arrives at Metropolis mall in Metrotown (4700 Kingsway, Burnaby) starting Nov. 12, including Classic Santa, Global Santa and West Coast Santa. As well, shoppers can take a holiday magic photo walk to see the five new installations. Visitors have a chance to win a $100 reward.
Photos: Record number of wreaths for Coquitlam Remembrance Day
Coquitlam had the largest number of wreaths ever laid at the cenotaph for a Remembrance Day service. Coquitlam legion branch’s David Fletcher told the crowd of hundreds of attendees there were 62 wreaths ordered from politicians, non-profit groups and community organizations to place at the Blue Mountain Park landmark on Nov. 11.
What’s On: Nov. 11, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: Honour the hometown heroes who served Canada at war and during peaceful times at a Remembrance Day service from 10 a.m. to noon.
Salon-style recital in this New West heritage home
A singer and composer is opening the basement of her heritage home in New Westminster for a classical music recital. Anna Pidgorna, executive director of the Pickle Underground, presents In the Shadow of Her Locks at The Highbrow (2-1019 Third Ave.) with an evening show on Nov. 14 and a matinee on Nov. 15. Soprano Sarah Jo Kirsch, mezzo-soprano Taryn Plater and Anna Sagalova on piano will play at the concert for 30 ticket-holders.
Photos: Four new faces on Coquitlam council
It was standing room only at Coquitlam City Hall on Nov. 9 as Craig Hodge was sworn in as the city’s new mayor and four new elected officials joined council. Judge Nicholas Preovolos oversaw the inauguration after kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation Coun. John Peters delivered a blessing. JANIS CLEUGH/FRESHET NEWS Kwikwetlem First Nation Coun. John Peters delivers a blessing to the newly elected council in Coquitlam on Nov. 9, 2026.
Photos: Judge swears in Port Coquitlam council
Janis Cleugh Janis covers Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Belcarra. She is the regional arts reporter and compiles the regional events listings. You can email her at [email protected] .
What’s On: Nov. 10, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: Grab your binoculars for the Piper Spit Bird Count, a Metro Vancouver program from 9 to 11 a.m. at Burnaby Lake Regional Park. The event is free; however, registration is required (barcode 8917). metrovancouver.org See the new council in Burnaby get sworn in at the inaugural meeting at 5 p.m. in the Crystal Ballroom at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown (6083 McKay Ave.).
New West painters show art in Eastside Culture Crawl
Two painters who live in heritage homes in New Westminster will open their Vancouver studios for the Eastside Culture Crawl. David Haughton and Marney-Rose Edge are back for the 30th year of the Crawl, which runs Nov. 19 to 22 and includes more than 500 artists showcasing their skills and craft. The Crawl zone is bounded by Columbia Street, Second Avenue, Victoria Drive and the waterfront. Haughton, a self-taught artist, has his 900 sq. ft.
What’s On: Nov. 9, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: FLYBY The Royal Canadian Air Force will do a flyby over Fraser Cemetery in New Westminster between 1:30 p.m and 2:30 p.min support of the No Stone Left Alone ceremony and veterans. The flyby will be conducted by a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Patricia Bay, Victoria.
Healthwise: What you need to know about high blood pressure
By Dr. Davidicus Wong It’s one of the most important of the vital signs and the one most frequently mis-measured. It can be elevated when you’re feeling perfectly fine, but if not properly managed over time, it can result in preventable disease, premature death and disability. Blood pressure is the measurement of force applied to the wall of your arteries. These are the blood vessels that carry oxygen and sustenance to every cell in your body. What do the numbers mean?
What’s On: Nov. 8, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: Grab some gloves and tools to help with the plant removal at the Inlet Community Garden (300 block of Murray Street, Port Moody). The city and volunteers will pull English ivy and Himalayan blackberry that’s spreading in the forest. Registration is for the morning (9 to 11 a.m.) activity or afternoon (noon to 2 p.m.) event.
Sign up to have a Christmas tree in downtown Port Coquitlam
Businesses and non-profit groups in Port Coquitlam can now sign up to have their Christmas tree entered in an annual festival. It’s the 14th year for the PoCo Heritage Christmas Tree Fest, which sees dozens of decorated trees in storefronts and in civic spots around the city with the aim to celebrate the holidays, support local businesses and raise funds for historical collections.
In the Garden: Cooling your home with columnar trees
By Brian Minter If our summer weather patterns continue with ever increasing temperatures and drought conditions, perhaps we should give some thought to planting compact shade trees in our gardens. In today’s world of smaller space lots, columnar trees are making a significant difference in several ways. As a rule of thumb, most columnar trees grow, over time, to only about eight to ten feet (2.5–3.5 m.) in width, allowing them to fit comfortably within these smaller areas.
Ashney’s Kitchen: A festival of lights, flavours & togetherness
By Ashney Rebello | Food Columnist Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a celebration that fills our homes with warmth, our hearts with gratitude, and our tables with irresistible flavours. It is a time when flickering diyas illuminate our surroundings, families gather and the aroma of freshly prepared sweets brings back cherished memories. For me, Diwali has always been about more than the beautiful lights and colourful decorations.
What’s On: Nov. 7, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Saturday, Nov. 7 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: Pick up a few Christmas gifts early at the Holiday Craft Market at Confederation Seniors Centre (4585 Albert St., Burnaby). More than 45 artisans are selling their wares from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is free. burnaby.ca Shop for handmade ceramics at the Burnaby Potters Guild show and sale, on Nov. 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lochdale Hall (490 Sperling Ave., Burnaby). Admission is free.
Photos: Military vehicles roll out at Port Moody high school
Students at Port Moody Secondary got up close with military history today, Nov. 6, in the lead-up to Remembrance Day. For the ninth year, the Western Command Military Vehicle Historical Society rolled out its 1943 Ford GPW and 1970 M151 army Jeeps, as well as a 1944 Chevrolet Canadian Military Pattern wireless truck, and other keepsakes to help students understand about the equipment used by personnel.
Got an extra coat for a kid this holiday season?
More than a dozen businesses in New Westminster, Burnaby and the Tri-Cities are collecting outerwear and toys this month for families in need. On Tuesday, the Homebuilders Association of Vancouver (HAVAN) launched its annual Coats for Kids holiday campaign for the Lower Mainland and Surrey Christmas bureaus. The drive, which runs until Dec. 3, sees HAVAN members open their businesses to serve as drop-off points for clothing and toy donations.
What’s On: Nov. 6, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: Chilliwack writer Loghan Paylor talks about winning the Canada Reads 2026 title for their début novel The Cure for Drowning, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Centre branch of the Coquitlam Public Library (1169 Pinetree Way). The talk, called From Emerging to Famous, is part of the Fraser River Literary Festival. Registration is required.
Contest: Win tickets to Jokers Canada in New West
Attention Freshet News readers! We’ve got a pair of tickets to give away for the New West Comedy Classic on Friday, Nov. 13. The New Westminster show is the first in the city for Jokers Canada, which will be bringing Jacob Samuel, a Juno award-winning comic, to the stage, as well as Aaron Arya (Just for Laughs Vancouver) and Ray Morrison (CBC LOL). The 19+ event takes place at 8 p.m. at the Anvil Theatre (777 Columbia St., New Westminster). To enter the contest, email by Monday, Nov.
Restaurants can now register for Taste of the Tri-Cities
A food festival featuring dozens of Tri-City eateries is back for the winter of 2027 to fill bellies and highlight good fare around the community. And organizers are now calling on restaurants, pubs, bars, breweries, distilleries and food trucks in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody to sign up for the fifth year of the Taste of the Tri-Cities. Running from Feb.
Coquitlam calls for budget input as 7% tax lift looms
With Coquitlam’s new council to be sworn in on Nov. 9, city staff are now reaching out about how the public purse should be spent next year. Financial planners are calling for input on the 2027 budget to help guide the new council on civic priorities. As in previous transitional years, the five-year financial plan will be adopted in the spring — instead of December — to give the newly elected officials time to understand the budget for the coming year.
What’s On: Nov. 5, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS 1445) meets on Thursdays at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (1504 Sprice Ave., Coquitlam) at 9:30 a.m. to discuss weight loss. New Westminster author Maria Reva, whose début novel was longlisted for the Booker Prize, talks with JJ Lee at a Fraser River Literary Festival event at the Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St., New West) at 7 p.m. Registration is required.
What’s On: Nov. 4, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: Business professionals can mingle with members of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and get a head shot for a website, from 5 to 7 p.m. at a mixer at Golbey Levine Lawyers (1401-2992 Glen Dr., Coquitlam). Tickets are $45 for chamber members and $60 for non-members.
‘Meadows of Stone’ tells story of Canadians in a war zone
Her aim was to write a story about the pandemic. But after COVID-19 ended in 2023, Amy Lee Newman wasn’t so sure anyone would be interested in seeing a play about the global illness. Then her gaze turned to the Spanish flu, which wiped out up to 100 million people worldwide between 1918 and 1920. Newman felt the topic was far enough removed, but still relevant for today’s audiences. Still, it wasn’t the story that landed.
Jay Leno opener brings Motown hits to New West
Terrell Edwards hasn’t got a hit record.But the American musician, who splits his time between Edmonton and L.A., can sure draw a crowd.Before …
Contest: Win tickets to ‘A Night of Motown’ in New West
The phone call came while Lauren Coppinger was at the ferry terminal. On the other end was Softball Canada, calling to tell the North Saanich athlete …
What’s On: Oct. 5, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: HALLOWEEKS The Amazing Brentwood (4567 Lougheed Hwy., Burnaby) teams up with Tourism Burnaby for Burnaby Halloween Festival fun. From Oct. 5 to 31, families can drop in to the shopping centre for outdoor movies, storytelling, trick-or-treating and a scavenger hunt. The decorations go up Oct. 5.
Archives: Airship goes up at 1909 fair in New West
New Westminster had a big fair in October 1909 that drew big crowds. A 56-foot-long airship — produced with Japanese silk and carrying 6,000 cubic feet of gas when inflated — made flights twice a day during the exhibition, according to a newspaper article in the Daily Columbian. It read, “Below the balloon is situated a 15 h.p. engine placed on rods on which the aeronaut, Harry Ginter, stands. Moving back and forth on the rods, he balances the ship.” It wasn’t the first flight New West had seen.
What’s On: Oct. 4, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: WEEDS, BE GONE Help the Rotary Club of Port Moody and the city remove Himalayan blackberry from the Shoreline Trail, near Rocky Point Park (2800 block of Murray Street, Port Moody). Meet at the Inlet Community Garden, between the dog park and Inlet Park, at 9 a.m. Registration is required.
What’s On: Oct. 3, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Saturday, Oct.
Hit U.K. play about Lizzie Borden in New West
A play about one of America’s most notorious murder cases will be mounted in New Westminster this haunted month. Bury the Hatchet, a show with music from Out of the Forest Theatre, an English-based company, tells the tale of the 1892 double murder allegedly committed by Lizzie Borden and her trial that captivated the country. The 7:30 p.m. production is at the Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St., New West) on Oct. 17. Tickets at $51/$38 are now for sale.
A weekend to to ‘Crawl’ around New Westminster
An art walk started in New Westminster 23 years ago by entrepreneur Trudy Van Dop returns this weekend. Dozens of artists living and/or working in the city will showcase their talents at 23 venues in the New West Culture Crawl on Oct. 3 and 4. The event is part of a nationwide campaign called Culture Days.
Jokers Canada makes its début in New Westminster
A company that showcases stand-up comedians and gives audiences a night of laughs will expand into New Westminster. Jokers Canada is making its début at the Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St.) on Friday, Nov. 13 as part of its fifth anniversary program this fall. Founder Aaron Arya told Freshet News he and his team are excited about the entry, as well as performing at the downtown venue. “The early sales have been remarkable,” he said, “so I expect it will be a big night.
What’s On: Oct. 2, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: HALLOWEEN FEST The Burnaby Halloween Festival is back with a line-up of activities this month. Starting Oct. 2, get tickets to The Unfinished Nightmare at Exit Burnaby (4035 North Rd., Burnaby), a program that runs until Nov. 8.
‘Ojiichan’s Dragon’ book release at Nikkei Centre
Jeff Chiba Stearns says his new book is the one he’s always wanted to make. Not only is the North Burnaby resident’s novel filled with his broad brush stroke designs, but the publication hits on a topic that’s not always easy to discuss with children or adult readers: the treatment of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War.
A decade of fundraising for the Amanda Todd Legacy Society
Carol Todd’s home is stuffed. The Port Coquitlam educator has more than 325 prizes — on floors, tables, chairs and countertops — for the annual fundraiser to support the Amanda Todd Legacy Society, a non-profit organization in her daughter’s name that she leads. The abundance of gifts for the online auction is nothing new; the society has fared well over the past 10 years to raise money for and build awareness about mental health and digital literacy.
What’s On: Oct. 1, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: FRESHET ELECTION Pick up a copy of Freshet News, which comes out this afternoon at recreation centres, libraries, seniors homes and businesses in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities. Today’s edition features the profiles of candidates running for mayoral, council and school board positions on Oct. 17. Or, check out freshetnews.ca>>Election.
Ribbon cut for new Port Coquitlam sports hub
A new sports hub in Port Coquitlam will position the city to become one of B.C.’s go-to sites for tournament hosting. That’s the prediction from Ryan Clark, executive director of the Port Coquitlam Sports Alliance, which is working with the city to build more facilities to have a hometown advantage and boost sports tourism. On Sept.
What’s On: Sept. 30, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: FIRST NATIONS Indigenous artists will be at Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) from 10 a.m. to noon to celebrate National Truth and Reconciliation Day. The event is open to all ages; however, registration is required.
Evo eyes Coquitlam for car sharing
A major car-sharing service that’s operating in New Westminster and Burnaby plans to expand into Coquitlam. On Monday, Sept. 28, Coquitlam’s council-in-committee heard from representatives of Evo — a subsidiary of the Burnaby-based BCAA — about its move into the Burquitlam and City Centre neighbourhoods. An on-demand service that allows drivers to rent a vehicle for a short period of time, Evo expects to launch in Coquitlam by the end of 2026 or early next year.
Another 156 homes for West Coquitlam neighbourhood
A neighbourhood in West Coquitlam that’s seen a lot of construction recently will get another development. On Monday, Sept. 28, city council voted 8-1 in favour of Quantum Properties’ new mid-rise building called Emerald. The rezoning approval also comes with the mayor’s signing of the development permit. According to the plans, Quantum will consolidate six single-family lots at 564, 568 and 574 Harrison Ave.
What’s On: Sept. 29, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: BURNABY ELECTION Join the City of Burnaby’s election team for an interactive session on voting, the council and school boards positions open and how to get involved in the election, at a Zoom meeting at 3 p.m. The Burnaby Public Library event is in partnership with the city. Registration is required.
13K spectators out for FIFA viewing parties in Coquitlam
The five FIFA viewing parties organized by the City of Coquitlam drew big crowds. The city’s Summer of Soccer game watching events in June and July attracted a combined 13,000 spectators to the Percy Perry Stadium at Town Centre Park and to Blue Mountain Park. Heidi Hughes, Coquitlam’s tourism and visitor economy manager, told the city’s council-in-committee today, Sept.
International award for updated Coquitlam corridor
Coquitlam has clinched an international award for its safety improvements along a road outside of city hall. Today, Sept. 28, the city’s council-in-committee heard how Coquitlam won the Transportation Achievement Award for Complete Streets for Guildford Way. The global accolade was recently announced by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE).
Ride through Sherwood Forest with this Coquitlam theatre company
A Coquitlam theatre company starts its “From the Page to the Stage” season with a tale about a heroic outlaw. Stage 43 Theatrical Society opens with Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood, a play at Evergreen Arts (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) from Oct. 15 to 24. Tickets are now on sale from $25 to $35. George Pierce photo for Stage 43.
Little Miss Higgins’ Harvest Tour starts in Burnaby
Ticket-holders to Little Miss Higgins’ shows should bring a bit of extra cash with them. The Manitoba singer–songwriter is an avid gardener and maker as well, so she’s got her cured garlic bulbs, soap bars, wooden spoons and more bounty for sale at her concerts. “The merch table is like going to a farmers market,” she joked. “You gotta have a gimmick.” On Oct.
What’s On: Sept. 27, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: COQUITLAM CANDIDATES Meet the Coquitlam contenders running for mayoral, council and school board seats at the Coquitlam Farmers Market (1655 Winslow Ave., Coquitlam) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free and hosted by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.
Second project for NorthStar starts in downtown PoCo
A major mixed-use development in downtown Port Coquitlam officially kicked off this week. On Sept. 23, officials with the development company NorthStar joined stakeholders and city councillors to launch LIVY, a project on McAllister Avenue on a court-ordered sale site. Community leaders who attended the event signed a board to commemorate the occasion. Once built, LIVY will have 102 homes and commercial space on the ground level.
Routledge, Blatherwick, Glumac in the election race
More NDP MLAs in Burnaby and the Tri-Cities are putting their names forward to run in the snap provincial election on Oct. 24. This week, Janet Routledge (Burnaby North) announced she’ll seek another term under Premier David Eby, joining Jennifer Blatherwick (Coquitlam–Maillardville) and Rick Glumac (Port Moody-Burquitlam) on the campaign trail. “I’ve spent my life organizing working people to stand together and stand up for each other,” Routledge stated in a news release.
What’s On: Sept. 26, 2026
Find out what’s happening on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities: CHILD CAR SEATS Certified technicians will check car seat installations at a Coquitlam RCMP car seat clinic, in partnership with ICBC and BCAA. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the southwestern parking lot of Coquitlam Centre mall (2900 Barnet Hwy., Coquitlam).
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