Patrick Johnstone
@pjnewwest.bsky.social
Mayor of New Westminster, though nothing here is Official City Communications.
Go Dumples!
Go Dumples!
Pinned
Patrick Johnstone
@pjnewwest.bsky.social
· Nov 15
Hey new followers. I’m an Environmental Geologist who became Mayor of a really cool city. Historic (by Canadian west coast standards), young & diverse (in demographics), dense, transit-oriented, compassionate, and punching above our weight on climate, housing, & reconciliation. It’s called #NewWest
This aligns with my argument that no-one hates (other) cars more than everyone in a car.
If you think pedestrians and cyclists, don’t particularly like sharing the road with drivers, wait till you meet other drivers.
Drivers are probably the most anti-driver people out there.
Drivers are probably the most anti-driver people out there.
December 6, 2025 at 5:31 PM
This aligns with my argument that no-one hates (other) cars more than everyone in a car.
Carney is looking more like Stephen Harper every day of this government.
NEW: Hundreds of public servants are being let go at federal agencies that monitor climate risks, @natashabulowski.bsky.social reports
Cuts at Natural Resources Canada ‘decimate’ wildfire and flood tracking capacity, unions warn
Carney's cuts have hit Natural Resources Canada, causing uproar from public sector unions warning the layoffs will hurt Canada's ability to respond to cliamte change and protect Canadians from wildfir...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 6, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Carney is looking more like Stephen Harper every day of this government.
It was great to meet with and talk about small business networks with Aaron from the Better Way Alliance this week. Thank you Tasha for your great work bringing leaders from around the region together to coordinate advocacy during BC Buy Local Week!
www.communityfirstnw.ca/local_busine...
www.communityfirstnw.ca/local_busine...
Local businesses are struggling, but some local Councillors have a solution.
www.communityfirstnw.ca
December 5, 2025 at 8:15 PM
It was great to meet with and talk about small business networks with Aaron from the Better Way Alliance this week. Thank you Tasha for your great work bringing leaders from around the region together to coordinate advocacy during BC Buy Local Week!
www.communityfirstnw.ca/local_busine...
www.communityfirstnw.ca/local_busine...
Yesterday, the PBO said Canada can only afford to build 3.7% of the non-market housing that we need to address our going gap.
Today Canada announced we bought $3.6 Billion worth of bombs.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Today Canada announced we bought $3.6 Billion worth of bombs.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Defence minister says 'we're good' to meet 2% NATO spending target by March | CBC News
Defence Minister David McGuinty assured MPs on Thursday that the federal government is on its way to meeting NATO's old, politically charged spending target of two per cent of GDP — just as the Wester...
www.cbc.ca
December 5, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Yesterday, the PBO said Canada can only afford to build 3.7% of the non-market housing that we need to address our going gap.
Today Canada announced we bought $3.6 Billion worth of bombs.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Today Canada announced we bought $3.6 Billion worth of bombs.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Looks like no help from the Feds on Housing:
"That modest contribution... would lead to the construction of just 26,000 new units over the next five years, 13,000 of which would be affordable homes for low-income households — or about 3.7 per cent of the housing gap"
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
"That modest contribution... would lead to the construction of just 26,000 new units over the next five years, 13,000 of which would be affordable homes for low-income households — or about 3.7 per cent of the housing gap"
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Feds will cut over half of housing spending, build only 26,000 homes: Budget watchdog | CBC News
Spending on housing programs will decline by more than half over the next four years with the federal government’s $13-billion signature housing initiative leading to the construction of just 26,000 n...
www.cbc.ca
December 2, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Looks like no help from the Feds on Housing:
"That modest contribution... would lead to the construction of just 26,000 new units over the next five years, 13,000 of which would be affordable homes for low-income households — or about 3.7 per cent of the housing gap"
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
"That modest contribution... would lead to the construction of just 26,000 new units over the next five years, 13,000 of which would be affordable homes for low-income households — or about 3.7 per cent of the housing gap"
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Reposted by Patrick Johnstone
This explains something that has always mystified me about drivers who rail against bike lanes and transit. Why WOULDN'T you want people to have options not to drive? It would make your own driving better! But they don't just want good traffic, they want to reinforce the NORM of driving
This is actually quite brilliant, up to and including the final sentence 🔥
December 1, 2025 at 1:04 PM
This explains something that has always mystified me about drivers who rail against bike lanes and transit. Why WOULDN'T you want people to have options not to drive? It would make your own driving better! But they don't just want good traffic, they want to reinforce the NORM of driving
No dunk on our western suburb, but #NewWest is ramping up its support for arts, culture, & festivals in the City at a time when grant funding is harder to get. This starts with a 50% increase in our Community Grants program that supports many of the events that make #NewWest fun...
Here’s my feature on the fireworks being cancelled, how it links back to the origins of “No Fun City” a quarter century ago, and why other festival groups in Vancouver are worried
grateful I got to say “evil doppelgänger of world class city” on the air this week
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
grateful I got to say “evil doppelgänger of world class city” on the air this week
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
November 28, 2025 at 9:15 PM
“Level set” count = 1
November 26, 2025 at 4:14 PM
“Level set” count = 1
Hey #NewWest. See all these people pissed off about Vancouver's slash & burn budget? We're not doing that. We work to keep taxes in check but respect our residents when they tell us that public services matter and & worth the investment. pub-newwestcity.escribemeetings.com/filestream.a...
pub-newwestcity.escribemeetings.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Hey #NewWest. See all these people pissed off about Vancouver's slash & burn budget? We're not doing that. We work to keep taxes in check but respect our residents when they tell us that public services matter and & worth the investment. pub-newwestcity.escribemeetings.com/filestream.a...
Public Transit has a marketing problem in Canada. Not to customers (who love it) but to senior governments (who are apparently not even aware it exists). May I propose:
"Transit. It's like a pipeline, but for people!"
"Transit. It's like a pipeline, but for people!"
November 25, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Public Transit has a marketing problem in Canada. Not to customers (who love it) but to senior governments (who are apparently not even aware it exists). May I propose:
"Transit. It's like a pipeline, but for people!"
"Transit. It's like a pipeline, but for people!"
Three points about E-scooters (& siblings):
🛴🛴🛴
E-mobility devices are here and are not going away;
E-mobility devices can improve urban mobility, affordability, & livability;
E-mobility devices are a novel safety challenge in our traditional transportation realm.
What do we do about this? 🧵
🛴🛴🛴
E-mobility devices are here and are not going away;
E-mobility devices can improve urban mobility, affordability, & livability;
E-mobility devices are a novel safety challenge in our traditional transportation realm.
What do we do about this? 🧵
November 24, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Three points about E-scooters (& siblings):
🛴🛴🛴
E-mobility devices are here and are not going away;
E-mobility devices can improve urban mobility, affordability, & livability;
E-mobility devices are a novel safety challenge in our traditional transportation realm.
What do we do about this? 🧵
🛴🛴🛴
E-mobility devices are here and are not going away;
E-mobility devices can improve urban mobility, affordability, & livability;
E-mobility devices are a novel safety challenge in our traditional transportation realm.
What do we do about this? 🧵
👀
The gap between the Colorado Avalanche and second place in the NHL standings is the same between second place and 25th.
November 24, 2025 at 6:01 AM
👀
So we are just going to keep giving the ostriches grifters media coverage?
November 22, 2025 at 10:35 PM
So we are just going to keep giving the ostriches grifters media coverage?
Hey #NewWest housing folks- there is an open house this evening 5:30 - 8:30 at Century House to talk about proposed OCP changes to facilitate infill density.
Link for info here: www.newwestcity.ca/calendar-of-...
Link for info here: www.newwestcity.ca/calendar-of-...
Our City, Our Homes – Infill Housing Program
YouTube video by NewWestCity
youtu.be
November 20, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Hey #NewWest housing folks- there is an open house this evening 5:30 - 8:30 at Century House to talk about proposed OCP changes to facilitate infill density.
Link for info here: www.newwestcity.ca/calendar-of-...
Link for info here: www.newwestcity.ca/calendar-of-...
Excited #NeWest is making this announcement. I've enjoyed getting to know Donnie & am already inspired by her leadership style, infectious enthusiasm about local gov't making peoples lives better & her track record in recreation, local gov't & housing. Welcome!
www.newwestcity.ca/city_hall/me...
www.newwestcity.ca/city_hall/me...
November 19, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Excited #NeWest is making this announcement. I've enjoyed getting to know Donnie & am already inspired by her leadership style, infectious enthusiasm about local gov't making peoples lives better & her track record in recreation, local gov't & housing. Welcome!
www.newwestcity.ca/city_hall/me...
www.newwestcity.ca/city_hall/me...
Meeting Anna Zivarts at last week's @movementyvr.bsky.social event led to great conversations about equity in transportation planning. We won't achieve Vision Zero in #NewWest without centering human design & considering the increasing number of people for whom driving is not an option.
November 17, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Meeting Anna Zivarts at last week's @movementyvr.bsky.social event led to great conversations about equity in transportation planning. We won't achieve Vision Zero in #NewWest without centering human design & considering the increasing number of people for whom driving is not an option.
Reposted by Patrick Johnstone
A new, 605-seat elementary school is coming to #NewWestminster 👏📚🏫
This is an investment in #NewWest future. This school will not only provide students with the space and tools they need to thrive, but it will also strengthen the community for generations to come.
news.gov.bc.ca/releases/202...
This is an investment in #NewWest future. This school will not only provide students with the space and tools they need to thrive, but it will also strengthen the community for generations to come.
news.gov.bc.ca/releases/202...
New elementary school coming to New Westminster
A new, 605-seat elementary school is coming to New Westminster.
news.gov.bc.ca
November 17, 2025 at 5:21 PM
A new, 605-seat elementary school is coming to #NewWestminster 👏📚🏫
This is an investment in #NewWest future. This school will not only provide students with the space and tools they need to thrive, but it will also strengthen the community for generations to come.
news.gov.bc.ca/releases/202...
This is an investment in #NewWest future. This school will not only provide students with the space and tools they need to thrive, but it will also strengthen the community for generations to come.
news.gov.bc.ca/releases/202...
Vancouver becoming yet less Awesome.
Yesterday morning, I was informed that Vancouver Is Awesome no longer wishes to have Canucks coverage on its website and that I, effectively immediately, was out of a job.
November 14, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Vancouver becoming yet less Awesome.
It was a great morning as we gathered at Fraser Middle School to hear the Premier announcing the investment in a new elementary school with 605 seats in downtown #NewWest! Let’s get building!
And the backing band was great too!
And the backing band was great too!
School and city officials are here for today’s announcement by Premier Eby @davidebybc.bsky.social about funding for a new #NewWest elementary school
November 13, 2025 at 6:09 PM
It was a great morning as we gathered at Fraser Middle School to hear the Premier announcing the investment in a new elementary school with 605 seats in downtown #NewWest! Let’s get building!
And the backing band was great too!
And the backing band was great too!
I know we’re all enjoying Mamdani-mania, but seeing straphanger, bicycle user, affordable housing champion, renter, better-policy wonk and mom @wilsonforseattle.bsky.social pull well ahead in the Seattle Mayor race has been inspiring! It was a fun campaign to watch from north of the line.
November 12, 2025 at 4:55 PM
I know we’re all enjoying Mamdani-mania, but seeing straphanger, bicycle user, affordable housing champion, renter, better-policy wonk and mom @wilsonforseattle.bsky.social pull well ahead in the Seattle Mayor race has been inspiring! It was a fun campaign to watch from north of the line.
Last Friday, I attended a meeting convened by @visionzerovancouver.ca with regional elected folk, transportation & public health professionals to talk about inter-agency collaboration on the ending of road deaths and serious injury. It helped solidify for me the value of the #NewWest VZ approach.
November 11, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Last Friday, I attended a meeting convened by @visionzerovancouver.ca with regional elected folk, transportation & public health professionals to talk about inter-agency collaboration on the ending of road deaths and serious injury. It helped solidify for me the value of the #NewWest VZ approach.
👀
SEATTLE!!!
We’ve now taken the lead by 91 votes! 🤯 This thing is certainly not over! Over 1,000 ballots have been challenged, so if you haven’t tracked your ballot yet get on it! Our trusty volunteers have been working hard to "cure" ballots so they count! We're so close!
We’ve now taken the lead by 91 votes! 🤯 This thing is certainly not over! Over 1,000 ballots have been challenged, so if you haven’t tracked your ballot yet get on it! Our trusty volunteers have been working hard to "cure" ballots so they count! We're so close!
November 11, 2025 at 12:17 AM
👀
Well done tonight @visionzerovancouver.ca and @thewaroncars.bsky.social! A really positive community-building and movement-building event!
Awesome event tonight!! More photos to come. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported!
November 9, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Well done tonight @visionzerovancouver.ca and @thewaroncars.bsky.social! A really positive community-building and movement-building event!
This will be a good one folks!
💫 New panelist alert! We're thrilled to have @tomflood.bsky.social joining @lucymaloney.bsky.social & @thewaroncars.bsky.social THIS SATURDAY for Life After Cars in downtown Vancouver, hosted by the incredible @uytaelee.bsky.social.
A few tix still available!
visionzerovancouver.ca/2025/08/01/l...
A few tix still available!
visionzerovancouver.ca/2025/08/01/l...
November 8, 2025 at 2:23 AM
This will be a good one folks!
Met some war heroes today.
(IYKYK)
(IYKYK)
November 8, 2025 at 1:54 AM
Met some war heroes today.
(IYKYK)
(IYKYK)