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 Thrift Boutique, a curated social enterprise supporting Union Gospel Mission; and Grand Central Consignment, a long-established women's consignment shop known for its inclusive size selection and vintage fashion.

We'll also explore The Salvation Army Thrift Store, New to You Thrift Shop, which raises funds for Royal Columbian Hospital, and the community-oriented St. Barnabas Thrift Store. Finally, we'll head to Queensborough to browse the large selection at Value Village, where donations at the local Community Donation Centre benefit Diabetes Canada.

Whether you're a dedicated thrifter, a vintage-fashion enthusiast, a bargain hunter, a student shopping on a budget, or simply someone who enjoys discovering local shops, this episode is your guide to secondhand shopping in New Westminster.

🛍️ THE SEVEN SECONDHAND SHOPPING STOPS

1. Pound Picks — Clothing by the Pound

📍 302 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 1A6

A locally known thrift-shopping concept where clothing, shoes and accessories are sold by weight rather than individually priced. Inventory changes frequently, making every visit a new treasure hunt.

Website: https://poundpicks.com/

2. Found Thrift Boutique — Curated Finds with a Community Purpose

📍 641 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 1A8

A curated boutique offering fashion, accessories, jewellery, gifts and home décor. Found is a social enterprise of Union Gospel Mission, with proceeds supporting UGM programs and services.

Website: https://ugm.ca/found-boutique

3. Grand Central Consignment — Vintage Fashion and Inclusive Sizing

📍 719 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 6G3

A long-running women's consignment shop established in 1976. Known for plus-size clothing while carrying a range of sizes, along with vintage fashion, accessories, handbags and designer labels.

Phone: 604-524-4095

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grandcentralconsignment/

4. The Salvation Army Thrift Store — Everyday Secondhand Shopping

📍 774 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B5

Located in the historic BC Electric Railway Building, this traditional thrift store carries secondhand clothing, household goods, books, media, electronics, bedding and linens.

Published hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Phone: 604-521-0319

Website: https://thriftstore.ca/

5. New to You Thrift Shop — Shopping for Hospital Support

📍 706 Sixth Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 2B3

Operated by the Royal Columbian Hospital Auxiliary, this volunteer-run thrift shop offers donated clothing, accessories, household goods and more. Proceeds help fund equipment for Royal Columbian Hospital.

Phone: 604-515-4815

Website: https://www.rchaux.ca/

Published hours vary between listings. Confirm directly before visiting.

6. St. Barnabas Thrift Store — A Neighbourhood Treasure Hunt

📍 1010 Fifth Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 1Y5

A community-oriented thrift store connected with St. Barnabas Anglican Church. Browse pre-loved clothing and household items while supporting a local church community.

Phone: 604-526-6646

Website: https://stbarnabasparish.ca/

The church's published information lists Wednesday–Saturday opening days. Check directly for current hours before visiting.

7. Value Village – Queensborough — A Large-Format Thrift Destination

📍 1135 Tanaka Court, Unit 110, New Westminster, BC V3M 0A6

A large secondhand store featuring clothing, footwear, books, toys, housewares, small furniture and more. The attached Community Donation Centre accepts a range of reusable items, with donations benefiting Diabetes Canada.

Phone: 604-540-0400

Published hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

Official store listing: https://stores.savers.com/bc/newwestminster/valuevillage-thrift-store-2135.html

♻️ A FEW TIPS BEFORE YOU GO

Thrift-store inventory changes constantly, so don't expect to find the same items on every visit.

Check clothing condition, sizing, labels and prices before buying.

Set a shopping budget and compare secondhand prices with new retail prices.

Check donation policies before dropping off clothing or household items.

Confirm opening hours, especially for volunteer-run and smaller community shops.

SEARCH KEYWORDS

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Thrift, discover, repeat — because your next favourite find might already be waiting in New West!

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 history, local folklore and reported paranormal experiences.

From the hillside paths of Fraser Cemetery to the historic rooms of Irving House, this episode explores some of the places and stories that have given New Westminster its reputation as a city with plenty of secrets.

We’ll visit Fraser Cemetery, established around 1869 and overlooking the Fraser River, where more than 150 years of New Westminster history — and some intriguing paranormal folklore — come together. New Westminster

We’ll also explore Irving House, the 1865 home of riverboat captain William Irving. The beautifully preserved heritage house is fascinating on its own, but reports of strange experiences associated with the historic home have made it one of New Westminster's better-known paranormal stories. New Westminster

The episode also looks at the darker side of the city's history through New Westminster Museum and Archives at Anvil Centre, where this October's Candlelight Gallery Tours promise stories of crimes, disasters, mysteries and remarkable characters — all presented through the city's historical collections and interpretation. New Westminster

And if you're looking for something to actually put on your October calendar, we've included some current spooky-season options:

Candlelight Gallery Tour

October 27 & October 29, 2026

6:30–7:30 p.m.

18+

$12

Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia Street

The New Westminster Museum describes these after-hours tours as an exploration of shocking crimes, disasters, mysterious events and remarkable characters. New Westminster

Cemetery Tour: Halloween Edition

October 28 & October 30, 2026

6:30–8 p.m.

18+

$15

Fraser Cemetery, meeting at the Main Fraser Cemetery Office, 100 Richmond Street

The tour explores true stories from New Westminster's past, including mystery, mayhem, unsolved questions and headline-making crimes. New Westminster

Halloween Fun at the Museum

October 25, 2026

Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia Street

A family-oriented ghost-hunting experience where children use flashlights to search the museum galleries for playful ghosts. Guardian supervision is required. cityofnewwestminster.perfectmind.com

Bury the Hatchet

October 17, 2026

7:30–9:30 p.m.

Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia Street

A theatrical, bluegrass-and-murder-ballad retelling of the Lizzie Borden case by Out of the Forest Theatre. Tickets are listed at 38–51. Tourism New Westminster

Places Mentioned

Fraser Cemetery — 100 Richmond Street, New Westminster, BC

Fraser Cemetery — City of New Westminster

Irving House — 302 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC

Irving House — City of New Westminster

New Westminster Museum & Archives / Anvil Centre — 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC

New Westminster Museum & Archives

Anvil Theatre — 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC

Anvil Theatre

Search Keywords

New Westminster ghosts, New Westminster ghost stories, New Westminster haunted history, New Westminster Halloween, Fraser Cemetery, Irving House, New Westminster Museum, New Westminster mysteries, haunted New Westminster, spooky things to do in New Westminster, Halloween events New Westminster BC, New Westminster BC history, Royal City ghost stories, Fraser Cemetery ghost stories, New Westminster paranormal

Episode Takeaway

New Westminster doesn't need exaggerated ghost stories to be fascinating. Its cemeteries, heritage houses, archives, crimes, mysteries and long-running local legends already give the city an unusually rich spooky-season story — and October is a perfect time to explore it.

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, something easy to take home, or inspiration for your own rainy-night meal, this episode offers plenty of ideas around New Westminster.

Featured Locations

• Kozak Ukrainian Eatery

444 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 3B3

Traditional Ukrainian dishes including borscht, handmade pierogies, cabbage rolls, chicken Kyiv, latkes and baked goods.

Kozak Ukrainian Eatery

• Full Basket Butcher

619-A Belmont Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 5Z8

Family-run butcher specializing in fresh, locally sourced meats and professional meat cutting.

Full Basket Butcher

• PIVA Modern Italian Restaurant

787 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6

Modern Italian dining with seasonal menus, including fall dishes such as braised beef ragu, squash soup and apple crumble.

PIVA Modern Italian Restaurant

• L’Onore Pizza

110–28 East Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 5R3

Sourdough pizza with Italian-inspired classics, vegetarian and vegan options, and limited gluten-friendly dough availability.

L’Onore Pizza

• Proud Up Restaurant

418 East Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 3W9

Canadian comfort food and substantial neighbourhood meals in Sapperton.

Proud Up Restaurant

• Gastronomia Italia

601 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 1A7

Italian deli, grocery, bakery and café offering sandwiches, Roman-style pizza, pastries, imported ingredients and ready-to-eat options.

Gastronomia Italia

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 ideas for families with toddlers, school-age children and older kids.

Whether you're planning a weekend outing, looking for a rainy-day activity, trying to find something creative, or simply need to get everyone out of the house, there's an adventure waiting somewhere in New West.

🌳 Queen's Park & The Habitat

Queen's Park offers walking trails, playgrounds, green space, picnic areas, sports facilities and family-friendly recreation. The Habitat, formerly Queen's Park Farm, adds a wetland bog, native ecological features, a boardwalk and outdoor pavilions designed to support public classes and workshops.

📍 Queen's Park, New Westminster, BC

🌐 City of New Westminster — Queen's Park

🌐 City of New Westminster — Park Amenities / The Habitat

🌊 Westminster Pier Park

The expanded Westminster Pier Park now offers about two additional acres of riverfront parkland, with lawns, picnic tables, seating, ping pong, outdoor fitness, hammocks, public art and family-friendly spaces along the Fraser River.

📍 Access from the Fourth Street and Sixth Street overpasses, New Westminster, BC

🌐 City of New Westminster — Westminster Pier Park

🐟 Fraser River Discovery Centre

A hands-on family destination focused on the Fraser River and its watershed. Explore the interactive Discovery Zone, I Spy, Experience the Fraser, Our Bones Are Made of Salmon and other exhibits that connect kids with the river's wildlife, people, history, industries and cultures. FRDC also offers guided tours and seasonal family programming.

📍 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6Z6

🌐 Fraser River Discovery Centre

📚 Kinder Books

An independent children's bookstore inside River Market offering children's books, toys, art and gifts, along with family events, storytimes and creative programming.

📍 101–810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6B9

🌐 Kinder Books

🎨 Pottery Works

A working artist studio and gallery offering classes, workshops, children's parties and family creative activities. Current programming includes Children's Clay Play workshops every other Saturday.

📍 612 Victoria Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 0B8

🌐 Pottery Works

📖 New Westminster Public Library

The Main Branch has a dedicated children's department with books, reading resources, storytimes, toddler programming, baby programs, reading activities and special events throughout the year.

📍 716 Sixth Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 2B3

🌐 New Westminster Public Library — Kids

🌲 Hume Park

A large family park with an adventure playground, open space, picnic areas, trails, access to the Brunette River and Brunette-Fraser Trail, plus an off-leash dog area. Its outdoor pool and spray park are seasonal.

📍 525 Kelly Street, New Westminster, BC

🌐 City of New Westminster — Hume Park

🏊 təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre

An indoor family recreation option featuring an eight-lane pool and a leisure pool with a lazy river, spray features, tot zone and gradual entry, along with community recreation facilities.

📍 65 E Sixth Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 4G6

🌐 City of New Westminster — təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Tip

Before heading out, check the current City recreation schedule and the individual venue's event calendar. Children's workshops, storytimes, guided tours and seasonal activities can change throughout the year.

New West doesn't require a giant family budget or a complicated itinerary. Sometimes the best adventure is a playground, a book, a walk beside the river, a hands-on exhibit or making something together.

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 Westminster without putting a big dent in your wallet.

💚 $0 — Waterfront & Parks

Walk the Waterfront Esplanade and expanded Westminster Pier Park, explore Queen's Park, Hume Park, Moody Park or Sapperton Landing, enjoy public art, bring a picnic and watch the Fraser River.

🌐 City of New Westminster — Parks & Recreation

📚 $0 — New Westminster Public Library

Borrowing is free and the Main Branch offers books, children's programming, storytimes, public computers and free Wi-Fi.

📍 716 Sixth Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 2B3

🌐 New Westminster Public Library

🐟 $5 — Fraser River Discovery Centre

Current admission is $5 for children ages 3–12. Ages 0–2 are free. Adults are $8, seniors/students are $6, and the current family admission is $20 for two adults and up to four children ages 3–12 from the same household.

📍 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6Z6

🌐 Fraser River Discovery Centre

🏊 $10 — Recreation

Current 2026 single-visit admission includes $3.85 for ages 4–12, $5.10 for ages 13–18 and $7.70 for adults 19–64. Children ages 0–3 are free, and eligible caregivers accompanying children or youth can use the $3.85 Family Member rate.

🌐 City of New Westminster — Recreation Admission Fees

🛍️ $10 — River Market & Waterfront

Browse River Market, walk the waterfront and set your own spending limit for a small treat or purchase.

📍 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6B9

🌐 River Market

🎉 0–10 — Community Events

New Westminster's calendar includes free and low-cost community events, markets, cultural activities, festivals and outdoor programming. Check the current schedule because dates, admission and programming change.

🌐 City of New Westminster — Event Calendar

💵 $20 — Family Adventure

The current FRDC family admission is $20 for two adults and up to four children ages 3–12 from the same household. Pair the visit with a free waterfront walk and a picnic for a full afternoon on a modest budget.

📍 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6Z6

🌐 Fraser River Discovery Centre — Hours & Admission

💡 THE BOTTOM LINE

You don't have to spend a lot to experience New Westminster.

Sometimes the best day costs nothing.

Sometimes five dollars buys an adventure.

Sometimes ten dollars gets you moving.

And sometimes twenty dollars can turn into a full family afternoon.

How much fun can you have for $0, $5, $10 or $20? Tune in and find out!

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 tasty tour around the city.

📍 FEATURED SPOTS

• Banette Brunch

536 Sixth Street

A modern brunch spot known for creative dishes, generous portions, house-made baking and beautifully presented plates.

• Jim’s Cafe

518 Sixth Street

A classic neighbourhood breakfast café where customers come for hearty portions, traditional breakfast favourites, popular hash browns and a cozy, familiar atmosphere.

• Sixth Street Grill

413 Sixth Street

A longtime-style diner experience in Uptown New Westminster, offering all-day breakfast, classic bennies, omelettes, hashes and other comfort-food favourites.

• Angelina’s Dutch Corner

810 Quayside Drive, Unit 122

Located near the Fraser River at Westminster Quay, this family-friendly restaurant combines waterfront surroundings with Dutch-inspired pannekoeken, Eggs Benedict and traditional breakfast favourites.

• Amelia Restaurant

640 Twelfth Street

A casual neighbourhood restaurant with a homey atmosphere, traditional breakfast plates, generous portions and a menu that includes everything from pancakes and French toast to Eggs Benedict and a Perogie Breakfast.

• Proud Up Restaurant

418 East Columbia Street

A Sapperton restaurant focused on Canadian comfort food, with a substantial breakfast menu featuring traditional and creative Eggs Benedict options.

Whether you're craving something classic, creative, waterfront or simply comforting, New Westminster has plenty of ways to start your morning.

🎙️ Tune in to New West Spotlight Podcast with Carla McNeil and discover some of the local breakfast and brunch spots that are part of the city's food scene.

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, shopping or everyday errands.

Featured walking spots:

• Waterfront Esplanade & Westminster Pier Park — A combined approximately 2.5-kilometre waterfront route with Fraser River views, benches, viewpoints, public art, gardens and the Westminster Pier boardwalk. The newly completed westward expansion of Westminster Pier Park adds about two acres of new parkland and includes seating, picnic tables, lawn areas, an outdoor fitness circuit, ping pong, a dog relief area and public art.

📍 Westminster Pier Park — accessed via the Fourth Street and Sixth Street overpasses

City of New Westminster — Westminster Pier Park

City of New Westminster — Waterfront Esplanade

• River Market — A convenient stop along the waterfront route for food, drinks, shopping and local vendors.

📍 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6B9

River Market — Tourism New Westminster

• Queen's Park — New Westminster's 75-acre flagship park, with walking and running trails, mature trees, playgrounds, picnic areas, sports facilities, an outdoor fitness circuit and a one-acre off-leash dog area.

📍 Queen's Park, New Westminster, BC

City of New Westminster — Queen's Park

• Glenbrook Ravine — A quieter nature escape with winding trails, stairs, ponds, falls, bridges, gardens, native plants, trees, birds and wildlife. Access points include Jamieson Court, Blackberry Drive and Glenbrooke Drive.

📍 Access via Jamieson Court, Blackberry Drive or Glenbrooke Drive, New Westminster, BC

City of New Westminster — Glenbrook Ravine

• Sapperton Landing Park — A one-kilometre linear waterfront park with bridges, benches, river viewpoints, native planting, tidal channels and opportunities to watch tugboats and marine birds.

📍 60 East Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 3V8

City of New Westminster — Sapperton Landing Park

• Hume Park — A family-friendly park with green space, playgrounds, picnic areas, access to the Brunette River and Brunette-Fraser trail, plus an off-leash dog area.

📍 Hume Park / Lower Hume access, New Westminster, BC

City of New Westminster — Hume Park

• Friendship Gardens & Tipperary Park — A peaceful downtown-area option with ponds, small waterfalls, paths, trees, native plants, public art, benches and picnic tables, located beside City Hall.

📍 Fourth Street & Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC

City of New Westminster — Friendship Gardens & Tipperary Park

Whether you're walking for exercise, walking the dog, entertaining the kids, catching up with friends, exploring the waterfront or simply trying to clear your head, New Westminster has a walking route for the moment you're in.

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 episode also looks ahead to Ukrainian New West Fest on September 19, a free community celebration featuring Ukrainian music, food, cultural exhibitions and crafts.

And later in September, Ukrainian Storytime at New Westminster Public Library offers another opportunity to experience Ukrainian language and culture through books, songs and movement.

If you're curious about the cultures and communities that make New Westminster what it is, this is a great place to start.

FEATURED LOCATIONS

• Kozak Ukrainian Eatery

444 Sixth Street

New Westminster, BC V3L 3B3

Kozak Ukrainian Eatery

• Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral

501 Fourth Avenue

New Westminster, BC V3L 1P3

Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral

• Ukrainian New West Fest

Saturday, September 19, 2026

12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

501 Fourth Avenue

New Westminster, BC

Free admission

Ukrainian New West Fest

• New Westminster Public Library — Main Branch

716 Sixth Avenue

New Westminster, BC V3M 2B3

Ukrainian Storytime (All Ages)

Saturday, September 26, 2026

3:00–4:30 p.m.

Main Branch Auditorium

Drop-in

New Westminster Public Library

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 art, historic vessels, and community events residents enjoy today.

The episode explores how the Fraser helped establish New Westminster as an important port and commercial centre, the continuing importance of the working river, the recently completed westward expansion of Westminster Pier Park, and the fascinating history of Samson V, New Westminster's historic sternwheeler and maritime museum.

The timing is especially appropriate because RiverFest 2026 is taking place during September, with City-listed programming on September 19 and September 26–27. The September 26–27 RiverFest programming at Samson V runs from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and includes opportunities to tour the historic vessel, participate in family activities, and learn more about the Fraser River. Admission is by donation.

Whether you're a longtime New Westminster resident, a recent arrival, or simply someone who enjoys spending time beside the water, this episode offers a fresh way to look at one of the most familiar parts of the Royal City.

🌊 Featured Places

Westminster Pier Park

📍 New Westminster waterfront, accessed via the Fourth Street and Sixth Street overpasses

The expanded riverfront park now includes approximately two additional acres of parkland, with lawns, seating, picnic areas, outdoor fitness, ping-pong, a performance stage, public art, and river views. The westward expansion was completed in July 2026.

Waterfront Esplanade

📍 Quayside Drive waterfront, New Westminster

A 1.3-kilometre riverside linear park with viewpoints, benches, interpretive signage, public art, playgrounds, picnic areas, and connections toward Westminster Pier Park and Samson V.

Samson V Maritime Museum

📍 880 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC

A historic wooden steam-powered sternwheeler built in 1937 and preserved as a maritime museum. September visitor hours are currently listed as Saturday and Sunday, 12:00–4:00 p.m.

RiverFest 2026

📅 September 19, 2026

📅 September 26–27, 2026

🎟️ Free / by donation depending on the specific program

A community celebration of the Fraser River, including RiverFest programming at Samson V on September 26–27 in connection with World Rivers Day.

🌊 In This Episode

Discover the Fraser River's role in New Westminster's development, the history of the city's working waterfront, the connection between the river and Indigenous communities, the newly completed Westminster Pier Park expansion, the Waterfront Esplanade, Samson V, and RiverFest 2026.

This episode is about seeing a familiar part of New Westminster with fresh eyes—and remembering that the river beside us isn't just scenery. It's part of the city's continuing story.

Event dates, programming, museum hours, and access details can change. Check the City of New Westminster's current event calendar before attending.

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 assistance, community support, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and specialized dental simulation, New Westminster has a surprisingly diverse healthcare education community.

The episode also explores the connection between education and the public. Some local institutions operate teaching clinics where students gain supervised, hands-on experience while members of the community access services.

Whether you’re considering a healthcare career, curious about the colleges operating in New Westminster, or simply interested in discovering another side of the city, this episode offers a glimpse into the classrooms, clinics, and training environments preparing people to care for others.

📍 Featured Institutions

West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT)

📍 613 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 1A7

Registered Massage Therapy education, public intern clinics, clinical training, and community outreach.

🌐 https://collegeofmassage.com/

Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene

📍 1205 Sixth Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 2C1

Dental hygiene education and a public teaching clinic where students provide services under the guidance of registered staff.

🌐 https://www.vancouver-college-dental.org/

Sprott Shaw College – New Westminster Campus

📍 420–88 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 5B3

Healthcare-related education including Practical Nursing, Health Care Assistant, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Assistant, and Primary Care Paramedic programs. Program availability varies by campus.

🌐 https://sprottshaw.com/campuses/new-westminster-college-campus/

Central College – New Westminster Campus

📍 200–60 Eighth Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 3P1

A career college with healthcare-related education and a clinic associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine and related therapies.

🌐 https://centralcollegebc.ca/

Eureka College of Canada

📍 889 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 1G2

Healthcare and community-care education including Community Support Worker, Medical Office Administrator, Caregiver Support Worker Foundations, and CELBAN preparation.

🌐 https://www.eurekacollege.ca/

Dental Simulation Training Centre

📍 214 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 1T6

Specialized dental simulation and practical training for dental professionals, including internationally educated dentists preparing for professional practice in North America.

🌐 https://dstcdental.in/locations/vancouver/

🎓 In This Episode

Explore healthcare education in New Westminster, public teaching clinics, Registered Massage Therapy training, dental hygiene education, nursing and healthcare programs, community support training, Traditional Chinese Medicine, dental simulation, and hands-on clinical learning.

Program availability, admission requirements, clinic schedules, fees, credentials, and professional recognition can change. Prospective students and members of the public should confirm current information directly with each institution before making decisions or booking services.