CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS!
During the past five months, we have learned to adapt to a new normal due to Covid-19. Businesses had to adapt in order to survive and we had to come together as a community to support these local businesses during these tough times.
Our Readers’ Choice also had to adapt, we were gearing up to publish and celebrate with a large event with all our winners at the end of August, but that changed quickly. We are happy to feature the winners in our 22nd annual Readers’ Choice in the pages that follow and look ahead to 2021 where we can hold our inaugural event again.
What does it take to be considered the best in New West? Not only does it take unending effort, but it also takes a loyal clientele to fill out ballots as they do every year in our Readers’ Choice contest. You have in your hands the culmination of thousands of votes in over 100 different categories. We proudly congratulate each and every winner on our list from those who have been recognized year after year as well as all the newcomers. Although the nature of such a contest may be subjective, the number of votes we receive offers validity to the title “readers’ choice,” especially when the voters are resident experts. Every year, we publish our ballots and encourage readers to vote by sending us their entries or by voting online with the promise of a chance to win a shopping spree at The Royal City Centre. We encourage you to keep the Readers’ Choice list and refer to it to support these businesses today as they need our help to recover and we need to ensure they continue to be successful in the coming years ahead. We also sincerely thank all of you who participated and entered this year’s contest and we look forward to counting your votes next year.
BEST SERVICES
ACCOUNTANT
Alvaro Accounting
ACUPUNCTURE
Gathered Roots
Community Acupuncture
ANNUAL FESTIVAL
Hyack Festival
ART STUDIO
100 Braid St.
Studios & Gallery
ARTS/CRAFTS/ HOBBIES
New West Craft
AUTO BODY REPAIR
BOYD Autobody & Glass
AUTO BODY SHOP
Kirmac Collision
& Autoglass
BED & BREAKFAST
Carla Bed & Breakfast
BANK/CREDIT UNION
Vancity
BARBER SHOP
Agnes Barber
CHIROPRACTOR
New West Chiropractic
- Dr Daniel Robbins
COMMUNITY SERVICE
ORGANIZATION
New West Hospice Society
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Belmont Dental
DENTURE CLINIC
New West Denture Works
DANCE STUDIO
Kids in Motion
DAYCARE
WCASS
DENTAL CLINIC
Belmont Dental
DENTURE CLINIC
New West
Denture Works
DEVELOPER
BOSA Properties
DOGGIE DAYCARE
Mindful Mutts
DRIVING SCHOOL
Royal City Driving
Academy
DRY CLEANER
New West Cleaners
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
TD Canada Trust
FITNESS STUDIO
Move Studio
FLORIST
Bunches & Blooms Floral
BEST SHOPPING
ART GALLERY
Van Dop Art Gallery
AUTO
DEALERSHIP (NEW)
Key West Ford
AUTO
DEALERSHIP (USED)
Key West Ford
BAKERY
Fratelli Bakery
BICYCLE STORE
Cap’s Bicycle Shop
BOOKSTORE
Renaissance Books
BUTCHER/MEAT
MARKET
Queens Park Meat & Deli
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
BAR River’s Reach Pub
BREAKFAST
Angelina’s Restaurant
BRUNCH
Angelina’s Restaurant
BURGER
Burger Heaven
BUSINESS LUNCH
Piva Modern Italian
CATERER
Columbia Street
Sandwich Company
GYM
Anytime Fitness
HAIR STUDIO
Zoom Hair Salon
HEARING CENTRE
NexGen Hearing
HOTEL
Inn at the Quay
IN-HOME CARE
Nurse Next Door
INSURANCE
Westland Insurance
INTEGRATED
HEALTH CLINIC
Columbia Integrated
Health Center
LASER CLINIC
Grace Laser Skin Care
LAW FIRM
Kick Start Law
LAWYER
Dawn Deans
MASSAGE
THERAPY CLINIC
Leah Yallop
-Massage Therapy
MARTIAL ARTS
Hawkes Martial Arts
Red Tigers Martial Arts
MEDICAL CLINIC
Foremed Clinic
MEDI/SPA
Vita Felice Medi Spa
MORTGAGE BROKER
Ryan Cooper
MUSIC LESSONS
New West Music
NAIL SALON
April Nail Salon
NATUROPATHIC
MEDICINE
Polo Health + Longevity Centre
NETWORKING
New Westminster
Chamber of Commerce
NEW WEST
POLITICIAN
Nadine Nakagawa
NOTARY PUBLIC
Martin Kastelein
OPTOMETRIST
Lifetime Eyecare
PET GROOMING
Royal City PAWS
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Royal City Physio
POST-SECONDARY
EDUCATION
Douglas College
PRESCHOOL
Queen’s Park Preschool
PRINTING/COPY
CENTRE
Minuteman Press
REAL ESTATE
RE/MAX Advantage
REALTOR
Dave Vallee
RETIREMENT
RESIDENCE
Thornebridge Gardens
SHOE REPAIR
New West Cobbler
TANNING SALON
The Tanning Studio
TATTOO ARTIST
Royal Anchor Tattoo
TRAVEL AGENCY
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
VETERINARIAN CLINIC
Columbia Square
Animal Hospital
WINE/BEER MAKING
Barley’s Home Brewing
YOGA STUDIO
Oxygen Yoga & Fitness
COLD BEER & WINE
Jak’s Beer Wine Spirits
CONSIGNMENT
CLOTHING
Grand Central
Consignment
CONSIGNMENT
FURNITURE
Champagne Taste Home
DELI
Queen’s Park Meat & Deli
DRUGSTORE
Shopper’s Drug Mart
EYE WEAR
Lifetime Eyecare
FLOORING
Floors Modern
FRAMING & ART
SUPPLIES
Rusart Art Supplies
GARDEN CENTRE
Lowe’s Garden Center
GROCERY
Save On Foods
INTERIOR DESIGN
Michelle Dupré Design & Company
JEWELRY STORE
Cartwright Jewelers
LIQUOR STORE
BC Liquor Store
MEN’S FASHION
Winners - Royal City Centre
MUSIC RETAIL
Neil Douglas Guitar Shop
NEW BUSINESS (UNDER 1 YEAR)
The Refill Stop
ORGANIC FOODS
City Avenue Market
PAINT STORE
Sherwin Williams
PET FOOD AND SUPPLY STORE
Bosley’s
PHARMACY (INDEPENDENT)
Imperial Pharmacy
Rexall
PRODUCE
Kin’s Farm Market
SHOPPING
CENTRE (INDOOR)
Royal City Centre
SHOPPING
CENTRE (OUTDOOR)
Queensborough Landing
THRIFT STORE
Salvation Army
TIRE/AUTO
Kal Tire
VINTAGE
Champagne Taste Home
WOMEN’S FASHION
Mila & Paige
Graham Publisher, New Westminster Record
Winner is...
Clark. Steve is the lucky recipient of $250 worth of gift cards for The Royal City Centre.
MARTIN KASTELEIN (NEW WEST PUBLIC NOTARY)
Best Notary Public
With over 30 years’ experience practicing as a public notary, Martin Kastelein has well-earned his local moniker “Martin the Notary”. Just last year, Martin decided to expand his team and, in honour of the community that has brought him so much joy, renamed the business New West Public Notary. They now offer two full-time notaries in-office, which greatly expanded their capacity for same-day appointments.
New West Public Notary pride themselves on staying up-todate on the latest technological opportunities. In fact, Martin was the first BC Notary to post a website (back in 1999). His clients can book appointments online and sign documents electronically.
When asked about his goals for the business, Martin said that reducing his clients’ stress is paramount! Planning personal documents like Will or Power of Attorney can be daunting and sometimes emotional; New West Public Notary have been through it all and can confidently assist their clients.
Martin believes giving back to the community is part and parcel of a successful business. That’s why he stays involved with local fundraisers and charity events: New West Public Notary have been proud supporters of the Ride For Refuge and Union Gospel Mission, as well as supporting junior lacross players and live music events.
We have been a proud supporter of Ride for Refuge for many years. We have also had the opportunity to support junior lacrosse players and sponsored live music events in New Westminster. We are a community-focused business, and we believe in giving back.
IMPERIAL PHARMACY
Best Pharmacy (Independent)
Independent pharmacies have a leg-up on their corporate competitors and big-box retailers by offering a more human experience. At Imperial Pharmacy, you can expect a friendly face and exceptional personal care. They are a multiple award-winning pharmacy. Residents know that at Imperial Pharmacy, everyone is committed to developing long-term relationships with each customer, ensuring the highest quality of care– they get to know what they need and understand their health challenges and conditions. That builds trust. Since 2003, residents have trusted the professional team here. Imperial Pharmacy offers a wide variety of prescription and non-prescription items including herbal products, vitamins, nutritional supplements, pharmaceutical compounding, home healthcare products, pressure stockings, medical supplies, blister packs and compliance packaging. The independent pharmacy also provides flu vaccinations, diabetes counselling, glucose monitor training, medication reviews and free blood pressure monitoring. “We care about people’s health, and we care about their kids’ health… we are proud not to sell tobacco.” says Rida Bazzi, the owner and pharmacist with more than 25 years’ experience. “We pride ourselves in our compassionate and trustworthy team, to whom the community can depend for their healthcare needs and wellbeing.” Rida comes with a wealth of education and experience. He obtained his bachelor’s in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1992. Since then, he has worked in the industry as a pharmacist and pharmacy manager, as well as being involved in production and distribution. He also taught in the faculty of pharmacy and is a member of several prestigious Canadian and international associations. In these extraordinary and challenging times, Imperial Pharmacy is rising to the occasion with uninterrupted service and expanded offerings.
When Karima Jivraj opened Bosley’s by Pet Valu Columbia Square a little over eight years ago, she pledged to be more than a retail store. She wanted her space to be where pets and their people could come for information, support, or just a social visit. The store quickly garnered a reputation for knowledgeable, passionate staff and a strong commitment to the community. “We are a locally owned franchise store which is part of the largest pet food and supply chain in Canada,” explains Karima. This puts the team in the unique position to help others. Through Pet Appreciation Month in April, the team raised $5000 this year for the New Westminster Animal shelter, bringing the total amount contributed to approximately $14,000 for the new shelter. Over the years the store has donated $50,000 in cash and product to various shelters and rescues in BC. The team also recognizes that change begins close to home and share a total commitment to a customer-centred approach that provides the best possible solutions for pets. Karima provides extensive training for all staff around nutrition, positive and low-stress handling, and safety. The store hosts training programs and sponsors educational events to help people be the best pet parents they can be. With increased incidences of pets being left in hot cars, Bosley’s introduced a short-term pet-sitting program where customers can safely leave their pets in the store while running errands at the other Columbia Square businesses. This remarkable team and their pursuit of pet care excellence has not gone unnoticed! The store is proud to be on the Readers’ Choice list again, and this honour joins awards like Best Chain Pet Store (2019 Canadian Pet Community Awards Western Region), other accolades and nominations. With an incredible team to serve you, Bosley’s is there to meet every need your best friend might have.
Angelina’s Dutch Corner is a family run restaurant, serving up fantastic breakfast, lunch and din ner fare. They have been voted Reader’s Choice Best Breakfast, Best Brunch 3 years in a row and
Angelina’s is a delectable Quayside attraction in New West. They’re proud to offer a well-lit solarium style atmosphere, with a bright yellow décor and lush plants guaranteed to warm anyone’s heart on a West Coast winter day. In summer, Angelina’s is just the right setting for a beautiful brunch with your loved ones on the large patio.
An Authentic Dutch Dining Experience
Angelina’s is a family friendly, authentic experience; they’ve been serving the community for over 17 years. They specialize in a European Dutch Style breakfast and West Coast lunch and dinner for the New Westminster com-
Everything is made from scratch with the best ingredients available. Angelina’s offers premier pannekoek, waffles and pancakes in New Westminster. Their large selection of omelettes, breakfast plates, sandwiches, soups and children’s menu provides something for everyone.
Although a delicious meal is what their regular customers have come to expect from Angelina’s, they also do their utmost to take care of their community. This year they are supporting the Senior Services Society in providing and delivering meals to any local seniors impacted by the pandemic.
Located at the picturesque River Market – take a break on the Quay and try their Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Menu, popular with locals and visitors alike.
HYACK FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION
Best Annual Festival
The Hyack Festival Association’s parades and festivals have inspired our community and visitors from around the world for almost 50 years. This year we are evolving these traditions to celebrate community spirit and resilience, and inspire hope. Our Parading in Place was a huge success and the overwhelming response and accolades brought joy to our association. In these troubled times, it is our duty and responsibility to keep the community morale high and help people navigate this new landscape. We hope to develop new initiatives to keep your spirits soaring with a world-class parade and festivals. The Hyack Festival Association has been enriching the hearts of its surrounding community for almost 50 years. Aiming to inspire, unite and excite the community. Our mission is to make New Westminster a better place to live by bringing to life our renowned parade and festivals. The Hyack Festival is a community affair! We want to see as many residents as possible participating; nothing makes us happier than seeing beaming smiles at our parade! The Hyack Festival Association also prides itself on the many community partnerships we have formed with businesses, community and charitable organizations, arts groups and other stakeholders while promoting New Westminster throughout the Lower Mainland and West Coast by representing New Westminster at many parades and festivals. We have also been enriching the lives of young women in our community for over 50 years with our Miss New Westminster Leadership/scholarship where next year we will award over 20,000 worth of scholarships. Our empowerment/mentoring program elevates and educates young women in the city with training that they don’t get in school. Applications are open for our 50th Anniversary celebratory year, starting in September.
At Royal City Physio, our physiotherapists are trained and experienced in treating a large variety of conditions. We will thoroughly assess your injury to determine the exact cause then decide which therapy techniques are appropriate to treat your injury and help get you back to your activities quickly We begin by listening to your story to understand what you’re experiencing and then do a hands-on assessment to determine the root of your injury or issue. With manual therapy, education and specific exercise we devise a plan that will give you the best chance at full recovery We recognize that physiotherapy is often just one part of your total health program. Many of our clients concurrently see RMT ’s and chiropractors, and we will work with those individuals to collaborate on treatment. We also refer our clients to our associated health specialists as required to speed injury healing times. At Royal City Physio, we do what it takes to get you back to all your activities! We want to do everything we can to help you to KEEP MOVING!
We also offer:
• Post Surgical Care and Rehabilitation Programs
• Biomechanical Assessments
• Running and Gait Assessments
DAVE VALLEE
Best Realtor
CRAFT CAFÉ
Best Service Overall, Coffee Bar and Sandwich
After 29 years in the thick of the realty industry, through all its ups and downs, Dave Vallee feels confident that he can offer his clients an advantage. He is regularly recognized in New West as a stand-out realtor and inspired negotiator. Team Dave Vallee serves both Sellers and Buyers whether they need a pragmatic marketing strategy for their home or advice on navigating the detailed process of buying someplace new. Team Dave Vallee are there for you every step of either way.
When asked what the secret to his success is, Dave noted that he’s been described by his peers as “The Hardest Working Man in Real Estate”. Secret? No secret; hard work! In order to grow his business without compromising on quality, Dave was careful to take on a terrific support team that he could trust to work as hard for him as he does for his clients.
Aside from the implicit service of joining families to homes, Dave loves to support the New West community at every opportunity. Some of his recent contributions include New West Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, the Hyack Football team and the Children’s Miracle Network!
Craft Café is a delightful local shop that features coffee for the coffee aficionado and the regular drip drinker. From stationery supplies & workshops, to gifts & treats, you’ll find the makings to dream, shop, and do.
Craft Café is the place to feed your creativity. Born out of the belief that you’re never too young or too old to flex those imagination muscles, Craft Café offers activities for all ages through a variety of drop-in sessions and classes. Workshops themes vary in topic and material but have a strong focus on paper. The hope is to provide a space that fosters the creative spirit and helps build artistic confidence in all who participate.
Craft Café offers a variety of workshops and classes which range from drop-in child and adult programs to more structured classes. They are very excited to announce several new activities which are set to launch this spring! That’s not all for this power duo though.
Whether you’re the pen on paper type or savvy with scissors, come check out an ever-growing range of products. Find goods and supplies from fine European journals and writing instruments, to decorative papers and cutters. While not a café in a traditional sense you’ll find a small selection of treats in shop including cold brew coffee and handmade candy.
Belmont Dental Centre has been serving patients in the New West community for over 6o years. Dr. Gursharan Dhaliwal is the 3rd owner of the practice. We understand that each patient’s needs are different. Helping patients to retain their teeth all of their lives in maximum comfort, health, function and esthetics if possible is our goal. We provide patient centered care with high quality treatment. One of our goals it to develop trusting relationships with our patients and always strive to improve one’s oral health and education. After renovating a couple years ago we are a state of the art facility with Cone Beam CT Scans, digital x-rays and newly acquired digital scanning. Even with the current situation with Covid-19, Belmont Dental has always had stellar infection control. We have just kicked it up a notch. You will see us wearing a lot more PPE (personal protective equipment) to keep the patients and staff safe in this ever changing pandemic. Belmont Dental aim to provide quality treatment with a gentle hand for a comfortable experience. Be the doctor. Conduct a dental exam and diagnosis, not just a “check-up”. Demonstrate empathy and caring. Listen. Consider the oral health needs while respecting the wishes of our patients. The key to our success is our caring staff, working as a team with the patient and our excellent customer service. Belmont cares for the community by donating to outreach programs such as New West Family Place, Lookout Society’s Powell Street Getaway meal programs and our yearly Christmas Food Bank Donation. As well as some of the staff have done outreach dentistry in Mexico, Ecuador, Vietnam, Philippines, and locally at Mid-main Dental (not for profit community clinic) in Vancouver. All of us at Belmont Dental Centre thank you for voting us Best Cosmetic Dentist in New Westminster. Keep on smiling.
PUT A BOUNCE IN YOUR STEP
No matter what your age, we believe you should continue to enjoy an energetic life. We know daily exercise, even as simple as going for a walk, can improve sleep, circulation, increase energy and release feel-good endorphins. We offer plenty of opportunities to embrace fulfilling activities - from fitness classes, walking clubs to Tia Chi & Yoga. Your wellbeing is a priority and we tailor our activities to accommodate your level of mobility and fitness levels.
To learn more about the Verve difference at Thornebridge Gardens, visit verveseniorliving.com or call 604 524 6100
COLUMBIA STREET SANDWICH COMPANY
Best Caterer
You can expect a warm welcome at Columbia Street Sandwich Company. Melissa and Samantha are the proud owners of this amazing sandwich company. They have over 20 years of catering service and food industry experience creating high quality, nutritious, homemade soups, sandwiches, and baked goods.
The smell of freshly baked banana bread, cranberry lemon muffins, or a turkey roasting in the oven are just a few of the incredibly tasty food items Columbia Street Sandwich Company has waiting for you. Samantha and Melissa are proud to offer delicious snacks made from scratch. Their roast turkeys are made in-house every day!
Columbia Street Sandwich Co. have proven themselves to be very adaptable, especially during the pandemic. They updated their catering menu to be single servings and transitioned to take-out only, so as to protect both you and their staff. They also started providing meals for staff at Royal Columbia Hospital and the BC Nurses Union this year to show their appreciation of frontline workers.
If you believe in meritocracy, then go try this little gem. Homemade goodness wrapped in a friendly atmosphere and cosy little space right in the middle of downtown New Westminster. Always fresh, always delicious, made to order sandwiches and always tasty and comforting soups. You can always expect great value and tasty treats.
Try the chocolate chip banana bread! If you’re out and about on Columbia St. and need a snack or full-fledged breakfast or lunch, consider this guaranteed good grub. Whether you are in the area looking for lunch or desperately searching for dependable and quality catering, look to Columbia St. Sandwich Co. for a new standard of service.
ROYAL CITY PHYSIO
Best Physiotherapy
These days, many physiotherapy clinics are owned by large corporations that lack a certain sense of pride in their work. Royal City Physio, on the other hand, is owner-operated and very invested in their practice. Karen Nichol, the head physiotherapist and owner, takes pride not just in her own work, but that of her staff as well. The results speak for themselves, as Royal City Physio has a top-notch reputation among New Westers. Karen endeavors to make her business as warm and inviting as possible. Her clients know they can expect responsive treatment from therapists who know how to listen. They take care to do manual treatment at EACH appointment. This is of primary importance to her and her staff, who recognize that although machine therapy tools have their uses, nothing speeds a recovery process more than the specificity of manual care.
Karen considers herself a very detail oriented person who is laser-focused on identifying the root causes of her clients’ pain or discomfort. You can expect the same quality of care from all of her staff members, who she has worked closely with to assure their continued success. She has over two decades experience working with athletes, including professional injuries wherein the stakes are high.
Given the unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19, Royal City Physio have taken greater pains to ensure patient safety. You can find a detailed outline of their protocols and procedures at www.royalcityphysio.com. These new policies will ensure that everyone at RC Physio, staff and clients, can feel safe and sound.
QUEEN’S PARK PRESCHOOL
Best Preschool
At Queen’s Park Preschool, the staff believes that children learn through doing.
Their teachers act as facilitators of play, promoting positive interactions with peers, and offering gentle guidance when necessary. They strive to provide a safe, nurturing, accepting environment which encourages spontaneous play and fosters self-esteem. Freedom within limits is a fine line that the staff walk closely to ensure the best experience for your child. The staff strives to provide an inclusive environment that fulfills each child’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs appropriate to their age and stage of development.
Queen’s Park Preschool is very conscious of its crucial role in the New West community. For 55 years, they have done their utmost to support their neighborhood. During the closure this year, the preschool offered online video conferencing for the children to keep in touch with teachers and their friends. This was a huge success.
Open-ended materials, creative spaces and unique experiences, are made available so that the children can learn and be curious about the world around them. As much as possible, the program is child-centered and grows out of the children’s interests and abilities.
Queen’s Park Preschool is a Parent Participation Preschool (PPP). As a non-profit, their preschool is owned and operated by the parents of children registered and attending the preschool. The QPP team exemplify commitment to their community. They bring families, teachers, and community members together in the spirit of teaching their children the value of cooperation, respect, and responsibility.
