It’s an annual tradition as common as turkey and presents, but this time we are adding a twist.
While The Recordstaff select their choice, we want readers to vote on their top pick for News Story of the Year. And this year there’s quite the selection. Among them are the devastating downtown fire that destroyed half a block, including the iconic Copp’s shoes building. It left the city reeling but also showed how much locals come together during difficult times.
Then there is the internal feud at Hyack, which had more twists and turns than a May Queen’s ringlets.
Another year, another bout of budget woes at the New Westminster school district, but this time getting through it would require more than just another slash to supply budgets. The district had to cut approximately 62 jobs – about eight per cent of its workforce – to balance this year’s budget, and the district still owes the provincial government almost $5 million for previous shortfalls.
A proposed coal facility directly across the river at Fraser Surrey Docks got locals burning mad. City council and residents oppose the project and are demanding an environmental impact assessment that takes a thorough look at the environmental and health impacts of the proposals.
The railway was here long before most families arrived in the Royal City, but it continues to make headlines. Rail noise has long been an issue among residents, but safety concerns and the transportation of dangerous goods by rail became a cause for concern after the tragedy in Lac-Megantic, Que., in July and other derailments.
Transportation is often one of the most-cited concerns for residents, and 2013 was no different. The opening of the new Port Mann Bridge saw traffic volumes surge on the Pattullo Bridge, which translated into gridlock around the city during most rush hours, as many motorists opt to cross the Fraser River for free rather than pay tolls on the region’s newest bridge.
Now we want to hear from you: What story strikes you as being the most newsworthy, the most important story to the residents of the Royal City?
Take our poll online at www.royalcityrecord.com and send us your thoughts via our website or our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/RoyalCityRecord.
Weigh in on what you think was critical news this year. We’ll post your picks and our picks in the Dec. 27 newspaper.
