Growing Up in New West: Schools, Learning & Community

In this reflective and heartfelt episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores what it means to grow up in New Westminster — not just through schools, but through the everyday places where learning, connection, and community come together. This episode looks beyond classrooms to capture the full experience of growing up in the city. From walking to school and spending afternoons in familiar neighbourhoods, to discovering books at the library and finding direction through higher education, Carla highlights how learning in New West is woven into daily life. Listeners are taken on a gentle journey through different stages of growth — from middle school years to high school experiences, to post-secondary life and beyond — showing how each space contributes to a sense of belonging and identity. The episode also explores how education connects to service and history, shaping not only individuals but the broader community. With a tone that is nostalgic, local, and deeply personal, this episode invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences — whether they grew up in New West or found their place here later in life. 🎓 Featured Locations Douglas College Address: 700 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC A major post-secondary institution that brings student life, diversity, and energy into the downtown core, representing transition, growth, and new beginnings. New Westminster Secondary School Address: 820 6th Street, New Westminster, BC A central high school that reflects generations of student experiences, friendships, and formative moments in the community. Fraser River Middle School Address: 800 Queens Avenue, New Westminster, BC A neighbourhood school representing the important transition years where independence and identity begin to take shape. New Westminster Public Library Address: 716 Sixth Avenue, New Westminster, BC A welcoming community space where learning extends beyond the classroom — offering quiet study, discovery, imagination, and a shared sense of curiosity for all ages. Justice Institute of British Columbia Address: 715 McBride Boulevard, New Westminster, BC A unique training institution where education meets real-world service, preparing first responders who support and protect the community. New Westminster Museum and Archives Address: 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC A space where history becomes part of learning, preserving stories and connecting generations through the city’s shared past.