Daniel Fontaine Defeats Patrick Johnstone for New Westminster Mayor

Daniel Fontaine defeated incumbent mayor Patrick Johnstone in the October 17 civic election to become the first Indigenous mayor of New Westminster. Fontaine secured 12,361 votes to Johnstone's 10,128, leading a broader sweep for the New Westminster Progressives. The party captured the mayor's office, five of seven city council seats, and six of seven school board trustee positions.

Community First New Westminster, the party of the outgoing mayor, was largely displaced, retaining only two representatives: Tasha Henderson on council and Mary Trentadue on the school board. Fontaine attributed the victory to public frustration over affordability and a perceived disconnect between the previous council and citizen priorities, specifically citing 30 percent property tax increases.

Fontaine campaigned on a platform of public safety, infrastructure, and responsible spending. He pledged to lower average property tax increases and launch a Core Service Review within six months. To address homelessness and safety, he committed to increasing investment in the I’s On The Street program and Community Enforcement and Safety Officers. In his victory speech, he promised to operate a non-partisan city hall focused on economic vibrancy and housing affordability.

Patrick Johnstone expressed surprise and disappointment at the results, stating he believed his campaign was strong and the work of the previous four years was successful.