Thurs. May 11 edition: A new alcohol-in-parks pilot

Hey Burnaby, it’s Brianna.

I’m a new face here at the Beacon, where I’ll be interning all summer (and at New West Anchor, too).

I moved to BC last year for school, and am currently studying at UBC in the master of journalism program. Outside of school, I love the outdoors. You can frequently find me running in the Fraser Foreshore Park, which I’m currently using as a training ground for the Vancouver Half Marathon, or hiking Burnaby Mountain. On rainy days, I love to curl up with a good book. Currently, my interests are Greek myth retellings and the Canada Reads 2023 shortlist.

Today’s newsletter should be hitting your mailbox about the same time that a heat wave is beginning to hit the Lower Mainland.

👀 In today's edition:

• A new alcohol in the parks program is a go

• Burnaby Blooms returns

• Mother’s Day brunch spots

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CITY

City council approves a new alcohol-in-parks pilot program

On May 8, Burnaby council approved the proposal to begin developing a drinking-in-parks pilot program that could begin as early as June in select parks across the city.

Similar to other programs in Metro Vancouver, the parks where alcohol consumption will be allowed will be decided based on size, existing public amenities like washrooms and garbage cans, and safety aspects like visibility.

The bylaw will also lay out similar rules about the limitations regarding where alcohol can be consumed, laying out hour restrictions on public alcohol consumption, and deciding on signage.

The report emphasized the need for this program in light of how important parks and other outdoor spaces became during the pandemic.

The vote to pass the pilot program was unanimous, although some councillors raised concerns. “I’m not overly a fan of having drinks in parks,” Coun. Sav Dhaliwal said. He also expressed concerns about management and enforcement when resources are already stretched.

Others were in support of the program. Coun. Daniel Tetrault said the program was long overdue: “There are many other municipalities who have introduced similar projects, and we have the advantage to actually learn from them about what worked and what didn’t.”

With council support, staff will develop the bylaw and return in June for final approval of the program.

SPONSORED BY BREWERY AND THE BEAST

Vancouver’s best food and drink event of the summer is back July 9

Brewery & the Beast—Festival of Meat—features 50 of the city’s best restaurants serving incredible dishes prepared with local ingredients and cooked over open fire. Refreshments include craft beer, cider, cocktails, wine, and n/a drinks, plus original live music!

Tickets for this premium culinary and beverage experience are all-inclusive—no additional purchasing required—just bring your appetite and good vibes!

Presenters include: Savio Volpe, Published on Main, Boulevard, Anh & Chi, Juke Fried Chicken, Torafuku, el Santo, Pourhouse, Two Rivers Meats, Parallel 49 Brewing, Ardbeg Whiskey, Swan Dive Hard Tea, Ocaso Tequila Soda, plus 45 more delicious eateries and beverage makers!

To buy tickets, see the full line up, and all event details, visit BreweryAndTheBeast.com.

Burnaby Bulletin

☀️ A heat wave is coming to Burnaby this weekend, warns Environment Canada, with temperatures 10 to 15C higher than average, reaching up to 30C on Sunday.

🏥 Burnaby Hospital’s new inpatient floor will be named the Alexander College Inpatient Floor and will be included in the first phase of the hospital redevelopment.

🔜 The countdown is on! Only one week left to get tickets for the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair. Join the fun this May long weekend!*

✏️ Burnaby school board calls for ninth high school and three vertical highrise schools to be built in a new long range facilities plan to help with the influx of new students. [Burnaby Now]

🐾 Find the best meal for your four-legged pal at Rawbone.ca. They have a wide selection of complete and balanced meals, pure novel, bones, and treats! Use code: rawbone15 at checkout.*

🚑 A teenaged pedestrian was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle. The teen was taken to the hospital in critical condition after the accident on May 6, and the driver remained on-scene. [CityNews]

🧋 Canada’s largest Bubble Tea Festival returns to Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium with more vendors and excitements. Visit the official website for detailed event information!*

🏈 SFU student organizations called on the school to reinstate its football team on the grounds that it violates the university’s commitment to its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy. [Burnaby Now]

💸 Burnaby is currently sitting in last place in the Mayors’ Food Bank Challenge. Donate now and support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

*Sponsored Listing

EVENTS

Burnaby Blooms is back and bigger than ever

Burnaby Blooms festival returns to the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and Deer Lake Park this weekend to promote community sustainability and ecological health through all of your floral favourites. Its kickoff is on May 13 from 11am to 4pm, and the event has been expanded to two days this year.

The festival will feature a wide range of eco-art installations that span across a range of mediums, including poetry, performance arts, fashion arts, installation art, and eco-sculptures. Stroll through the grounds and buy some plants, stop at the various food trucks, and enjoy some artist talks and walking tours.

Burnaby Blooms admissions and entertainment is free for all, but some workshops and activities may require pre-registration and fees.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

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Where to eat & drink

🍝 L’Artista Italian Restaurant is a family-owned Italian restaurant, with its customers recommending it for its quaint atmosphere and fresh pasta. It’s open for dinners at 5pm.

🍲 Gokudo Shabu Shabu is a hot pot restaurant recommended for its assortment of fresh ingredients. Check out its Instagram for updates on hours.

🍗 Green & Oak is offering up Malaysian and Singaporean dishes, with many customers recommending its Hainanese chicken dish.

🥗 Balkan House Restaurant is recommended for its large platters of Eastern European food. Be sure to check out the hours as it closes between lunch and dinner.

Local specials

🍰 Mon Paris Patisserie is offering an assortment of Mother’s Day treats, from special pastry boxes to limited-time chocolate cactus treats.

💪 Shred Saturday is hosted this Saturday at Burnaby Central Secondary School. For only $15, shred it out in this outdoor fitness class. Advance registration is required here.

🥞 Trattoria Burnaby Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet. Book ahead to reserve a spot at this brunch buffet, and if you’re a mom, collect on a free glass of prosecco.

🍰 La Foret has a special, limited edition Oreo Red Velvet Mother’s Day cake that you can order (while supplies last) by tonight.

🗓 Things to do

Saturday

• Dageraad Brewing’s Ninth Anniversary: Stop by Dageraad Brewing between 1 and 7pm and enjoy live music, games and food. PS, they’ll be debuting three new beers to celebrate.

• Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market: The farmers market returns this weekend and will run weekly until October. Check it out from 9am to 2pm all weekend.

• Guided migratory bird outing at Burnaby Lake: Join the Burnaby Lake Park Association for a guided outing to spot the migratory birds that move through the park.

• Continuum Here and Now: Continuum Dance Company presents its annual showcase, Here and Now. Purchase tickets here.

• SFU Science Rendezvous: Bring your kids and stop by the annual Science Rendezvous festival and go on a drop-in tour at Trottier Observatory.

• A Mothers’ Day Pink Disco Party is happening at Metrotown’s Grand Court, complete with a build-your-own-mimosa bar, complimentary bouquets, and more. Starts at 2pm.

Sunday

• Mother’s Day at Burnaby Village Museum: Join the museum for a full day of scheduled activities and events, all designed to celebrate mom.

Future

• New Perspectives: A conversation and panel about the future of immigration in Canada. May 16 at 5:30pm at Burnaby’s Ismaili Centre.

• Eileen Dailly’s 30th Birthday Party: Stop by Eileen Dailly pool on May 18 to play games, swim, and take part in kids activities from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

• Burnaby Board of Trade’s 113th AGM is happening May 31. Hear from the president and CEO, meet the newly elected board of directors, and more.