Thurs. Oct. 10, 2024 edition: New Tenant Assistance Policy approved

Good morning, Burnaby!

In this week’s edition, we’re looking at new changes approved to Burnaby’s Tenant Assistance policy, specifically related to tenants not eligible for assistance under the policy because they moved in after the property owner submitted a rezoning application, as well as other newly approved contracts discussed during Monday’s council meeting. Also this week, we’re looking deeply into Burnaby’s public communications with Trans Mountain, and the city’s most exciting attraction this month—the Burnaby Halloween Festival.

👀 In today's edition:

• New Tenant Assistance Policy approved

• Only non-urgent communications to be sent to Trans Mountain ahead of time from Burnaby

• Burnaby’s Halloween festivities begin

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NEWS

New Tenant Assistance Policy approved

The Burnaby Tenant Assistance Policy (TAP) made an appearance again at City Hall this week, this time during council’s biweekly open meeting on Monday, Oct. 7.

After city planners presented the latest proposed version of TAP to the Planning and Development Committee on Sept. 25, Burnaby councillors discussed the proposed changes this week, focusing on the changes related to tenants not eligible for assistance under the policy because they moved in after the property owner submitted a rezoning application. Coun. Alison Gu introduced an amendment to the motion to protect temporarily displaced tenants who are evicted because they cannot afford to pay rent, and a new requirement has been introduced for property owners and rezoning applicants to be in communication with ineligible tenants and possibly people moving in after rezoning.

Also discussed in the council meeting this week was the approval of a new contract for a “Laneway Upgrades” project, involving several infrastructure changes for seven laneways which will install new storm sewers, replace old roadways and implement a new laneway, as well as an approved contract for $1,118,145 to be awarded to Alfred Horie Construction Co Ltd. for a new roof for Bonsor Recreation Centre.  

Get the full rundown of this week’s council meeting here.

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Burnaby Bulletin

Emergency vehicles at Metrotown. Notice emergency vehicles at Metrotown mall last weekend? As it turns out, the Burnaby RCMP and Fire Department were conducting a training exercise—the large-scale Rescue Task Force training allows police, firefighters, and partners to train together for multiple situations, including active threat scenarios.

Man injured after shooting. A man was hospitalized Tuesday night following reports of gunfire in Burnaby. Burnaby RCMP said the possible shooting was reported in the city's north side, near Kitchener Street and Madison Avenue, shortly after 7:45pm. [CTV News]

Rental housing residents need. The City of Burnaby continues to be a leader among municipalities in the creation of new rental housing according to the latest Rental Housing Summary report provided to City Council. A total of 101 new units of rental housing were completed in Burnaby between January 1 and June 30, 2024.

Nighttime paving. City council has approved a request for an exemption to the construction noise bylaw for All Roads Construction Ltd., so it can do “surface lift paving” along the 300 block of East Columbia Street, between Keary and Sherbrooke streets. [New West Record]

Misconduct allegations. A Burnaby Mountie accused of misconduct says he quit the force 10 days ago and doesn't recognize the jurisdiction of the RCMP's conduct board, which was supposed to hear evidence in the case this week. [Burnaby Now]

Affordable rentals at risk. BC’s new housing density laws are creating challenges for Burnaby after a provincial legislation rolled out last summer that mandates municipalities to allow property owners to increase housing density on their land. [CityNews]

NEWS

Only non-urgent communications to be sent to Trans Mountain ahead of time: City of Burnaby

When Burnaby announced its new agreement with Trans Mountain on Oct. 1, the Beacon contacted the city's public affairs department with questions about how it would affect public communications. One question was whether the agreement means Burnaby must seek Trans Mountain approval before informing the public about leaks, spills, fires, or other emergencies. 

After the Beacon’s previous story about the Trans Mountain agreement was published on Oct. 2, the City of Burnaby’s public affairs department responded, saying these requirements only apply to planned communications such as press releases. 

“This section of the agreement refers to a public announcement or press release, which are formal, pre-planned communications. It has nothing to do with time-sensitive, emergency communications,” said Chris Bryan, public affairs manager at the city. “In an emergency situation, the City’s priority would be to get reliable information out to the public as urgently as possible.”

Read the full story here.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Burnaby gets spooky: Halloween festivities begin

On Wednesday, Oct. 2, the Burnaby Halloween Festival kicked off with a special media event hosted by Tourism Burnaby for reporters and content creators. The event started with a cookie-decorating class run by Hollie Fraser, owner of Punk Rock Pastries in Burnaby, followed by a tour of Pumpkins After Dark. 

Following the event, The Beacon spoke with Chris Peters, the executive director of Tourism Burnaby, who provided more information and insight into this year’s Halloween festivities in Burnaby. 

According to Peters, this is the third year that Burnaby has hosted a Halloween festival, and it has grown significantly over the past three years. This year, Peters said, there are more than 25 events, ranging from free, family-friendly events to adult-only burlesque events. 

Read more about the events here.

Where to eat & drink

Mama’s Rice Bowl. Located in the Bridge Business Center, this unsuspecting nook serves generous portions of rice both in the style of poke bowls and Korean bibimbap. Options range from greens and avocado-laden Cali bowls to orders topped with spicy pork and chicken.

Oakberry Acai Bowls & Smoothies. You can get a healthy dose of fruits and veggies at this smoothie bar in the Amazing Brentwood, specializing in protein and vitamin-packed beverages topped with granola, chia pudding and other wholesome treats. The orders are highly customizable, allowing you to choose from a wide variety of colours, textures and flavours for the ultimate nutritious treat.

X-Site Grill & Bistro. Quality pub fare is the name of the game at this casual grill on Hastings Street, serving favourites like clam chowder, chicken sandwiches, linguine with prawns and more. Be sure not to miss out on their daily lunch and dinner specials—new items are featured every day of the week.

🤝 Now Hiring

Looking to make a move? Here are local jobs open right now:

• Lawn Care Technician at Weed Man Canada

• Co-op Program Assistant at Simon Fraser University

• Personal Trainer at Club16 Trever Linden Fitness

• Store Manager at Bell

• Tenant Supper Worker at New Vista

• Interpreter Lead at the City of Burnaby

• Service Technician at Applied Electronics

• Program Implementation Coordinator at BCIT

Hiring and want to let people know? Reply back and let us know!

🗓 Things to do

Thursday

• Babytime. 10:30am. Burnaby Public Library.

• Autumn Harvest Pumpkin Planter Workshop. 5pm. Gardenworks at Mandeville.

• Bookmark Creations. 12:30pm. Global Student Centre at SFU.

Friday

• Jeremy Pelt. 7:30pm. Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.

• Laughter Yoga. 7:30pm. Bonsor Recreation Complex.

• Free Beginner Salsa Class. 7pm. World Dance Co.

• Secret Balboa Special. 8pm. 65 E 6th Ave.

Saturday

• Raider’s Cup 2024. 5pm-11pm. Scotia Barn.

• October Blues. 7:30pm-11:30pm. 202-4011 Lougheed Hwy.

• IPMS Vancouver Scale Model Fest. 9am-4:30pm. 6550 Bonsor Ave.

• Ladies Night & After Party. 8pm. Club Eden.

Sunday

• Paint Nite. 6pm. The Rec Room.

• Family Yoga & Art. 1pm. Edmonds Community Centre.

• Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute. 7:30pm. Massey Theatre.

Monday

• Improv Karaoke. 6pm. Brentwood Presbyterian Church.

Tuesday

• Lunch & Learn: AI in the Workplace. 12pm. The Cove Indoor Play.

• Global Connect - Pie Social. 12:30pm. Global Student Centre at SFU.

• Love in the Time of Fentanyl. 6pm. Douglas College.

Wednesday

• Girls Strength & Conditioning. 5:30pm. Catalyst Kinetics Group.

• Drag Game Show Night. 7pm. 759 Carnarvon St.