Thurs. Sept. 5, 2024 edition: Burnaby marks Overdose Awareness Day

Good morning, Burnaby!

This week, community groups and politicians gathered in Civic Square beside Burnaby Public Library to mark International Overdose Awareness Day. Community members, volunteers, and outreach workers planted purple flags on the lawn at Civic Square, each with a written message addressed to a deceased loved one. In other news, a youth training program grows by 11% in one year, and council considers partnering with Mission Possible.

👀 In today's edition:

• Burnaby marks Overdose Awareness Day

• Youth training program grows by 11% in one year

• Mission Possible wants to partner with Burnaby

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NEWS

Burnaby marks Overdose Awareness Day

On Saturday, Aug. 31, community groups and politicians gathered in Civic Square beside Burnaby Public Library, Bob Prittie, Metrotown, to mark International Overdose Awareness Day. The event officially began at 3:45pm and continued until 5:30pm. 

In the hour before the event, community members, volunteers, and outreach workers planted purple flags on the lawn at Civic Square. Each person who planted a flag had written a message to their deceased loved one.

“Drugs are not the answer,” said one message. Many flags said, “You will be missed,” or otherwise told deceased loved ones that the people they left behind continue to remember them and celebrate their lives. 

The event began with a speech and welcome by Kanyen’kehà:ka Elder Kanatiio, also known as Allen Gabriel followed by remarks from a group of politicians who attended, including Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley and MP Peter Julian.

Gabriel gave some closing remarks for the event, saying that politicians have made the same promises in previous years but have not done enough to address the crisis.

“My anger is coming up now because I heard words today from politicians. Again, I heard those same words last year. I’m going to call you out now,” Gabriel said.

Read more about the event here. 

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Burnaby Bulletin

Investigation put into question. A Vancouver man is questioning the findings from a Burnaby refinery's investigation, wondering why a third-party wasn’t involved in the process. [CTV News]

A long delayed ice arena. A builder is suing the City of Burnaby for $11M over the construction of a delayed ice area. Burnaby's Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre has been open since the spring, but the years of delay getting it built still plague the project. [Burnaby Now]

Temporary Cameron Community Centre. The City of Burnaby has officially announced the opening of the Temporary Cameron Community Centre, an interim hub for recreational activities. The centre is currently located inside The City of Lougheed Shopping Centre.

Labour Day. Hundreds gathered in Burnaby’s Edmonds Park this week to celebrate Labour Day, an event hosted by a number of different labour unions that give people a chance to interact with labour leaders (along with, of course, free snacks and live music). [CTV News]

Amping up traffic enforcement. As the school years starts again, local police will be setting up extra traffic enforcement in school zones across the city, according to a recent news release. [Burnaby Now]

Deer Lake Gallery, closed. Burnaby’s Deer Lake Gallery is closed until further notice due to “disappointing and unsustainable funding,” according to the non-profit that runs the facility. [Burnaby Now]

NEWS

Youth training program grows by 11% in one year

Increasing numbers of Burnaby high school students are joining a trade apprenticeship program, allowing them to work and train in a trade during their last two years of school.

In Grades 11 and 12, Burnaby students can apply to the Youth Work in Trades program, and after a selection process that includes interviews with the students and their families, they begin training in their chosen trade.

Students who can maintain a high academic standing during their program and complete the requirements for their training can receive a $1,000 grant. They can use the grant to buy new equipment for their trade or to further their education or training. 

Nick Christofides, director of instruction, Safe and Caring Schools said the school district created this program in response to a labour shortage forecast in the early 2000s.

“Over the last five years, it has consistently grown from the 150 to the 180 range up to around 300 for this year,” Christofides said about enrollment numbers in the program. He added that last year’s cohort was 270 students; this year, 300 are enrolled, an 11% increase from last year. Nine students received the $1,000 grant last year.

Read more here.

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IDS Vancouver returns this September

From September 26-29, the Interior Design Show Vancouver (IDS Vancouver) will return to the Vancouver Convention Centre West for another show-stopping exhibition. This year’s immersive and inspiring show will feature an array of new products and furniture, world-renowned and local designers, and cutting-edge concepts from Western Canada and beyond.

Find out more!

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Mission Possible proposes a partnership with Burnaby

During Burnaby City Council’s August 26 meeting, a non-profit and social enterprise organization, Mission Possible, presented a proposal for the city to partner with them in providing job opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and other issues.

“​​Our four-stage program offers paid work as its most critical and impactful experience for our participants,” said Matthew Smedley, executive director of Mission Possible.

Smedley added that the non-profit provides maintenance, landscaping, graffiti removal, and other services for commercial and institutional clients. It also has a “clean team” with 70 employees “with barriers to employment” who clean public spaces and work with municipalities.

“The individuals participating in our employment readiness program and working in our clean team are challenged with things like trauma, mental health issues, disabilities, and other barriers that make it difficult to land a job in mainstream employment. So we have tailored our program and our jobs to be accessible to a broad demographic,” Smedley said.  

Smedley offered the city a free trial cleaning service. After the free trial, the city would have to pay for the clean team’s services.

Get the full story here. 

SPONSORED BY CITY OF BURNABY

We want to hear from you!

A new Land Use Map is being created for the new Burnaby 2050 OCP. The map visualizes how land will be used to achieve the community’s vision for the future, including the types of uses permitted in each parcel in the city. Share your voice today!

Where to eat & drink

Greens & Beans Deli. A family owned and operated deli serving the New West neighbourhood for over 30 years, there’s no better place to satisfy a craving for a good sandwich. From wraps and submarine rolls to hot subs and breakfast sandwiches, all the classics can be found here.

Snowy Village. An indulgent dessert cafe specializing in one of the greatest desserts of summer: bingsoo. Order yourself this delicious bowl of sweet, shaved ice before the season is over—flavour options here are plentiful, from fruity strawberry and mango to luscious chocolate, milk and espresso.

Simba’s Grill. Serving a colourful display of East African dishes, Simba’s Grill in Burnaby does not skimp on flavour. The lamb kebabs marinated in garlic and spices is to die for, as well as their pili-pili prawns, chana masala and chicken surwa (Simba’s take on traditional Indian butter chicken).

🤝 Now Hiring

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

• Part Time Cast Member at Cineplex

• Laboratory Assistant at LifeLabs

• Aquatic Leader at City of Burnaby

• Personal Trainer at Anytime Fitness

• Lead Trainer at Pacific Ropes

• Deaf/Blind Intervenor at Burnaby School District

• Associate Manager at PetSmart

• Insurance Advisor at Hub International

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

🗓 Things to do

Thursday

• Paint Nite. 7pm. Oliver Twist Pub & Grill.

• Youth Standard Ballroom. 4:50pm. World Dance Co.

• Karaoke. 8pm. Admiral Bar & Grill.

Friday

• Back to School Salsa Party. 9pm. World Dance Co.

• Breathwork Journey. 7:30pm. Savasana Yoga & Meditation.

• Pub-Style Meet and Greet. 9pm. Club Eden.

Saturday

• Holistic Market. 12pm. 9887 Cameron St.

• West Coast Swing Social Dance. 6:45pm. Bonsor Recreation Complex.

• The Summer Festival by SFU & BCIT Anime. 1:30pm. Convocation Mall at SFU Campus.

Sunday

• Harvest Dinner. 1pm. 6010 Kincaid St.

•  Annual Picnic. 10am. 5455 Imperial St.

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

Monday

• Healing Circles: A Journey To Wellness. 7:30pm. Lochdale Community Hall Association.

• Teaching Opportunities Fair. 11:30am. SFU Burnaby Campus.

Tuesday

• Parent & Preschooler Yoga. 1:45pm. Bonsor Recreation Complex.

• Everyone Can Jazz Jam. 7pm. 820 6th St.

• Community Dance Practice & Open House. 8:15pm. 820 6th St.

Wednesday

• Charity Drag Bingo. 7pm. 759 Carnarvon St.

• English Reading Circle. 11am. Burnaby Public Library.