• Burnaby Beacon
  • Posts
  • Thursday, April 17 edition: Burnaby candidates respond to the Beacon's questions

Thursday, April 17 edition: Burnaby candidates respond to the Beacon's questions

Plus: Take a ride this weekend on a miniature train and Burnaby RCMP arrests suspects in Metrotown bust

Author

Lubna El Elaimy
April 17, 2025

Good morning, Burnaby!

It’s another gorgeous spring day in Burnaby and we hope you get a chance to enjoy the sunshine during the long weekend ahead. Speaking of the long Easter weekend, check out our events section below for family-friendly activities and events, and lots of eggs-citing things to do! But first, let’s talk about the news!

Last week, the Beacon sent out a questionnaire to Burnaby’s election candidates to hear more from them about their plans, and the results are in! On Monday, Burnaby RCMP announced that officers have arrested 22 suspects in a bust in Metrotown, and confiscated weapons and stolen goods.

This Friday, Burnaby train fans can head to Confederation Park and take a ride on a miniature train as Burnaby Central Railway reopens for the season, just in time for the long weekend.

👀 In today's edition:

Consider forwarding this to a friend in Burnaby! New here? Sign up for free.

Advertise your business, event, or restaurant in front of 16,000+ engaged locals! Contact our team today.

ELECTION 2025

Hear from your election candidates

Burnaby candidates in the upcoming election. 📸 Photo: Burnaby Beacon staff

Two weeks remain until the federal election and early voting starts this weekend. As you get ready to vote, you probably want to hear from the candidates. The Beacon sent out a list of six questions to each of Burnaby’s candidates to find out more about who they are and what their plans are if they win.

SPONSORED BY TERRY BEECH
TERRY BEECH

Vote Terry Beech to keep Canada strong

Terry Beech has a record of standing up and delivering for Burnaby North-Seymour. Devoted to public service, he fights for improved infrastructure and housing, good jobs, and clean growth. His hard work and commitment to our community are recognized across Canada, having been awarded “Hardest Working” and “Best Constituency” MP.

Burnaby Bulletin

🙋Anti-racism programs receive $300K from province: The provincial government’s BC Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants program is providing $300,000 in grants to programs fighting racism and promoting equality.

🏌️Riverway to host championships: City of Burnaby’s Riverway Golf Course to host the 2026 BC Amateur Championships.

💉 LifeLabs workers go to BC Legislature: Striking LifeLabs workers and BC Health Coalition members marched on the BC Legislature in Victoria on April 16.

🚫 BC Government to cancel US contracts: BC Premier David Eby directed the government to cancel US contracts wherever possible to decrease the province’s dependence on US goods and services.

🤕 Province increases coverage for accident benefits: BC Government announced it will increase coverage amounts paid by ICBC for healthcare practitioners for patients recovering from car accidents.

🐶 Burnaby driver fined for lap dog: A Burnaby driver was fined $109 for holding a dog in their lap while driving.

🏘️ BC Housing plans new homeless shelter in Burnaby: According to BC Housing’s public engagement website, BC Housing recently purchased the two-storey office building at 3020 Gilmore Diversion and is planning on turning it into a permanent shelter.

⚽ Vancouver Rise kicks off their first match at Swangard Stadium on April 24! Be there to witness the start of a new soccer era.*

🥚 Meet BC’s new generation of farmers: Jared de Dood blends tech, tradition, and tenacity to raise certified organic eggs—and a family—on his thriving poultry farm.*

*Sponsored Listing

NEWS

Burnaby RCMP arrest 22 in Metrotown bust

Some of the items seized by Burnaby RCMP officers Photo: Burnaby RCMP

On Monday, April 14, Burnaby RCMP announced that officers had arrested 22 suspects during a two-day bust in Metrotown. The RCMP also seized stolen goods worth thousands of dollars as well as some weapons.

According to a Burnaby RCMP press release, the “Boost and Bust” initiative was created to enhance safety, reduce violent crime and shoplifting and support local businesses.

“While conducting proactive patrols in the mall, our officers found a 16-year-old boy walking around with a can of bear spray hanging out of his pocket. The boy was arrested for possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose. While dealing with the boy, they also located a pellet gun in his possession,” the RCMP said in a release.

SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF BURNABY
CITY OF BURNABY

Share your feedback on the draft of the Official Community Plan (OCP) in the final phase

  • Attend an open house

  • Take the survey by May 11

Based on your feedback, the City of Burnaby has drafted the OCP. Please review the draft and let them know if it reflects your values and priorities for the city’s long-term growth.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

All aboard: Burnaby Central Railway miniature train rides open this weekend

Adults and children can ride the Burnaby Central Railway miniature trains. 📸 Photo: British Columbia Society of Model Engineers

Calling all train enthusiasts! This weekend Burnaby Central Railway returns for the season with its iconic miniature train rides, just in time for the long weekend. The family-friendly trains are operated by the British Columbia Society of Model Engineers and run on a two-mile track. The railway is open for public rides from Easter to Thanksgiving from 11am to 5pm.

According to the society’s website, each train pulls multiple cars carrying 20 or more passengers on a 10-minute outdoor ride through the woods, with bridges, tunnels, crossovers, and spirals.

SPONSORED BY JAGMEET SINGH, NDP FOR BURNABY CENTRAL
JAGMEET SINGH

Let’s vote to keep Canada, Canada

With so much on the line this election, make your vote count for better health care, more affordable homes, and a Canada where no one is left behind. Help me lead a strong NDP team in Ottawa that will defend what matters most to you. On April 28, vote Jagmeet!

Where to eat & drink

🐰 Burnaby Mountain Clubhouse: If you’re looking for something a little special for Easter, check out Burnaby Mountain Clubhouse’s Easter brunch buffet.

🍝 Trattoria by Italian Kitchen: If you’re looking for another venue for brunch, Trattoria’s patio with its Mediterranean vibe might have what you’re looking for.

🌶️ Cayenne Bistro and Grill: Embrace the warmth of spring with some hearty, flavourful East African and Indian fusion cuisine and soak up the sunshine on Cayenne’s patio.

🤝 Now Hiring

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

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

🗓 Things to do

Thursday

  • Marx’s Late Writings: Theories of Revolutionary Change and of Alternatives to Capitalism, 6-8pm , Earl & Jennie Lohn Policy Room (Room #7000) at SFU Vancouver Campus

  • Fitness at the Met: Free fitness classes at Metropolis at Metrotown, Grand Court Lower Level, every Tuesday and Thursday, 9-9:45am

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

  • Fitness at the Met: Free fitness classes at Metropolis at Metrotown, Grand Court Lower Level, every Tuesday and Thursday, 9-9:45am

Wednesday

That’s it! Thanks for reading the Beacon today!

And before you go, let us know:

What did you think of today's newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Burnaby Beacon Team Signature