Thurs., Feb. 22 edition: Burnaby Mountain Gondola sparks debate on accessibility

Good morning, Burnaby!

While still in its early stages, the Burnaby Mountain Gondola has sparked discussions about accessibility (or lack thereof). The current design concept presented by TransLink representatives is under thorough investigation. Meanwhile, the city is actively developing a new food systems strategy that aims to provide food security for all residents, and a new space is being proposed for North Burnaby Neighbourhood House.

👀 In today's edition:

• A fatal crash on Highway 1 last Sunday

• Two Burnaby teens currently missing

• Replacing City Hall with new facilities

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NEWS

Burnaby Mountain Gondola’s accessibility sparks debate

Burnaby Mountain Gondola’s accessibility sparked a lengthy discussion among staff, councillors and resident representatives on the city’s Access Advisory Committee on Jan. 31.

While still in its early stages, the Burnaby Mountain Gondola—connecting the Production Way-University SkyTrain station with SFU—will have the capacity to transport approximately 3,000 people per hour. It also serves as a viable evacuation route in the event of an explosion or fire at the Trans Mountain Tank Farm on Burnaby Mountain.

Representatives from TransLink presented the current design concept, requesting constructive feedback from committee members to improve design and accessibility for people with visible or invisible disabilities. Multiple concerns—from wheelchair access to loss of balance—arose from the discussion.

Get the full story here. 

SPONSORED BY GATEWAY THEATRE

March 6-17: Jade Circle at Gateway Theatre

Don't miss the highly anticipated world premiere of Jade Circle. After her grandmother's death, Jasmine recalls Taiwanese children’s songs she was taught as a child. Feeling the loss of being unable to connect with her grandmother, Jasmine begins her journey of relearning Mandarin and the past.

This show promises a heartfelt experience through powerful music, captivating movement, and a narrative that seamlessly weaves between Mandarin and English.  This show is accessible to individuals who can understand only Mandarin, English, or both. As part of the show, subtitled text will be projected for audiences.

Jade Circle is more than just a performance; it's an exploration of identity, language, and the ties that bind us to our heritage.

Tickets only $30. Use promo code "JADESPECIAL" to get 2-for-1 tickets for the March 14 performance.

Burnaby Bulletin

A new space for Burnaby Neighbourhood House. Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley brought a motion to council’s Planning and Development Committee to look into new space options for the North Burnaby Neighbourhood House on Feb. 14.

Missing Burnaby teens. RCMP are looking for Burnaby teens Greyson O’Connor and Alexandru Nastase who may be missing together. Both boys were last seen on Feb. 15. [Burnaby Now]

A fatal crash on Burnaby highway. Following an early morning crash last Sunday on Highway 1 at Sprott Street, one person has been killed while two others are critically injured. [CBC]

More transit coming in 2024. The City of Burnaby plans to install 50 new bus shelters in 2024 following the launch of the Bus Shelter Expansion Program in 2023. 370 new shelters are expected to be installed by 2030.

Replacing City Hall. Following seismic safety concerns, city council has directed staff to explore the feasibility of a phased approach to replacing City Hall with new facilities at 4949 Canada Way over the coming years.

New rental homes in progress. Over 19,000 new rental homes are currently in progress in Burnaby—1,621 units are complete, while others are either in construction, a final adoption stage or in the midst of a rezoning process. [Daily Hive]

Burnaby Mountie assaulted. Jairus-Paul Covacha Sacramento, 24, was arrested on Sunday for allegedly hitting a police officer with his car’s side mirror. Sacramento was under house arrest for a North Vancouver sexual assault at the time of the incident. [Burnaby Now]

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NEWS

Burnaby develops a new food systems strategy

Burnaby senior social planner Margaret Manifold presented an update of the city’s draft food systems strategy at the Social Planning Committee meeting on Jan. 24—a work in progress from 2021 that missed its 2022 completion date after the original planner moved to another project.

Working together with project advisors Upland Agriculture Consultants and Urban Food Strategies, city staff are developing a new food strategy that aims to improve food security for Burnaby residents and ensure everyone is within a 15-minute distance from a grocery store. After incorporating feedback from the committee and staff, the final strategy will be presented to council for approval in March.

Read more about Burnaby’s new food systems strategy here. 

SPONSORED BY TACOFINO

Tacofino Breakfast, now available!

Mix up your mornings, because Tacofino Metrotown is now open for breakfast.

The all-new breakfast menu includes an impressive list of 4 breakfast appies, 3 breakfast tacos, 3 breakfast burritos and all new cofeee menu.

Stop by 6036 McKay Avenue 7 days a week from 8am to 10:45am!

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Burnaby is a top 100 employer

The City of Burnaby was named one of BC’s top employers in Canada's Top 100 by Mediacorp Canada on Feb.12. According to Canada’s Top 100 website, the City of Burnaby’s generous maternity leave allowance of 17 weeks at 95% pay as well as discounted access to health and recreation facilities and tuition subsidies are among the features that make the city an attractive employer. 

Other local cities that made the list include Vancouver, Maple Ridge, and Coquitlam.

Read more on why Burnaby made the list here.

Where to eat & drink

🍔 50’s Burgers. This retro diner is an iconic spot in Burnaby for burgers, milkshakes, fries and all other classic diner fixtures. Perfect for dining in and taking out (look out for their cozy outdoor patio on a nice day).

🍗 K Chicken Burnaby. For the juiciest, crispiest Korean fried chicken, look no further than K Chicken near Highway 1. Their OG golden fried and spicy chicken are both classics, as well as their unforgettable side order of cheese snow fries.

🍲 Chakra Indian Restaurant. The vegetarian specialities at this cozy Indian restaurant are showstoppers that are as wholesome and healthy as they are tasty. We’d highly recommend their dhal makhani (black lentils slow cooked with cream and butter) and paneer butter masala.

🤝 Now Hiring

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

• Sales Supervisor at C U Vision Optometrists

• Pool Instructor at Aquafit for All

• Mortgage Advisor at Scotiabank

• Vocational Trainer at Speed Up Education Inc.

• Development Officer at BCIT

• Outdoor Leader at the City of Burnaby

• Assembly Team Lead at Tru Earth

• Business Relationship Manager at G&F Financial Group

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

🗓 Things to do

Thursday

• Babytime. 11:30am. Burnaby Public Library.

• North Sharing Cultures Dinner. 6pm. Brentwood Park Alliance Church.

Friday

• Lip Synch Contest. 6:30pm. Scandinavian Community Centre.

• Mardi Gras Salsa Party. 9pm. 4858 Imperial St.

• Free Beginner Salsa Class. 7pm. 4858 Imperial St.

• Thai Favourites Cooking Class. 6pm. Second Floor Bistro.

Saturday

• Crystal Light Psychic & Wellness Fair. 12pm. First United Spiritualist Church.

• The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. 7:30pm. Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.

• Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser. 4pm. 6060 Marlborough Ave.

• Yin + Restore Soothing Practice. 5pm. 5500 Kingsway.

• Bachata Romantica Party. 8pm. World Dance Co.

Sunday

• Weedbusters. 11am. Burnaby Lake Park.

• Share the Love Barre Class. 7pm. 301-3701 Hastings St.

• The Ultimate Sunday Brunch. 10am. Second Floor Bistro.

Monday

• Burnaby Job Fair: Veterans. 11am. Online via Zoom.

• Intro to Acupuncture. 12:15pm. 3605 Gilmore Way #350.

Tuesday

• Soap Making Workshop. 2pm. Student Union Building.

• Recovering from Chronic Pain Workshop. 12:15pm. 3605 Gilmore Way #350.

• Gadgetless Game Night. 4:30pm. Student Union Building.

Wednesday

• Bite of Burnaby 2024 Launch: Tables Takeover. 7pm. The Amazing Brentwood.

• Microdose Journey. 7pm. Savasana Meditation.

• Hobby and Games Lounge. 12pm. Global Student Centre.