Thurs. June 13, 2024 edition: City explores district energy systems for new developments

Good morning, Burnaby!

This week, we’re listening in on an important topic discussed by city council: a motion to explore district energy utility systems for all new developments, particularly within master-planned communities. The motion sparked some debate among councillors, a potential increase in house prices a key component to making a final decision. Also this week, we’re focusing on the city’s need to address disability stigma as well as a new Indigenous art exhibition.

👀 In today's edition:

• A round up of the city council meeting this week

• A look into Burnaby’s accessibility plan

• A new art installation at Deer Lake Gallery

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COUNCIL

City explores district energy systems for new developments

Burnaby City Council’s latest meeting on Monday, June 10th was centred around discussions about EV parking, environmental awards, a newly renovated library and, notably, a motion proposed by Coun. Alison Gu to prompt city staff to explore the feasibility of all new developments having district energy systems in areas where district energy utility connection is not mandatory.

“It’s an exploratory motion, and we have to confirm that the density bonus framework would allow us to do this kind of exchange and that it would be in line with all our other bylaws,” Gu said. 

The motion sparked some discussion among city councillors. Coun. Richard Lee said while he believes the idea is excellent, he would like staff to explore whether this type of connectivity might increase housing prices. Lee said developers may pass on the installation cost to the buyers, who may, in turn, pass the cost onto renters. 

Council also discussed a new proposed bylaw that would make off-street vehicle parking in new non-residential developments much more friendly towards electric vehicle (EV) owners. According to a council report, 45% of parking stalls will become EV-ready.

Read our full recap on everything council discussed this week.

SPONSORED BY CONCORD PACIFIC DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

Summer starts this weekend at the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival

Bigger and better than ever; the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival is Vancouver's ultimate summer kickoff party, and it's here THIS WEEKEND!

Get set to spend all day- and night with us! Over 200 teams race every 10 minutes, with the gold medal for the continent's biggest race on the line. Between races, catch the TD Main Stage's 100% local lineup with headliners Hey Ocean! and MANILA GREY, immerse yourself in our cultural pavilions, or visit the new Concord Pacific Community Zone with kids activities.

Then, fuel up and support local at our local marketplace with 25+ food trucks, all on the city's biggest outdoor patio. And for the first time, Vancouver's night skies light up on June 22 with the city's first public drone show over False Creek!

Summer starts on False Creek June 22 and 23 at the continent's flagship dragon boat festival.

Click here for info!

Burnaby Bulletin

Smashed through a windshield. The driver who was struck by what the RCMP called a “volleyball-sized rock” last week on Highway 1 in Burnaby remains in critical condition. Investigations are still going forward to determine the cause. [City News]

A life sentence. A painful chapter has come to an end for the family of a 13-year-old Burnaby girl who was raped and murdered in Central Park in 2017. The man responsible for the crime has been sentenced to life in prison. [CTV News]

Boosting renters’ protection. Council in New Westminster, B.C., has passed a motion to improve renters' protections after new provincial legislation on housing density raised fears that tenants in affordable homes could be forced out by redevelopment. [CBC]

A massive energy expansion. BC Hydro is investing more than $1 billion to expand Burnaby's power capacities as the city's population continues to grow, with communities like Brentwood, Metrotown and Burquitlam/Lougheed expected to see the most significant impacts. [Burnaby Now]

Stolen baseball gear. Police are currently looking for a large, steel storage box containing $3,000 worth of baseball gear they say was stolen from a New Westminster field earlier this year. [CTV News]

House arrest. A former manager who defrauded his Burnaby employer of more than $280,000 over five years to fuel a drug and gambling addiction has been handed a two-year community sentence and one year of probation. [Burnaby Now]

Vancouver Folk Music Festival, July 19-21, ʔəy̓alməxʷ Jericho Beach Park. From dance-inducing rhythm makers to heart-searing harmonizers and more! Early Bird discounts to June 14.*

*Sponsored Listing

NEWS

City needs to address disability stigma, attitudinal, physical barriers: public engagement shows

At the city’s Access Advisory Committee’s meeting on May 30, Urban Matters communications consultant Melissa Blair presented the results of the firm’s various engagement efforts earlier this year.

The results identified barriers and accessibility issues in six key areas: built environment, information and communication, programs and services, procurement and customer service, transportation, and employment. 

“We also found that supporting the diversity of disability, addressing ableism and attitudinal barriers, these came up quite a bit. There’s still such a large stigma. Prioritizing accessibility in budgets and funding and at the upfront stages of buildings and development and ensuring long-life disability support that encourages independence,” said Blair.

Get the full story here.

SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

Kassa Overall and Odario headline free Downtown Jazz

The 39th Vancouver International Jazz Festival offers 150 performances with 50 free events, including Downtown Jazz, a free concert series outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on šxwƛ̓ ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, June 22 and 23. Free performances by Kassa Overall, Odario, Jason Winikoff Hot 5, Blue Moon Marquee, Y La Bamba and more!

Visit the website to learn more!

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Indigenous artist’s exhibition now open at Deer Lake Gallery

It is not every day that an artist invites visitors to their exhibition to touch the artwork, but that is exactly what Mi’kmaq artist Alanna Irene Edwards invites everyone to do when they enter Deer Lake Gallery to visit her exhibition.

The exhibition and residency, titled “where I’m from” reflects on concepts such as the meaning of art, access to cultural knowledge, and art as a collaborative effort among generations. Edwards will host two art-creation workshops open to visitors of all ages on July 13 and 14 from 12pm to 4pm. 

Get more details about the exhibition here.

SPONSORED BY CANADA BUBBLE TEA FESTIVAL

Canada’s largest bubble tea festival

The Canada Bubble Tea Festival is a vibrant celebration of bubble tea culture, featuring 100+ vendors including Chatime, Bubble World, Chun Fun How and more. The event includes live music, cultural performances, and outdoor movies, attracting bubble tea enthusiasts and offering a delightful, immersive experience for all ages.

Where to eat & drink

🍲 Masita Korean Restaurant. This family-owned, late-night restaurant specializes in Korean staples like black bean noodles, soft tofu hotpot, bibimbap as well as a variety of fried chicken flavours. It’s a great stop after any late night function, where all you want is something comforting and delicious to sink your teeth into.

🌶 El Santo. A funky bar in the heart of New West that blends together tradition and experimentation to create modern Mexican dishes you’ll find nowhere else. Take the skillet cornbread with jalapeno jelly to start, then finish strong with the carne ahumada—a leek ash rubbed wagyu flank steak with red pepper and habanero puree.

🍖 Taverna Greka. Fresh, homemade and authentic Greek dishes are the hallmark of this family business established in 1982. You can get a great view of the Fraser River from their dining room while enjoying hearty dishes like roast lamb, moussaka and garlic butter prawns. Be sure not to overlook their dessert menu, which has gems like ravani—a Greek angel cake drizzled in honey.

🤝 Now Hiring

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

• Data Entry + File Support at Horizon Grocery & Wellness

• Server/Cashier at Tacofino Metrotown

• Crew Member at Chipotle

• Pool Instructor at Aquafit for All

• Eco Sculpture Assistant at City of Burnaby

• Home Renovator at 88 Homes Ltd

• Nail Salon Supervisor at Vinpearl Nails & Spa

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

🗓 Things to do

Thursday

• English conversation circle. 2pm. Burnaby Public Library.

• Cascade Heights Urban Village Community Plan Open House. 5:30pm. 4343 Smith Ave.

Friday

• Environmental Stewardship Event. 6pm. Jim Lorimer Park.

• Storytelling with Drag Queens. 7pm. The Rec Room @ The Amazing Brentwood.

• The Real Psychics of Vancouver. 7pm. Something Sweet Cafe.

• Couples Class: Elevated Italian Trattoria. 6pm. Second Floor Bistro.

Saturday

• National Indigenous History Month Celebration. 11am. 4333 Ledger Ave.

• Wagashi Workshop. 11am. 6688 Southoaks Cres.

• Spanish Tapas: A Delicious Journey Through Food. 6pm. Second Floor Bistro.

• Swingin’ in the Park. 4pm. Moody Park.

Sunday

• Paint Nite: The Original Paint & Sip Party. 6pm. The Rec Room

• Father’s Day Concert. 2pm. Queen’s Park.

Monday

• Unplugged Art in a Park. 2pm. Cameron Park.

• Tingrinya Storytime. 12:30pm. Burnaby Public Library.

• Iceland Independence Day Picnic. 6pm. Scandinavian Community Centre.

Tuesday

• Vampire Weekend ‘Only God Was Above Us’ Tour. 6pm. Deer Lake Park.

• Games for English Learners. 6pm. Burnaby Public Library.

Wednesday

• Burnaby Writing Group Meetup. 6pm. Tommy Douglas Library.

• Free Beginner Bachata Class. 8pm. World Dance Co.

• Board Games & Puzzles Extravaganza. 12:30pm. Global Student Centre.