Thursday, March 20 edition: 3 key community plans set for final approval

Good morning, Burnaby!

This week, council members discussed the final community plans for Burnaby’s Edmonds, Royal Oak, and Cascade Heights areas. The plans will come to council on Tuesday Mar. 25 for final approval and, once approved, will be incorporated into the city’s official community plan (OCP). Also this week, council is looking into ending Burnaby’s friendship city relations with two Chinese cities, and the RCMP is hosting an information session on safety for commercial drivers.

👀 In today's edition:

• Edmonds, Royal Oak and Cascade Heights plans finalized

• Burnaby plans to end nine sister and friendship city relations

• RCMP to teach commercial drivers about safety

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NEWS

Edmonds, Royal Oak and Cascade Heights plans finalized

Three community plans are ready for final approval by Burnaby City Council. During the city’s Planning and Development Committee meeting on Mar. 12, city council members discussed the final community plans for Burnaby’s Edmonds, Royal Oak, and Cascade Heights areas. 

The three plans have been in the making since early 2023, with several rounds of public consultation. The plans will come to council on Tuesday Mar. 25 for final approval. Once approved by council, the plans will be incorporated into the city’s official community plan (OCP). 

During the meeting, council members provided feedback on the finalized plans, with the discussion lasting almost an hour. Parks and density were some topics that sparked questions and longer discussions. 

Get all the details on community plans here.

SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Blossoms After Dark is expanding for 2025

March 28-30 6:30pm-10pm

Join in for an enchanted walk through David Lam Park to experience illuminated blossoms, a cherry blossom cocktail in the licensed Blossom Lounge, exciting performers and expanded food offerings.

Plan your visit!

Burnaby Bulletin

Burnaby man shot. Police in Metro Vancouver are investigating a shooting that injured a 71-year-old man on Saturday. A statement from the RCMP says officers found the victim in a wooded area near Highway 1 and Willingdon Avenue, where the man was apparently living. [Global News]

Hospital staff needed. The first phase of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment is almost complete, and workers are wanted. The hospital is planning to hire about 170 new staff as Phase 1 of the redevelopment wraps up, according to a presentation by Leanne Appleton, executive director of Burnaby Hospital, at Burnaby City Hall March 11. [Burnaby Now]

Foreign homebuyers tax upheld. The British Columbia Court of Appeal has dismissed the claim of a company fighting $6 million in foreign homebuyers tax assessed on the purchase of a $30 million, 38-unit low rise apartment building in Burnaby. [CBC]

New battery-electric buses. TransLink is beginning to test its Letenda Electrip battery-electric bus with the goal of moving to a zero-emissions fleet by 2040. The 30-foot bus, which has 22 seats and a maximum capacity of 44 passengers, will be used on multiple bus routes and loops while the company evaluates its reliability, charging and range. [New West Record]

NEWS

Burnaby plans to end 9 sister and friendship city relations

During the city’s International Relations and Friendship Cities Committee meeting on Mar. 10, committee members discussed reviewing the city’s policies regarding sister and friendship cities.

Burnaby’s new policy will allow only five sister cities and five friendship cities for the City of Burnaby. Currently, Burnaby has seven sister cities and nine friendship cities. If approved by council, the City of Burnaby will end its sister-city relations with two cities: Zhongshan City, People’s Republic of China and El Zapotal, El Salvador. The committee report discussed on Mar. 10 also recommends ending friendship city relationships with seven Chinese cities.

“A sister city relationship is a long-term, formal agreement that may include cultural, educational, economic, and other mutually beneficial opportunities,” the committee report said. “Burnaby became a part of that movement in the hopes that sister city relationships would create meaningful economic, educational, and cultural ties between Burnaby citizens and those of other countries.”

Find out which cities are on the chopping block and which are staying.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

RCMP to teach commercial drivers about safety

Burnaby RCMP is hosting two sessions on Mar. 24 for the drivers and operators of commercial vehicles such as box trucks and delivery vehicles. The two sessions aim to teach the drivers and operators of commercial vehicles about safety in a classroom environment. The sessions are aimed at drivers and operators of vehicles that require a Class 5 licence.

“We know many drivers and companies are doing their best to operate their commercial vehicles safely but may have questions we can help answer, which is why we are hosting these information sessions,” said Cst. Kevin Connolly, Burnaby RCMP’s designated commercial vehicle inspector in a statement.

According to a press release, Burnaby RCMP will host the sessions in partnership with Delta Police, BC Highway Patrol, and WorkSafe BC. Representatives from these agencies will attend the sessions to provide information and answer questions. 

Get all the necessary information about the sessions here.

Where to eat & drink

🧋 Something Sweet Cafe. An innovative cafe serving quality bubble teas (flavours like tiramisu and sour plum are nothing short of exciting), bubble waffles and a variety of other delectable Chinese-influenced goodies like creamy egg sandwiches and croissants stuffed with seaweed and pork floss.

🍕 Uncle Fatih’s Pizza. After a late night of drinking and catching up with friends, going to Uncle Fatih’s for a slice of cheesy pizza is a no-brainer. With several locations in the Lower Mainland, they’re famous for their thick crust pizzas—though there are many great flavours to choose from, the beef and blue cheese is an iconic menu item that’ll never steer you wrong.

🥡 Shanghai Dimsum House. A bright yellow stand in Burnaby’s Crystal Mall, Shanghai Dimsum House is great not only for dim sum, but also for its satisfying snacks that make for perfect post-shopping treats. The pan-fried beef rolls, pork dumplings, and fried rice cakes are simply to die for.

🤝 Now Hiring

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

• Child Passenger Safety Program Educator/Instructor at BCAA

• Pickleball Instructor at City of Burnaby

• Supervisor, Customer Service & Operations at DP World

• Personal Banker at BMO

• Service Leader at Chipotle

• Student Occupancy Specialist at SFU

• Sales Representative at Club16 Trevor Linden Fitness

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

🗓 Things to do

Thursday

• Chocolate Truffle Making Workshop. 1pm. Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre.

• Top Scams Affecting Newcomers. 6pm. City Hall.

• Burnaby Spoken Word Toastmasters. 7pm. Kingsway Church Activity Centre.

Friday

• Ukulele Jam. 7pm. South Burnaby Metro Club.

• Adrian Glynn. 7:30pm. Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.

• Board Game Club. 3:30pm. Burnaby Public Library.

• All Video Game Trivia. 7pm. The Rec Room.

Saturday

• Central Parkrun. 9am. Central Park.

• Margarita Salsa Party. 9pm. World Dance Co.

• BC Cadet Honour Band 2025. 7pm. Michael J. Fox Theatre.

Sunday

• Japanese Tea Workshop. 11am. Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre.

• Paint Nite. 6pm. The Rec Room.

• Guitar Music and Tea. 3pm. Eighth&eight.

Monday

• Family Fun Time in Spanish. 10:30pm. Burnaby Public Library.

• The Magic Festival. March 24-25. Multiple locations in New West, details here.

Tuesday

• Acappella Choir - Pacific Spirit Voices. 7pm. Grace Lutheran Church.

• Burnaby International Folk Dancers Club. 7pm. Charles Rummel Community Centre.

• Cabaret of Wonders. 7pm. Location details here.

Wednesday

• Beginner Tango. 6:30pm. Lochdale Hall.

• Korean Storytime. 10:30am. Burnaby Public Library.