Thurs, Mar. 28, 2024 edition: A new liquor and cannabis policy

Good morning, Burnaby!

This week, we’re zoning in on Burnaby’s new liquor and cannabis policy which aims to cut down on red tape, simplify licensing processes and reduce council involvement in liquor licence applications. Also in this edition, we’re circling back to striking Sheraton YVR workers—now rallying in front of Bridge Studios after months of stalled progress—and celebrating an exciting win for Burnaby’s Special Olympics curling team.

👀 In today's edition:

• A new liquor and cannabis policy

• A stabbing near Metrotown

• Burnaby Wildcats win gold

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NEWS

Burnaby’s new liquor and cannabis policy streamlines licensing applications

At the city’s Planning and Development Committee meeting on Mar. 13, staff presented the new liquor and cannabis policy.

The new policy, which results from months of planning, public engagement, and review of the old policy, aims to cut down on red tape, simplify the licensing process, and reduce council involvement in the minutiae of the liquor licence application (LLA) process. 

A key difference between the new and old policies is that the new policy eliminates the requirement for rezoning before obtaining a licence—applications will only be referred to city council in cases where engagement with neighbouring residents and businesses and the RCMP identifies concerns related to the proposed location.

Read more about the new liquor and cannabis policy here.

SPONSORED BY GATEWAY THEATRE

Apr 11-20 - Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Gateway Theatre is thrilled to present Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, an uproarious production with a fresh and lively take on the legendary tale of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. From the award-winning master of mayhem Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor, Moon Over Buffalo) comes a fast-paced, pulse-pounding comedy like no other. Directed by Barbara Tomasic, this show promises a rollercoaster of laughter, suspense, and wit.

In this retelling of the Victorian whodunit, Holmes and Dr. Watson embark on a riveting adventure to solve the mystery surrounding Sir Charles Baskerville's death. A nimble cast of five takes on nearly 40 different characters, darting on and off the stage in this murderously funny adventure. Tickets from $35 at the website.

Burnaby Bulletin

A hefty firefighting bill. Following an incident that caused a foul smell and plumes of smoke to surround Burnaby, Parkland Refinery has paid back a bill of more than $31K for fire department costs. [CTV News]

An outstanding citizen. The Outstanding Citizen of the Year award has been given to Len Soet, a Burnaby resident and active volunteer who has given over 16 years of community service to non-profit organizations.

A stabbing near Metrotown. A 43-year-old man has been stabbed outside of Metrotown early Tuesday morning. Burnaby RCMP have arrested the 29-year-old alleged assailant and the victim is expected to make a full recovery. [Maple Ridge News]

More cherry blossoms, please. A proposal was brought to city council Monday by the Nikkei Place Foundation to plant more cherry blossoms in Burnaby. Also in this week’s council round-up, a local artist was recognized and upgrades were approved for the Burnaby Mountain Air Bike Skills course. [Burnaby Beacon]

Fined for fallen construction debris. WorkSafeBC has fined CapWest Forming Ltd. and A. Carrillo & Bros Concrete Ltd. for a shoring post and two pieces of plywood that fell from the 62nd level of tower 2 at the Gilmore Place development in Brentwood. [Times Colonist]

A new Decathlon location. Decathlon—a popular sports brand across Canada known for their athletic and adventure gear—has announced the opening of their flagship store at Metropolis at Metrotown on April 27, 2024. [Burnaby Now]

AMADEUS: The chaos, the music, the wild genius. Tour-de-force performances in Langley! Dinner theatre or theatre only. Runs from April 10 - 27.*

*Sponsored Listing

NEWS

Striking Sheraton YVR workers rally in front of Bridge Studios

On Thursday, Mar. 21, Sheraton YVR workers gathered in front of Bridge Studios at 2400 Boundary Rd. in Burnaby to call for wage increases and better benefits. The unionized workers, who have been on strike since June 2023, recently sent a delegation to Burnaby City Council to request council support. Their visit culminated in a letter that Mayor Mike Hurley wrote urging the hotel and studio owners, Larco, to pay workers a living wage. 

“Hotel and hospitality staff deserve a contract that fairly compensates them for their work and one that reflects the reality of the increased cost of living in Metro Vancouver in 2024,” Hurley’s letter said.

Workers at the Sheraton YVR hotel told the Beacon that the hotel has refused to continue negotiations with the union. As a result, the workers decided to rally in front of other Larco-owned companies, such as Bridge Studios.

Get the full story here. 

THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT GOLDEN PLATES

Voting is now open!

Vote for all your favourite local restaurants in the 2024 Golden Plates, including a new category for the best Burnaby restaurant. Vote here! 

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Special Olympics Canada curling team, Burnaby Wildcats, win gold

It was a big moment for the Special Olympics Canada Burnaby Wildcats curling team when they realized their game against the Ontario York South team was over and they had won. At 9:11 am on Mar. 2, referees called the game for the Wildcats. The score was Wildcats 9, Ontario York South 4. While the Ontario York South team was mixed, with female and male players, the Wildcats was the only all-female curling team at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.

“It was an eight-year journey because they missed the last one,” said team coach Debra Colvin. “To get to the gold medal final and then to actually win the game, it was just a dream come true for them and their coach, it was pretty phenomenal.” 

Read more about the Burnaby Wildcats win here.

Where to eat & drink

🍲 Myst Asian Fusion. You’ll want to try a bit of everything at this spacious, modern Cantonese eatery, so it’s a good idea to come with a larger group. From sizzling meat and seafood platters to noodle soups, stir-frys and hot pot, they’ve got everything we want and more.

🍰 Ki Cafe. This homey cafe studded with plants is a dessert lover’s dream (savoury people, they’ve got amazing salty options too). Think freshly baked Japanese cheese tarts and matcha roll cakes with irresistible mains like the okonomiyaki waffle and omurice—an impossibly soft Japanese omelette served on a bed of seasoned rice.

🥪 Big Star Sandwich Co. Making some of the “best sandwiches you’ve ever had”, this spot tops a generic chain any day. Choose between iconic combinations like a roast beef sandwich with creamy horseradish, hand-pulled turkey with cranberry mayo, or make it entirely your own.

🤝 Now Hiring

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

• Lens Portfolio Manager at Specsavers

• Business Development Representative at Fortinet

• Career Specialist at BCIT Student Association

• Hairstyling Specialist at Air Plus Hair Salon

• Agritech Partnerships Manager at Simon Fraser University

• Program Analyst at BC Housing

• Governance Administrator at G&F Financial Group

• Fine Arts Instructor at City of Burnaby

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

🗓 Things to do

Thursday

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

• Community Kitchen Hanami: Japanese Celebration of Cherry Blossoms. 5:30pm. SUB Community Kitchen.

Friday

• April Fools Game Night Salsa Party. 9pm. World Dance Co.

• Sip ‘N Pretty. 8pm. Lounge Sixty.

• Good Friday Service. 10:30am. 7717 19th Ave.

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

Saturday

• Brunch & Egg Hunt with Easter Bunny. 10:30am. Robert Burnaby Park.

• Easter Eggstravaganza. 7pm. The Rec Room.

• A Hoppy Easter Storytime & Crafts. 10:30am. The City of Lougheed Shopping Centre.

• Dessert Candle Workshop. 1:30pm. 3871 N Fraser Way #6.

Sunday

• Walk and Chat with the Mayor. 9am. Christine Sinclair Community Centre.

• Great Easter Egg Hunt. 3pm. Barnet Marine Park.

• Easter Brunch. 10:30am. 6083 McKay Ave.

Monday

• Burnaby Stimulight Toastmasters Meeting. 7:15pm. Cameron Rec Centre.

Tuesday

• Made in Italy Musical. 7:30pm. Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.

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

• Game Night for English Learners. 6pm. Burnaby Public Library.

Wednesday

• Breathwork, Hape & Movement Flow. 6:30pm. Remedi Wellness & Spa.

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