Thursday, May 15 edition: Burnaby's mayor charts the city's path forward

Good morning, Burnaby!

The epic spring battle between summer and winter continues in Burnaby, where, after weeks of glorious sunshine, the clouds are back, and the sun is nowhere to be seen. Hang in there, friends, because warm weather and sunshine are scheduled to return later this month.

Last week was the city’s official emergency preparedness week, and on May 9, the province announced that it would provide $400K to the City of Burnaby for its earthquake preparedness program.

This week, Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley gave his seventh State of the City Address at an event hosted by the Burnaby Board of Trade, where he announced the creation of a new task force to promote economic growth in Burnaby.

Burnaby may soon get a new landmark sign similar to the one in Vancouver. Coun. James Wang first proposed the idea last January and staff returned to council this week with a report detailing the city’s options.

👀 In today's edition:

• Mayor Hurley charts Burnaby’s path forward

• Burnaby to receive $400K for earthquake strategy

• Council discusses new landmark sign proposal

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News

Burnaby mayor charts city’s path forward

At the State of the City Address on Monday, May 12, Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley outlined Burnaby’s vision for economic growth, civic pride, and infrastructure renewal. The Burnaby Board of Trade hosted the event at the Delta Hotel Conference Centre.

During his address, Hurley announced the creation of a new Mayor’s Task Force on Burnaby Economic Growth and Resilience, an initiative to bolster the city’s competitiveness.

“First and foremost, success means getting the best minds in the room to talk about different ideas,” Hurley told the Beacon following his address. “More than attracting new businesses, we need to ensure our existing businesses are heard and supported. This task force will be grounded in that goal.”

Read the full story here

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Burnaby Bulletin

🎼 Harmony for All program wins an award: The city’s program for free musical instrument lending and lessons received the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) Program Excellence Award.

👮🏼 Burnaby RCMP community open house May 31: The entire community is invited to the family-friendly event at the RCMP main detachment.

🚨 City provides emergency preparedness advice to residents: The city recently updated its online emergency preparedness guides.

🏫 Burnaby mom fights to save Mandarin program: With the school district facing a $4.2 million budget deficit next school year, a mom is fighting to save a Mandarin language program at her daughter’s elementary school.

🌆 Burnaby launches Be Burnaby promotional campaign: The mayor announced the new campaign this week, and the city created a new website for the program.

🥇 Burnaby students win French competition: Thirteen elementary and secondary school students won 20% of medals at provincial French speaking competition, two of them qualified for the nationals.

💰 Burnaby rents fall by 1.6%: While Burnaby continues to have one of the most expensive rental markets in Canada, rents are down by 5.7% compared to last year.

🏢 Condo market slows down: The Metro Vancouver condo market is experiencing a slump as investors pull back and inventory remains unsold.

🤝 Burnaby Housing Authority names new CEO: The BHA has appointed John Brendan McEown as its Chief Executive Officer.

🧺 Shop fresh and local at Burnaby Farmers Market! Saturdays, May 10-October 18. Enjoy farm-fresh produce, handmade goods, and family fun every weekend!*

*Sponsored Listing

News

City to receive $400K from province for earthquake strategy

On May 9, the province announced in a press release that it would provide more than $40 million to cities and communities throughout BC for 61 projects to prepare for natural disasters. The City of Burnaby is set to receive $400,000 for its Burnaby Strategies and Actions for Earthquake Resilience (B-SAFER) program. The program was first announced in November 2024, and the Beacon reported on it here.

“The Province is supporting First Nations and local governments with projects that address natural and climate-driven hazards, such as floods, drought, extreme temperatures, earthquakes, and landslides,” the provincial government said in a statement. “Approximately $21 million is being provided from the new Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding (DRIF) program in addition to almost $20 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF).”

Read the full story here

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Council considers new landmark sign for Burnaby

During its meeting on Jan. 14, 2025, Burnaby City Council received a proposal from Coun. James Wang for the installation of a new landmark sign for Burnaby. The proposal was referred to staff to explore costs and options. Staff finally returned to council on Tuesday, May 13, with an analysis of the various options outlined in a report submitted to council.

According to the council report, the sign will probably cost between $200,000 and $600,000, “depending on its location, size, materials, lighting, and artistic complexity. Annual operating costs such as maintenance, power, and cleaning would be dependent on the final design and delivery model selected.”

“We are just exploring at the early stages, trying to understand if there’s even the desire to take a route of a more tourism-focused type of sign,” said Andre Isakov, the city’s director of parks, recreation and culture planning.

Watch the meeting and read the report here.

Where to eat & drink

🥂 Hart House, Located at 6664 Deer Lake Ave., this restaurant has some of the best views in Burnaby overlooking Deer Lake’s idyllic surroundings, great for outdoor patio dining

🍹 Riverway Restaurant, with gorgeous views of the golf course, this is another great one for outdoor patio gatherings.

🍞 Sfinaki Greek Taverna, delicious Greek fare with a great outdoor patio for those warm spring days.

🤝 Now Hiring

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

• Nursing Unit Clerk, Burnaby Hospital

• Accountant, Robert Half, Burnaby

• Activity Worker II, Fellburn Care Centre

• Eyecare Consultant, Specsavers Metrotown

• Recreation Attendant 1 (Golf Course Range Attendant), City of Burnaby

• Warehouse Associate, Randstad, Burnaby

• Recreation Leader - Weight Room, City of Burnaby

• Digital Print Expert, Staples, Burnaby

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

🗓 Things to do

Thursday

• Block Watch. 11 am - 12 pm, Temporary Cameron, City of Lougheed Shopping Centre.

Friday

• Umm Kulthum Concert Tour, 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm, Michael J. Fox Theatre, 7373 Macpherson Ave.

• Star Wars Trivia Night, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, The Rec Room, Brentwood.

Saturday

• Farmers’ Market. 9am. City Hall parking lot.

• Walk with Your Doc. 9:30 am - 12 pm, Confederation Park track

Sunday

• Artist Talk with Caitlin Aleck, 1 PM at FLEET Mobile Art Studio, Edmonds (Intersection of Humphries Ave & Rosewood St, Burnaby).

Monday

• Baby Talk, 1-2 pm New West Family Place, 112-960 Quayside Drive
  New Westminster.

• EAL With Fatemah, 11 am - 12 pm. Burnaby Neighbourhood North House, 4908 Hastings Street.

Tuesday

• Personal safety information session, 2-3 pm, McGill Library, 4595 Albert St.

Wednesday

• Pop-up Market, 10 am - 4:30 pm. SFU Burnaby, Town and Gown Square