Burnaby, BC
City in British Columbia
Canada
Burnaby, BC approves District Energy Utility for renewable energy in high-growth neighborhoods
Burnaby's District Energy Utility will connect Metro Vancouver's Waste-to-Energy center to addresses in Metrotown and Edmonds by 2026. Underground pipes carry clean thermal energy from the facility to homes and businesses, thus reducing their reliance on natural gas. This system lowers energy costs for consumers and provides flexibility for additional fuel sources in the future. City officials anticipate an annual carbon emissions reduction of 22,400 tons.
Burnaby, BC
Canada
Burnaby, BC informs builders and homeowners with automated Dial Before You Dig system
BC 1 Call's Dial Before You Dig is a regional service that refers calls about underground utilities to local offices. City officials estimated a 15-minute average processing time per call under the previous system. The new process automatically collects schematics and drawings based on the caller's address before responding by email. Burnaby responds to queries around the clock in as little as three minutes with attachment downloads tracked to ensure use by contractors.
Burnaby, BC
Canada
Burnaby, BC and Simon Fraser University solve urban challenges with Civic Innovation Lab
The Civic Innovation Lab is a nonprofit combining university and city resources for future projects. Two full-time staff members - one from each partner - apply for outside grants to cover lab expenses including pilots. University students and city departments conduct real-world research in areas ranging from district energy to call center data analytics. The lab formalizes a years-long relationship that has yielded ideas like the Urban Resilient Futures Initiatives.
Burnaby, BC
Canada
Burnaby, BC builds community support for climate action with Urban Resilient Futures Initiative
Burnaby, the Morris J. Wosk Center for Dialogue, and Vancity will deploy several engagement methods during the three-year pilot. A task force of businesses, design experts, and homeowners is working on a zero-emission building retrofit strategy. Neighborhood-level engagement campaigns will activate residents and organizations for local action. A citizens' assembly and outreach campaigns to underrepresented groups will further shape the city's response to climate change.
Burnaby, BC
Canada
Burnaby, BC solves thorny left-turn issue for city buses with LiDAR traffic management system
The Metrotown SkyTrain Station lacks a left-turn lane at its entrance, creating traffic snarls at the end of 12 bus routes. The LiDAR system designed by Botech Engineering and Consulting activates a left-turn signal when a bus is detected. Sensors are programmed to discern buses from other vehicles in all weather conditions and ambient light levels. City officials believe the system will improve traffic safety and bus arrival times without costly road work.
Burnaby, BC
Canada
Burnaby, BC uses community feedback to improve housing strategy with Your Voice. Your Home effort
A mayoral task force on community housing incorporated multiple stages of engagement into its planning process. Targeted community outreach allowed selected residents to share their thoughts on housing policy from the start. Broader surveys generated valuable feedback over several drafts. Community workshops brought together residents and experts to discuss local housing issues. The final plan will move Burnaby toward increased affordable housing and city supports for housing transitions.
Burnaby, BC
Canada
Burnaby, BC encourages socially distanced shopping with Active Sidewalks, Open Businesses pilot
Local businesses apply for up to 100 square feet of encroachment on adjacent sidewalks and public lots. The city allows successful applicants to build outdoor seating, curbside pickup spaces, waiting areas, and product displays. City officials are prioritizing projects that emphasize accessibility and integration with surrounding properties. Burnaby initially established October 2020 as the program's end but approved an extension through October 2021.
Burnaby, BC
Canada