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Council briefs: Burnaby proclaims Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Awareness Month

The City of Burnaby is acknowledging victims of boyhood sexual exploitation and abuse this month. Coun.

The City of Burnaby is acknowledging victims of boyhood sexual exploitation and abuse this month.

Coun. Nick Volkow read a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Derek Corrigan, declaring April Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Awareness Month at Monday night's meeting.

"The problem of child sexual abuse persists in an atmosphere of silence and ignorance and the problem of boyhood sexual exploitation is often overlooked, neglected and poorly understood," the proclamation stated.

The proclamation also encouraged adult survivors to provide support to victims, and advocate for the prevention of childhood sexual abuse.

Daycare planned for former fitness centre

A childcare facility could rise from the ashes of a defunct fitness centre in Burnaby.

The City of Burnaby has received a proposal for a daycare for 152 children at the former site of the Fit City for Women, which closed abruptly in 2012.

Coun. Pietro Calendino voiced concerns that there were too few spots for infant and toddlers in the proposal. The plan includes space for 36 infants and toddlers and 116 preschool children.

"There is a huge need there, too," he said of infant care spaces.

But Mayor Derek Corrigan pointed out infant care requires more staff.

The rezoning application for the site goes to a public hearing on April 28 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.

City spending $1.3 million on parks and recreation

Burnaby city council approved spending for nine parks and recreation projects, totalling $1.3 million.

The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts will receive the bulk of the funds for an entryway beautification project and other upgrades. The cost of the project is estimated at $300,000.

The Burnaby Art Gallery is getting a $150,000 renovation of its fireside room. The Burnaby Village Museum is getting $85,000 in interior fit outs, while the Alta Vista and Fraser Foreshore playgrounds are being replaced at a cost of $175,000 each.

Council also approved $175,000 for a dump trailer for parks maintenance.

An additional $60,00 was set aside for design plans for the Cariboo artificial field, slated for replacement in 2016.

Burnaby Mountain Golf Course will get upgrades to its main practice putting green at a cost of $115,000, while Riverway Golf Course is getting $30,000 for washroom upgrades.

No Stopping signs for Barnet

There'll be No Stopping signs placed near the intersection of Barnet Road and Pandora Street after parking concerns were raised by area residents.

However, Burnaby's traffic safety committee wouldn't approve traffic-calming measures, four-way stops or pedestrian controls for the area, saying in a report to council that they aren't warranted.

The committee made the decisions after a public hearing was held regarding a rezoning application for 7174 Barnet Rd.

Filling Empty Bowls

The City of Burnaby is helping organizers of the Empty Bowls Gala by providing $1,500 in in-kind printing services for the event. The gala takes place at the Hilton Metrotown Hotel on April 23.

City council also approved six other grants at the March 2 council meeting.

The Richard Major Art Group will receive $300 for a Burnaby-based art program, the Maple Leaf Singers will receive $200 for their annual spring show, and École Alpha Secondary School will receive $200 for its dry grad celebration.

Scouts Canada was granted $5,000 for its 2015 scouting program, while the Community Centred College for the Retired was granted $2,500 for its courses and programs.

The Afghan Women's Sewing and Craft Co-operative will receive a one-time lease grant to cover three months rent at the Edmonds Neighbourhood Resource Centre, totalling $1,424.31.

And finally, the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre will receive a $1,000 in-kind grant for its Hokori event, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Japanese Canadian soldiers participation in the First World War.