The City of Burnaby proclaimed today the annual day of mourning for workers killed and injured on the job at Monday night’s council meeting.
Annette Taylor of the New Westminster and District Labour Council was at the meeting to discuss workers’ health and safety issues, WorkSafe B.C., and workplace accident and fatality rates.
Mayor Derek Corrigan’s proclamation stated that more than 1,000 workers are killed on the job in Canada every year, with many other disabled, injured or ill due to diseases caused by exposure to toxic substances in the workplace.
Council read five other proclamations as well: B.C. Children’s Hospital’s Jeans Day on April 30, Global Love Day on May 1, Elizabeth Fry Week and Emergency Preparedness Week from May 3 to 9, and MS Awareness Month this May.
What a waste report
The City of Burnaby is continuing with a number of its plans to divert waste from landfills, including expanding glass collection in grey bins to multi-family housing complexes.
A staff report on the city’s solid waste and recycling program listed goals for 2015 that included multi-family glass collection, bringing the Burnaby public schools food scrap program to all schools, and creating a commercial materials recycling area, separate from residential, at the city’s eco-centre.
Last year’s achievements included implementing the province’s expanded recycling program by Multi-Materials B.C., auditing curbside and commercial garbage for organic material, and building the Still Creek Works Yard.
Works yard grand opening
Speaking of the Still Creek Works Yard – the grand opening celebration is on May 23.
The grand opening is taking place during National Public Works week, according to a report from the city’s engineering and parks, recreation and cultural services departments.
The site is a major part of the city’s efforts towards diverting 70 per cent of waste in the region by the end of this year, the report stated.
There will be live entertainment at the opening ceremonies, as well as refreshments and guided tours.
The opening ceremonies take place at 11:30 a.m. The celebration runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the works yard at 4840 Still Creek Ave.
Environment Week
Burnaby is celebrating Environment Week from May 30 to June 6, according to a staff report.
Plans include the environmental awards program, with awards given in six categories: Business Stewardship, Communications, Community Stewardship, Green Choices, Planning and Development, and Youth.
There is also a Burnaby youth video conference, which was organized by the Burnaby Youth Sustainability Network. Videos are accepted throughout April, and prize winners are announced on May 30.
The festival on May 30 is being held at the same time as the farmers’ market and will include information displays, exhibits and live music, as well as small prize giveaways, the report stated.
Environment Week also includes plans for the annual city-wide garage sale day, also scheduled for May 30.
