Burnaby firefighters who recently returned from recovery work in Nepal appeared at Monday's council meeting to recount their efforts.
Council chambers were packed as council listened to Dave Samson, James Buis and Mark Pullen speak about the work done by the volunteers.
The team consisted of roughly 20 firefighters from Burnaby, two more from Mission and three dogs used to sniff out people in the rubble, dead or alive. The men partnered with Canadian Medical Assistance Team, a volunteer humanitarian charity that helped get them on the ground.
The quake hit on April 25, and the team arrived by Day 3. They camped in a United Nations tent city set up outside the Kathmandu airport. The men were dispatched to specific areas, including a collapsed UN office, to help locate the dead.
The team returned to Vancouver on May 4.
The firefighters, members of IAFF Local 323, also mentioned the help they received from companies such as Cathay Pacific, which donated the flights and accommodated the large amount of baggage the team brought with them, and Telus, which provided them with phones.
Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan gave the firefighters a letter of commendation, and city councillors thanked them for their efforts and their work in the community.
We need a hero
We’re holding out for a hero till the end of the week.
The City of Burnaby is asking residents to nominate heroes for its 2015 Local Heroes Awards by May 15.
People who volunteer for local organizations, coach local teams or help recent immigrants settle into life in the city are eligible, with priority given to those who have contributed to the community for more than five years via two or more activities, according to the city’s website.
Nominations are due by tomorrow, Friday, May 15.
To nominate someone, go to tinyurl.com/2015LocalHeroes.
Public Works Week proclaimed
Next week is National Public Works Week and to celebrate, the city is holding the grand opening of its new public works yard.
The grand opening takes place on May 23.
Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan declared May 17 to 23 Public Works Week, as well as Cycling 4Diversity Week.
The United Nations recognizes May 21 as World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, according to the proclamation.
The Cycling4Diversity Foundation encourages intercultural connections and educates students and citizens about the benefits of cultural diversity.
Council also read a proclamation from the mayor for the Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on May 22.
It is the anniversary of the date the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the UN in 1992.
Traffic signal for Kingsway and 14th Avenue
Council approved plans to upgrade a pedestrian sign at Kingsway and 14th Avenue to a full traffic signal at Monday's council meeting.
The Eastburn Junior Youth Group approached the city’s traffic safety committee last summer about pedestrian traffic concerns in the neighbourhood, particularly for people crossing Kingsway.
A pedestrian signal will also be installed at Kingsway and 16th Avenue. The total cost for both signals is expected to be $360,000, and will also come from the capital budget for 2015.
Early funds for Hats Off
The Heights Merchants Association is collecting some of its funding from the city a little early, to help cover costs for its annual Hats Off Day festival.
Burnaby council approved an advance of $100,000 to the business improvement association to fund the June 6 celebration.
While the association gets funding from the city’s light industrial and business property taxes for the area, those won’t come in until after the festival, according to a city staff report.
Light industrial and business property taxes for the area are bringing in $252,378 this year, the report stated.
