Environmental and social sustainability, urban development in town centres and citizen engagement were the focal points of Mayor Derek Corrigan's state of the city speech on April 17, at the Hilton-Vancouver Metrotown.
More than 200 people attended the Burnaby Board of Trade luncheon event in the hotel's Crystal Ballroom, including
provincial political candidates, councillors and members of Burnaby's business com-munity.
Corrigan said all the new developments in Burnaby tie in to the master plan that started more than 40 years ago and are finally taking shape in the four town centres: Lougheed, Edmonds, Metrotown and Brentwood.
"None of our development has been 'cookie cutter,'" Corrigan said. "In Burnaby, we have created a unique, exemplary and broadly admired infrastructure and culture."
Burnaby's population has grown to 223,000 with more than 100 languages spoken, according to Corrigan, and about half the population spends its time volunteering.
"With citizen involvement as a driving force - and in the context of a robust planning framework - Burnaby's development has been fundamentally shaped by the city's long-standing belief in economic, social and environmental sustainability," he said.
Corrigan touched on how the building permits for 2013 so far have already matched last year's total at about $325 million.
"Our long-term commitment to our plans has helped the development community have confidence in the city's direction, leading them to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in Burnaby," he said. "And our city is built on a solid foundation and legacy of community planning led by our citizens."
He said the city's 2012 financial statements reported an increase in net financial assets of nearly $51 million, "which attests to Burnaby's continued strong financial health."
"Burnaby's approach to planning has always been distinctive in that each historical neighbourhood or area of the city has had its unique identity nurtured and developed over time in such a way that, acting within an overall framework of growth management, each part interacts with the other to form a thriving and integrated city," Corrigan said.
A transportation plan update is currently in the works, which will focus on the four town centres, Corrigan said.
"Metrotown, for example, is our city's urban focal point," he added. "Its character reflects the area's pivotal identity as a commercial and transportation junction in Burnaby's history."
Corrigan said the future Station Square development by Anthem Developments and the Beedie Development Group will be a pedestrian-oriented and mixed-use development.
Brentwood will also receive a facelift, as it is "evolving to become a high-density residential community that retains and integrates its important commercial functions."
Corrigan noted the Shape Properties plan is nearing completion, as is Solo District by the Appia Development Group - which will contain the Stratus tower and Whole Foods - and said a Hastings Street housing feasibility study will come out later this year.
Corrigan spoke next about Edmonds and said the Southgate neigh-ourhood devel-pment on the ite of the for-er Safeway Distribution Centre will go through a lengthy public input process.
"The preliminary vision for the site is a pedestrian-oriented, transit-connected community that reflects the natural beauty of Burnaby and offers a broad range of housing types," he said. "At its heart is a memorable gathering place comprised of unique spaces that are accessible to people of all ages and abilities."
A lot of activity is also going on in the Big Bend, Burnaby's industrial and business centre.
There is construction on the Burnaby Business Park, along North Fraser Way and discussions have started on planning a park on the former Norampac Burnaby Mill site, Corrigan said.
"A further project currently under way in the Big Ben is the construction, by D. Forcier Design, of a film projection, storage and office facility," he said.
The fourth quadrant to see much change in the future is Lougheed Town Centre as well. SFU's UniverCity "continues to evolve as one of Canada's most sustainable and environmentally integrated communities."
He finished by discussing the city's downturn of crime, city mobile apps and technology.
"Burnaby is a proudly diverse community, for which we are increasingly becoming known," Corrigan said. "Businesses, residents, and visitors can find lively town centres, quiet neighbourhoods, busy shopping streets, and leading-edge business centres - all of which are fundamentally shaped by you and all Burnaby citizens."
For the extended version of this story, go to www.burnaby now.com.
