The Burnaby Neighbourhood House is helping people chime in on the city’s vision to transform Metrotown into a new downtown hub.
The neighbourhood house is holding three events with city planners explaining the Metrotown Development Plan, and volunteers will be there to help attendees fill out Burnaby’s online feedback form.
“We want to make sure residents that live in Burnaby know that they can have their voice heard because it’s a consultation,” said Antonia Beck, executive director of the Burnaby Neighbourhood House.
Beck said because it’s summer, some people may not realize the city’s consultation is underway, while others may face barriers that prevent them from participating in the process.
“We really want to make sure people are aware of the plan,” she said.
The neighbourhood house partnered with Burnaby Family Life, Immigrant Services Society of B.C. and Burnaby Community Services to host the events. (See sidebar for details.)
In the meantime, not far from the neighbourhood house, protesters have been occupying an apartment building on Imperial Street, protesting the eviction of residents to make way for highrise condos. While exact numbers aren’t clear, city planners have acknowledged up to 3,000 current rental units could be lost under the new plan.
The neighbourhood house is a non-partisan organization, but when asked what she thought of the occupation, Beck said, speaking on behalf of herself, that it was raising awareness about housing, which is an issue in Burnaby.
“I’m not sure what the solution is,” she said. “The City of Burnaby has two social housing initiatives in the city, but it’s not enough to house the people who will be displaced. I personally think the city, the province and the federal government need to work together to develop a housing strategy.”
Beck said the neighbourhood house wants to remain neutral on the Metrotown Development Plan.
“(We’re here) to help people have a voice,” she said. “The people who are protesting, they should go online and do the survey.”
Presentations:
- July 27, 11:30 a.m. at the Burnaby Neighbourhood House, 4460 Beresford St.
- Aug. 4, 6:30 p.m. at the Burnaby Neighbourhood House, 4460 Beresford St.
- Aug. 11, 6:30 p.m. at the Burnaby Family Life office, 6140 McKercher Ave.
Child care is available, but you must call 604-431-0400 to arrange. Call 604-500-0492 for the Aug. 11 event.
