Call it cool—if you will—and you'd be on point. After all, when Burnaby's North Road corridor can lay claim to the largest concentration of Korean businesses, shopping and services in Canada, coupled with an alluring mix of international flavour, a cultural cachet permeates. And fittingly, the Burnaby North Road Business Improvement Association (BIA) coined the area "Uniquely Cool," distinctly defining the community's way of life.
Affectionately known as K-Town, which is concentrated in the blocks from Austin Avenue along North Road southward, includes 180 Korean businesses and services, with amenities such as North Road Centre, North Road Plaza, Korea Town Center and Hanin Village, making up a vibrant, almost exclusively, Korean business community.
The longevity of both Korean and non-Korean businesses and their loyal clientele cannot be understated. For instance, in Korea Town Center, Pho Japolo Sushi has been serving the community for nearly 30 years, and North Road Optical, almost 40, both are family-owned and operated.
"We are K-Town, but we're also a blend of international businesses, right at the precipice of huge development," says Carolyn Orazietti, executive director, Burnaby North Road BIA.
"The area is experiencing dynamic change, and we feel we're one of the unique town centres in Burnaby that features a variety of interesting businesses, including coffee shops, restaurants, beauty and fitness services and health stores. We think we're pretty cool."
Businesses line both sides of North Road, which straddles Burnaby (to the west) and Coquitlam (to the east), from the Highway 1 overpass at the south end, to the convergence of Clarke Road (north end), earmarked with a public art star.
The BIA's influence
The BIA has been instrumental in revitalizing the neighbourhood, with a heavy focus on safety and security. One of their most significant accomplishments to date is improving the area for homelessness.
"Working closely with our community partners is very important to us, and the RCMP and Transit Police have done a spectacular job in cleaning up this area," reveals Orazietti.
"Burnaby's Mayor Hurley set up emergency shelters for homeless people, both cold and hot weather emergency facilities, which helped enormously. It made a tremendous difference because now these people have options. We're always looking at ways to put a safety net around the most vulnerable."
Beauty, fitness, health and wellness
When you think of a BIA, it usually conjures up images of area beautification, among other initiatives. While the North Road BIA addresses those projects too, think beautification for yourself.
"North Road is a real haven for spas and clinics, and we have gorgeous facilities—some could rival the posh downtown area," says Orazietti. "Korean skincare is touted the most prestigious in the world with state-of-the-art products."
Step into a realm of bliss for your body at Juillet Wellness. Feel rejuvenated with treatments from their Healing Spa, RMT, Acupuncture TCM Clinic, and more.
Visit Diva Brow Bar & Spa for head-to-toe perfection, from brow threading to full-body waxing, among others. Whether you're looking for a customized style, creative colour or special treatment, your locks will love Hair Design Shaggy, La Belle Hair Salon, The Hair Make-up and Women Wave.
Reclaim your workout mojo and get motivated with a cycling class at GoodLife Fitness, or get reacquainted with your downward dog with a hot yoga session. Boost your confidence and your fitness at Tri-City Taekwondo and check out their adult programs for all levels to benefit your mind and body.
Looking for relief from body ailments, injury, or recovery from an intense workout? Health practitioners on North Road provide a wide range of treatments for your specific needs. Consider, Absolute PhysioCare, AURA Healing Medi Clinic, Olive Tree Wellness Clinic, and REV Time Spa and Wellness Centre. If you seek relaxation and stress relief, look to Lucky Feet for reflexology therapy or experiment with cupping therapy at Evergreen Health Clinic.
"Take time to nourish your mind and body using the local businesses available to you," says Orazietti. "Come experience North Road and try some treatments you maybe didn't know existed."
For more information, visit northroadbia.ca, email info@burnabynorthroadbia.ca or call 604.420.2799.
