Burnaby Now March 23 2023

Council cancels planto remove parkland

Mayor says decision to put issue to‘alternative approval process’was a‘misjudgment’

LaurenVanderdeen lvanderdeen@burnabynow com

Burnaby city council has cancelled a voting process that was required to remove 21 acres of parkland at Fraser Foreshore Park to make way for a green waste facility (GRO)

Mayor Mike Hurley said the decision to put the park removal to an “alternative approval process” (AAP), which required 16,250 Burnaby voters to vote in opposition, was a “misjudgment.”

“While the project still remains a good project, and one we will clearly continue to look at other sites for, the public spoke clearly that they did not want it in that location,” he said to media after a special council meeting Monday

“We just collectively made a mistake on this,” Green Party Coun Joe Keithley said at the meeting.

Burnaby residents expressed significant

Continued on page 3

BURNABY BARGAIN HUNTING: Shoppers check out the wares at the flea market held Saturday, March 18, at Confederation Seniors’ Centre PHOTO JENNIFERGAUTHIER

Citynow

Itemsrecoveredafterbuilding-sitethefts

Burnaby RCMP looking for owners of hundreds of thousands of dollars’worth of stolen goods

CorneliaNaylor

cnaylor@burnabynow com

If you’re missing a $25,000 stove, you might want to call Burnaby RCMP

An investigation into break-ins at high-end homes under construction in the Lower Mainland recently led police to two shipping containers packed “floor to ceiling” with stolen goods, including a $25,000 stove and other high-end appliances, home finishings and fixtures, according to a Burnaby RCMP news release.

The detachment’s strike force unit, which specializes in robberies and property crimes, launched the investigation in October 2022 after reports several swanky homes under construction in Burnaby, Coquitlam andWestVancouver were targeted by theft between September 2022 and February 2023

“The stolen property in-

cluded everything from stoves, fridges, toilets and plumbing fixtures, to flooring and lighting, with many items still in their original packaging,” stated the release “The value of seized goods is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars ”

On Feb 3, police raided three properties, two in the Lower Mainland and one north of Creston, B C

The shipping containers packed with stolen goods were discovered, and one suspect a man from the Lower Mainland was arrested

The investigation is ongoing, according to the release.

“This is a significant seizure, not just due to the sheer volume of stolen goods but also due to the value of many of these high-end items, which appear to have been strategically targeted due to their value,” Burnaby RCMP Cpl Chad Premack said

in the release “As we work to identify the rightful owners of these items, we are now appealing for any potential victims to come forward ”

Anyone who may have had items stolen is asked to reach out to investigators by email at E

Burnaby Strikeforce

Property@rcmp-grc gc ca

Include a name, phone number, email address, address of theft, date of theft, police file number (if reported as stolen) and a description of the stolen item, including serial numbers and photos

Jury selection underway inShen murder trial

CorneliaNaylor

cnaylor@burnabynow com

Jury selection for the trial of a man accused in the 2017 murder of 13-year-old Marrisa Shen is underway inVancouver Supreme Court after numerous delays over the last six years

Shen’s body was found in Burnaby’s Central Park in the early morning hours of July 19, 2017 after her family reported her missing the night before.

where feasible

Police will need to validate proof of ownership before the items can be returned, according to police

Investigators believe it’s possible homes in southeastern B.C. may have also been targeted

Ibrahim Ali was charged with her murder in September 2018, after what the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team described as “one of the longest and most resource-intensive investigations” in its history

Trial has been set for April 13

Decisiontokeepparklandintactcalleda‘hugevictory’forresidents

Continued from page 1

objections to removing the parkland, which includes sensitive wetland habitat, and the voting process (the AAP) chosen to un-dedicate the parkland The AAP required 16,250 Burnaby voters opposed to the parkland removal to submit a ballot by mail or in person

“The people of Burnaby have spoken strongly and loudly in opposition to this project, with good reason,” Keithley said.

“While the GRO project definitely has potential to have net benefits … it’s become very clear, very, very clear, that this

is not the right location,” Keithley said Burnaby Citizens Association (BCA) Coun Alison Gu said the climate crisis will require the city to deal with its organics in -region

“But it does not require us to do so while paving over tidal wetlands and tidal forest and harming ecosystems in the process,” Gu said

“Let’s work with partners to overcome human-made limitations and get this facility built somewhere else. It will be difficult, but not doing everything in our power and beyond is non-negotia-

ble,” she added BCA Coun Sav Dhaliwal said he didn’t do enough research on the

AAP.

“I misjudged how well that would not be supported,” Dhaliwal said

“Had I foreseen how this was going to divide the community, how this was going to put our staff at risk a lot of people were upset A lot of people didn’t see us doing (a) good enough job.They thought we were going to just sneak in the middle of the night and just do it.That was never the intent ”

Dhaliwal suggested council commits to never doing an AAP for removing parkland again: “We chose to use AAP; all of us did.We didn’t do our homework None of us did ”

He stressed Burnaby

still needs to build the organics processing facility

“We know that the facility needs to be built It’s our waste we should be handling it We should not be just saying it should be trucked somewhere else away from Burnaby”

Council’s decision followed a rally Saturday at Fraser Foreshore Park by about 30 people to oppose removal of parkland GRO protester Parvin Chami, president of the Friends of Discovery Park neighbourhood group, said Monday that the decision not to remove the parkland was a “huge victory” for residents

HIGH-ENDGOODS: Burnaby RCMP have recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of appliances, home finishings and fixtures stolen from construction sites in Burnaby, Coquitlam and West Vancouver PHOTOBURNABYRCMP

Controversy: Environmentalists and residents packed the seats at Burnaby City Hall during a special council meeting regarding a proposal to remove parkland in Burnaby PHOTO LAUREN VANDERDEEN

CityConnect

arealmosthere!

SHARE YOUR VOICE!

Drop

SUNDAY, MARCH 26 | 9-10 AM

Join Mayor Hurley for a healthy walk around Deer Lake Park, and enjoy a $2 pancake breakfast afterwards in support of the Burnaby

Firefighters Charitable Society Meet at Burnaby City Hall

Mark Your Calendars!

Next walk

Apr 30, May 28, Jun 25, Jul 30, Aug 27, Sep 24, Oct 29

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

5:30-7:30 pm

Confederation Seniors’ Centre (4585 Albert Street Burnaby)

@MayorOfBurnaby

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

5:30-7:30 pm

Bonsor Recreation Complex (6550 Bonsor Avenue Burnaby)

Learn more about Housing Choices: Burnaby.ca/HousingChoices

NOTICE OF DISPOSITION AND INTENT TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE

TAKE NOTICE THAT the City of Burnaby intends to grant a lease for a term of five (5) years to Provincial Rental Housing Corporation (“PRHC”) over City-owned property located at 3986 Norland Avenue and 4100 Ledger Avenue, Burnaby, BC and legally described as

Burnaby City Council hereby gives notice that it will hold a Public Hearing to receive representations in connection with proposed amendments to “Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 1965”

TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2023 AT 5 PM

ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENTS

1) Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 1965, Amendment Bylaw No 4, 2023 - Bylaw No 14552

Rez. #22-03

7730 6th Street

From: CD Comprehensive Development District (based on RM1 Multiple Family District)

To: Amended CD Comprehensive Development District (based on RM3 and RM3r Multiple Family Districts and Sixth Street Community Plan as guidelines, and in accordance with the development plan entitled “Eastburn Square Affordable Housing” by VIA - A Perkins Eastman Studio)

Purpose: to permit the construction of a six-storey multiplefamily non-market rental building with an in-home childcare facility for up to 8 children

Applicant: Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation

2) Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 1965, Amendment Bylaw No 5, 2023 - Bylaw No 14553

Rez. #21-24 4049 Hastings Street

From: C8 Urban Village Commercial District (Hastings)

To: CD Comprehensive Development District (based on C8 Urban Village Commercial District (Hastings) and Hastings Street Plan as guidelines, and in accordance with the development plan entitled “4049 Hastings Burnaby B.C ” prepared by Stuart Howard Architects Inc.)

Purpose: to permit the construction of a mixed-use multiple-family rental apartment development with commercial uses at grade

Applicant: Vittori Developments

All persons who believe they are affected by a proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard:

» PARTICIPATE IN-PERSON

» SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS TO COUNCIL

• email: legislativeservices@burnaby ca

• mail: Mayor & Council, c/o Legislative Services, 4949 Canada Way

• fill out the webform: Burnaby ca/PublicHearings

» PARTICIPATE BY ZOOM OR WATCH LIVE Visit Burnaby ca/PublicHearings

3) Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 1965, Amendment Bylaw No. 6, 2023 - Bylaw No. 14554

Rez. #19-35

4265 Lougheed Highway

From: C4 Service Commercial District

To: CD Comprehensive Development District (based on C3 General Commercial District, RM5s Multiple Family Residential District, RM5r Multiple Family Residential District and the Brentwood Town Centre Development Plan as guidelines, and in accordance with the development plan entitled “Buchanan West Concept Book” prepared by Chris Dikeakos Architects Inc.)

Purpose: to establish a Conceptual Master Plan and Design Guidelines for the Buchanan West Site, in order to guide further site specific rezoning applications for the future construction of high-density strata, rental, commercial retail, office, and hospitality development over time No specific development is being proposed by the subject rezoning application

Applicant: First Capital Asset Management LP

Reports, bylaws, and related information respecting the zoning bylaw amendments are available on the City’s website at Burnaby ca/PublicHearings from March 8, 2023.

Any questions regarding the Public Hearing processes and agenda items may be directed to Legislative Services, 604-294-7290

Please note all submissions must be received by 2:45 pm on the day of the Hearing and contain the writer’s name and address which become a part of the public record.

NO PRESENTATIONS OR SUBMISSIONS WILL BE RECEIVED BY COUNCIL AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC HEARING.

N. Best CORPORATE OFFICER

Opinionnow

Last Week ▼

MY VIEW KEITH BALDREY

Trudeau, Liberals hold strategic advantage in new survey

Federal Conservative

Party leader Pierre Poilievre was in this province last week as he continues to lay out his plans for taking the country in a different direction than the one steered by the ruling Liberals

Housing was the big topic, as Poilievre again vowed to chase the “gatekeepers” out of power and threatened to withhold federal infrastructure funding (and other money) from big cities that don’t increase homebuilding by at least 15 per cent a

year

Issues such as housing, public safety, inflation and such are good ones for the Conservative leader to focus on since so many Canadians are concerned about them

In fact, an Angus Reid Institute survey of almost 5,000 Canadians released the day of his visit to B C showed that inflation is far and away the No 1 issue of concern with voters

There seems to be a lot of worry in this country right now, as the economy looks increasingly fragile and acts

of random violence seem to be on the rise Housing remains unaffordable for many, and the health-care system is showing more and more fault lines

So, why aren’t Poilievre and his party soaring in popularity at a time when so many things look to be in trouble, not the least of which is the ruling Liberals? Some clues can be found in that Angus Reid poll

While the poll showed the Conservatives have a six-point lead over the Liberals on a national basis,

For editorials, columns and more, visit: burnabynow.com/opinion

a closer look shows the party has some serious work to do if it hopes to dislodge the Liberals from power come the next election

For one thing, Justin Trudeau is still preferred as a leader over Poilievre by a significant margin in riding-rich Ontario (41 per cent to 34 per cent) and Quebec (36 per cent to 24 per cent) and by a smaller margin in B C (38 per cent to 33 per cent) Nationally, Trudeau has a slight edge of 37 per cent to 34 per cent.

Secondly, the Liberals

have strong leads in areas where most of the country’s ridings are located: Greater Toronto, Metro Vancouver and Montreal

“CPC leader Pierre Poilievre lags in likeability, while his party lags in mustwin areas,” Angus Reid noted in its poll analysis

The Institute did uncover a finding, however, that should cheer the Conservatives and worry the Liberals

The poll found just 73 per cent of people who voted Liberal in the 2021

election say they will do so again, compared to a finding of 87 per cent for the Conservatives

Still, if an election were held any time soon, that party would still likely hang on to power

But, unless Trudeau pulls the plug early, the next election is still two years away Plenty of time for Poilievre to improve his popularity in crucial regions

Unless, of course, he finds that he can’t

Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC

‘Homes in the sky’are a blight on the landscape

Editor:

Aren’t you just a little bit bored of the “same old” solutions to the housing problem that affects all income levels? Homes in the sky for Metro Vancouver are becoming a blight The towers look like grain silos that you see across the Prairies

They aren’t interesting to look at, and their amenities are almost non-existent Physically and visually, bylaws have allowed towers to be built out to the property line Schools and daycares need more care in development of buildings and play areas (Investors should not be part of the equation.)

If you want democratic solutions to the socalled housing crisis, I believe this vital work has already been done Just check in with the excellent schools of architecture in our country

Extreme density, as in Hong Kong, might be OK with them, but not here Low density, meaning to the tops of tree canopies and/or a cap on towers no more than 20 stories, is more humane

Planners need to consider community

safety: the more towers, the more crime; the higher the tower, the less neighbours engage with each other And so on, and so on, and so on

Douglas McSavaney

Government pocketbook belongs to you and me

Editor:

Thanks for the article about the Trans Mountain Pipeline’s ballooning costs

“The government would need to write off more than $14 billion in assets” Yeah, I expect we will.

In future, can you please emphasize that “the government” is taxpayers, and divide the billions of dollars by the 37 million people in Canada.

This helps people realize how much a billion dollars means to them individually

Example: The government may need Canadian taxpayers to write off $14 billion in assets, averaging $380 from every Canadian, about $1,500 for a family of four

Thanks for your work

Clarke Rowe

We do, however, edit for taste, legality and length Please include a phone number where you can be reached Send letters to: The Editor, #201A–3430 Brighton Ave , Burnaby, B C , V5A 3H4, email to: editorial@burnabynow com (no attachments please) or fax to: 604-444-3460

THE BURNABY NOW WELCOMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the editor and opinion columns may be reproduced on the Burnaby NOW website, www burnabynow com

Burnaby’spriciestandcheapesthomessoldinFebruary

So, what got sold last month in Burnaby?

MOST EXPENSIVE HOME SOLD

LaurenVanderdeen

lvanderdeen@burnabynow

com

Burnaby homes are selling for a wide range of prices, and more sold in February than January.

Home sales in Burnaby are starting to pick up, with more than double the homes sold in February from January

Last month, more than 275 homes were sold in Burnaby, according to real estate statistics on Zealty ca. In January, 126 Burnaby homes were sold

In February 2022, there were 461 total residential sales in Burnaby, according to Zealty

At 3820 Chelsea Crt , in the Government Road area, a seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom detached home sold for $4 05 million, making it the most expensive home sold in Burnaby in February

The home sold for under is $4.49 million asking price on Feb 27 after 14 days on the market The home’s 2023 assessed value is $3 72 million

The home, built in 2019, is 6,057 square-feet on a 12,023 sq. ft. lot.

The listing said the basement offers a theatre room and exercise room

LEAST EXPENSIVE HOME

The least expensive detached home sold in Burnaby last month was a

two-storey one-bedroom, one-bathroom detached home which sold for $1 18 million

Built in 1938 at 3806 Boundary Rd. in the Burnaby Hospital area, the home is billed in the listing as a “prime building lot ”

The home sold on Feb 17 after eight days on the market The home is 1,348 sq. ft. on a 5,280 sq. ft. lot.

The home’s 2023 assessed value is $1 36 million

PRICIESTTOWNHOME

A four-bedroom, four-bathroom townhome in upper Deer Lake sold for $1 86 million on Feb 21

The most expensive townhome sold in Burnaby in February, the home is at 6660 Empress Ave was listed for $1.89 million The townhome is 2,045 sq ft and sits on a 9,174 sq. ft. lot (including both sides of the duplex) The home was built this

year, and includes a “gourmet kitchen,” according to the listing The townhome’s assessed value is $1.92 million.

CHEAPESTTOWNHOME

A two-bedroom, one-bathroom townhome went for its asking price of $450,000 in Simon Fraser Hills, near Lougheed Town Centre

The 47-year-old corner unit at 201-9132 Capella Dr is 946 sq ft It sold on Feb 14 after 17 days on the market Its 2023 assessed value is $501,000

The home has a remodeled kitchen and updated appliances, as well as a 200 sq ft balcony, according to the listing The complex has a club house, fitness room and outdoor pool, says the listing

PRICIEST CONDO

At Station Square, the

most expensive condo sold in February was a $1 79 million three-bedroom, three-bathroom unit at 4803-6000 McKay Ave

The condo is a southeast corner unit with 1,334 sq. ft. of space, and 1,152 sq ft of “exterior living,” according to the listing The listing says amenities include a fitness studio, yoga studio, sauna and guest suite

The home was listed at $1 88 million and sold on Feb 6 after 88 days on the market

It’s 2023 assessment is not available

CHEAPEST CONDO

The least expensive condo sold in February was a one-bedroom, one-bathroom, at 3077428 19th Ave

It sold for $355,000, below its original asking price of $389,000

Big ticket: The most expensive detached home sold in Burnaby last month PHOTO ZEALTY CA

Burnaby Neighbourhood House hosts Afghan refugees for first Nowruz celebrations

Organization welcomed 85 newly arrived refugees to mark their first Nowruz in Canada

AbhinayaNatesh

anatesh@burnabynow com

This week, families and friends gathered with the haft sin set on the table and counted down to the exact moment spring arrived, which also marked the birth of a new year for many.

On Monday, March 20, many people across the globe celebrated Nowruz, also known as the Persian NewYear, based on the Iranian Solar Hijri Calendar.

But a community neighbourhood house that welcomes newcomers to Canada hosted 85 newly arrived Afghan refugees to celebrate Nowruz and Ramadan (month of Fasting) a few days early, on March 15

Over the last three weeks beginning on Feb

15, Burnaby Neighbourhood House hosted three welcome-to-B C orientation sessions for Afghan refugees

The sessions offered information for the attendees in their first language about newcomers’ rights, responsibilities, financial resources and access to benefits, and helped them connect with local resources.

“When you’re new to a country, you need a human,” said Gulalai Habib, director of settlement and integration program at Burnaby Neighbourhood

House “This is really a meaningful event because we know from experience how that first year is for us that things that happen in the first year determine the memories you will have And the memories gained are lifetime memories ”

The neighbourhood house set up a haft sin table consisting of seven items starting with “S” to welcome the newly arrived refugees and give them a chance to celebrate their first Nowruz in Canada with other Afghan and Iranian newcomers

Burnaby Mountain gets federal investment

Lauren Vanderdeen lvanderdeen@burnabynow com

North Burnaby is set to become a bit more bikefriendly.

The federal government announced $5 7 million in funding to upgrade theVancouver–Simon Fraser University (SFU) cycling route, along with up to $4.03 million from the City of Burnaby

brave to use our transportation networks ”

“Seniors will be able to use this; children will be able to use this, as well as commuters who will be able to use it,” Beech said

“And it’s actually one of those projects where, by investing in this specific quarter, we’re actually strengthening the entire network, not just for Burnaby but for the North Shore and the surrounding areas as well ”

Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley said the investment will help the city move closer to its goal of making cycling safer and more accessible.

The seven essential items that Persians put on their table (sofreh) for Nowruz include sabzeh, which are wheat, barley or lentil sprouts growing in a dish, symbolizing rebirth; Samanu, a sweet pudding made from germinated wheat and symbolizing affluence; Senjed, the dried fruit of the oleaster tree, which symbolizes love; Sir, garlic, symbolizing medicine; Sib, apples, symbolizing beauty and health; Somagh, sumac berries, which represent sunrise; and Serkeh, vinegar, symbolizing age and patience

The project, which will go to a design phase this summer, will be 8 9 kilometres of pathway upgraded to an all-agesand-abilities standard, according to Beech

Terry Beech, Burnaby North-Seymour MP and parliamentary secretary to the minister of finance, announced the funding at a press conference on Thursday, March 16

Beech said he used to cycle between North Burnaby andVancouver

“Despite the fact that I was a younger man, it was still quite a precarious trip not for the faint of heart,” he said.

He said the upgrades will mean “you don’t necessarily need to be super

“We’re helping to build a more sustainable and healthy community and, hopefully, also developing a cycling culture within the city,” Hurley said

“And I don’t think we’ll ever be able to do that until we develop more and more of these safe biking trails where families can be assured that their kids are safe when they go out.”

TheVancouver–SFU active transportation connection is a “major cycling route that connects Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Moody, Coquitlam and SFU,” according to a press release

Construction on the Vancouver–SFU upgrade is expected to begin next year

NEW YEAR: Haft sin table is set during Nowruz celebrations at Burnaby Neighbourhood House on March 15 PHOTO ABHINAYA NATESH

WEEKEND

FRIDAY, MARCH 24

NEON GLOW BACHATA PARTY

Get out the neon glow sticks to rock the dance floor and shine World Dance Co is inviting you to put on your dancing shoes and move to the rhythm of lights in this one-of-a-kind neon glow bachata party happening on Friday

WHEN: Friday, March 24; 9 p m to 1 a m

WHERE: World Dance Co. (4858 Imperial St.)

COST: $12 in advance; $15 at the door; for tickets, visit worlddanceco com/shop/party/ neon-glow-bachata-party

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

TAKEOVER 2 THE UPRISING

Head to the Grand Villa Casino on Saturday, March 25, for an action-packed night of professional boxing Following hot on the heels of Empire Boxing’s sold-out event, The Takeover, back in November, the second instalment of the boxing event is taking place this weekend

WHEN: Saturday, March 25; 6 to 10:30 p m

WHERE: Grand Villa Casino (4331 Dominion Street)

COST: $67 90; visit www eventbrite ca/e/ takeover-2-the-uprising-tickets-481335987897

HARUMATSURI BY ANIME EVOLUTION

Celebrate the arrival of spring with this festival at Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre on Saturday Harumatsuri, which combines the Japanese words for spring (haru) and festival (matsuri) is held with a special focus on Japanese arts and culture, and offers many of Anime Evolution’s traditional summer events on a smaller scale, including panels, video, anime music videos, gaming, artists alley and vendors Tickets for the one-day festival are priced at $15 and can be purchased at the door with cash or debit and credit (Visa or MasterCard) cards.

WHEN: Saturday, March 25; 10 a m to 6 p m

WHERE: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (6688 Southoaks Cres.)

COST: $15 at the door; visit animeevolution com

events & activities!

for more information

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

LIVE COMEDY @ THE REC ROOM

Witness the best of pro comedy and laugh out loud at the stand-up showcase presented by Jokers Canada featuring some of Canada’s best comedians and touring headliners at the Rec Room this Sunday The live comedy event is intended for audiences aged 19 and over Tickets sell out fast, so attendees are advised to purchase early

WHEN: Sunday, March 26; 8 to 9:30 p m (doors open at 7 p m )

WHERE: Rec Room at the Amazing Brentwood COST: $20; visit jokerscanada ca/home-%26upcoming-shows for more information

STUDIO BREWING BEER OFF-FLAVOUR IDENTIFICATION TRAINING

Are you a beer nerd who loves geeking out about zymurgy? Then, this one-of-a-kind educational training beer night hosted by Studio Brewing is one you’d be interested in The brewery is hosting training sessions on its premises near Metrotown, aimed at teaching aspiring brewers how to identify off-flavours in beer. The training nights offer a lesson in the six common craft beer flaws and their causes Tickets include a free beer after the training. Space is limited, so you are encouraged to reserve a spot early.

WHEN: Sunday, March 26 and Monday, March 27; 5 to 7:30 p m

WHERE: Studio Brewing (5792 Bereford St.)

COST: $54 58; visit eventbrite com for tickets

Compiled by Abhinaya Natesh

Taste training: Studio Brewing is hosting sessions aimed at teaching people how to pinpoint

-flavours in beer PHOTO PETER CADE/ STONE/GETTY

Citynow

Iranian man with multiple degrees denied study permit

Immigration officer wasn’t satisfied 57-year-old with bachelor’s,master’s

CorneliaNaylor

cnaylor@burnabynow

com

A 57-year-old Iranian man accepted into BCIT’s two-year chemical and environmental technology diploma program has been denied a study permit in part because he already has too much education and experience in the field.

Hosein Khazaie was accepted into the program at the Burnaby institute in November 2021 and prepaid $21,000, which more than covered his entire tuition of $20,499 98 for the first year, according to a Federal Court of Canada ruling in his case.

In his study plan, Khazaie said he wanted to start his own environmental management systems con-

sulting agency in Iran and that a “certificate from a developed country significantly increases the chance of successful contracts and business for a consulting organization ”

But he was refused a study permit by an immigration officer who wasn’t satisfied he was a “genuine student” who would leave Canada after his program was finished, according to the ruling.

Among the officer’s reasons was that Khazaie already has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Abadan Institute ofTechnology in Iran and a master’s degree in construction management from the Grenoble Graduate School of Business in France

And most of his profes-

sional career since 1992 has been spent in the petrochemical and oiland-gas field – including work as an environmental management systems auditor in Iran’s oil and gas industry

“Given the applicant’s

City firefighters unseat champs

Burnaby team wins LLS Firefighter Stairclimb

CorneliaNaylor

cnaylor@burnabynow

com

With more condo towers going up in Burnaby all the time, it’s nice to know local firefighters are among the fastest in North American at sprinting to the tops of tall buildings

A 12-member team from the Burnaby Fire Department proved that on March 12 in Seattle by winning the annual LLS Firefighter Stairclimb, billed as the tallest “on-air” stair climb competition in the world.

The “on-air” part means firefighters run up the stairs wearing full gear, including their breathing apparatus, as they would during a fire

The event, held at the 69-storey Columbia Center in downtown Seattle,

degrees was a‘genuine student’

concerns about Khazaie’s family ties to Iran, since he said he intended to bring his wife and two children to Canada on a temporary resident visa while he was studying here

the immigration officer’s decision

attracted competitors from 330 fire departments and eight countries

With the win, the Burnaby team unseated the Missoula Fire Department, which had long dominated the race

To sweeten the victory, Burnaby firefighter Craig Smith (the overall top finisher) broke the competition’s all-time record, set by a Missoula firefighter in 2012

Five Burnaby firefighters finished in the top 10:

previous education and work history, their motivation to pursue studies in Canada at this point does not seem reasonable,” stated the officer in a refusal letter quoted in the ruling

The officer also had

“When I consider these elements and balance them against the current economic and security situation in Iran and how it relates to the applicant, I am not satisfied that applicant is a genuine student who would leave Canada at the end of authorized stay,” stated the refusal letter

Khazaie appealed to the Federal Court for a judicial review, arguing the officer’s concerns were “neither justified, nor supported by the evidence.”

But Federal Court Judge Richard Bell upheld

Bell noted Khazaie already has a master’s degree from a “clearly western university” and the BCIT program appeared to be “significantly below” his current level of education

Bell also noted there was evidence Khazaie’s professional and family ties to Iran would be weak, since there would only be contract work waiting for him on his return and since he intended to bring his family to Canada on temporary visas

“Although the officer did not address every argument advanced by the applicant, his reasons are robust and meet the hallmarks of reasonableness,” Bell said

APRIL

• 2:30 - 4:00 pm

Smith in first (10:38), Colton Porter in second (11:36), John Clune in sixth (12:08), Brett Andersen in ninth (12:30) and LoganWeiss in 10th (12:35).

Their overall time was 43:22 6 compared to second place Missoula at 38:11.3.

The event raised more than $2 million for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Burnaby team raised $5,844

Study sought: British Columbia Institute of Technology Burnaby campus PHOTO BCIT FACEBOOK

Record breakers: A team of Burnaby firefighters poses for a victory photo at the 2023 LLS Firefighter Stairclimb in Seattle on March 12

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Cityeyesincentivestosparehomesfromwreckingball

Vancouver developer seeks new lease on life for Burnaby’s single-family homes slated for demolition

LaurenVanderdeen lvanderdeen@burnabynow com

AVancouver-based developer wants Burnaby’s single-family homes up for demolition to get a new lease on life

The owner and CEO of Renewal Home Development, Glyn Lewis, asked Burnaby city council to create incentives for developers to relocate homes instead of demolishing them, Lewis told city councillors at a meeting on March 13. His business has a mission to save and repurpose high-value homes slated for demolition in the Pacific Northwest, relocating the homes to ex-urban and First Nations communities

Lewis said about 2,800 single-family homes are

torn down in the region every year, with the average 2,000 square-foot home sending about 100 tonnes of waste material to the landfill

“There’s an incredible environmental impact associated with all this,” Lewis told council

There’s also a financial advantage to relocation: it costs about half of what it would cost to build new, according to Lewis

He said a ballpark cost of relocation is about $100 per square foot, depending on the community, but a new build in Powell River, for example, is about $300 to $350 per square foot

But developers are more concerned about time, Lewis said

“Developers don’t have enough strong incentives

to want to do this (relocation) The easy and fast thing for them is demolition, which is why our landfills are filling up,” Lewis said, noting 40 per cent of local landfills are made up of construction and demolition waste

In one recent case, a

Burnaby home on 16th Avenue was demolished Lewis said his company contacted the developer pre-demolition, but the developer didn’t want to risk delaying construction.

He suggested council create an “early green removal permit” which he

said would “decouple” the demolition permit from the development or building permit It would allow the home to be removed and relocated from the lot before the building permit is issued, saving the developer about four to eight weeks time

Lewis added it’s “very challenging” to identify homes slated for demolition and said making that building permit information public would be helpful

He said Richmond’s demolition permit application includes a box asking if the person is willing to be contacted by relocation, but he said there also needs to be incentives to check the box

About 10,000 singlefamily homes will be de-

molished in next five years across region, Lewis said referencing MetroVancouver data

“And it’s tragic, while facing a housing crisis, especially in ex-urban communities and First Nations communities.”

Renewal Home Development is also working on a “donation model” in which homes are donated to First Nations communities for a charitable tax receipt, leveraging the value of the building

Coun DanielTetrault motioned for staff to report back on the potential of Renewal Home’s measures “for the purpose of saving, repurposing and relocating Burnaby homes ”

The motion was carried unanimously

Casualty: This single-family home in Burnaby was perfectly suitable for relocation, according to relocation developer Glyn Lewis, but was demolished instead PHOTO CONTRIBUTED/RENEWAL HOME DEVELOPMENT

Failedfarecheckleadstodiscoveryofloadedhandgun Citynow

Man,23,was on bail whenTransit Police allegedly caught him with weapon at SkyTrain station

CorneliaNaylor

cnaylor@burnabynow com

A 23-year-old man allegedly caught with a loaded handgun at a Burnaby SkyTrain station after he failed to pay his transit fare is in jail and awaiting a bail hearing

MetroVancouver Transit Police was conducting fare inspections on board

a Millennium Line train just after 1 a.m. on March 2, when they came across a man at the Brentwood SkyTrain station who was unable to produce a valid fare, according to an emailed statement from transit police media relations officer Const Amanda

Steed

While officers were issuing him a ticket, they de-

termined the man, identified as Mateo Zanatta, appeared to be in breach of a court-imposed curfew, according to Steed.

“Zanatta was arrested, and a search revealed a

Mountieshelpwith car-seat,boostersetup

CorneliaNaylor

cnaylor@burnabynow.com

Parents, grandparents and other caregivers who’d like to feel more confident about their little ones’ car seat or booster setup can get help from Burnaby Mounties next month

Burnaby RCMP is hosting its third car seat and booster safety event on April 2 at the Bonsor Recreation Centre

Certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) educators, including Burnaby RCMP officers and BCAA staff, will be on hand to work one-on-one with attendees during personalized sessions to help with installation, adjustments and education

“For a child’s car seat or booster seat to be effective, it must be installed and used correctly, but parents and caregivers often remark that they can be complicated and intimidat-

ing to set up and adjust,” stated a Burnaby RCMP news release

Attendees must book ahead online by emailing E Burnaby Traffic Safety Initiative@rcmp-grc gc ca

Those who get an appointment are encouraged to bring their car seats, boosters and kids, so officers can ensure everything is installed correctly with the child properly seated and strapped in

Most appointments are about one hour long, according to the release

“We continue to receive positive feedback about how helpful these appointments can be for families,” Burnaby RCMP traffic services Const. Kevin Connolly said in the release

The event takes place in the south parking lot at the Bonsor Recreation Centre from 9 a m until 3 p m on Sunday, April 2.

loaded handgun in his belongings,” she said. “Zanatta was transported to jail and held for a bail hearing.”

Zanatta faces a number of charges, including pos-

sessing a prohibited or restricted firearm; carrying a concealed weapon and possessing a firearm contrary to an order.

At the time of his arrest, Zanatta was on bail

on charges out of Sechelt, where he has been charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

Confiscated: Transit Police seized a handgun from a man at the Brentwood SkyTrain station on March 2 PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

AbhinayaNatesh anatesh@burnabynow com

Looking for a place to live in the Lower Mainland can be a strange ordeal, with would-be renters forced to navigate things like small space “luxury rentals,” rentals with bizarre requirements, or a “closet-turned-room” for hefty prices.

Among potential hurdles faced by home hunters in the region are rentals barring all but vegetarian tenants A NewWestminster Craigslist ad is typical of such listings, specifying, “No pets, no smoking, no partying,VEGETARIANS only (no eggs, meat, fish or seafood ”

The ad is among the many aimed at vegetarian tenants exclusively. But while such ads have drawn criticism on social media by those who see them as

unwarranted discrimination, the practice of renting to vegetarian tenants often stems from deep cultural and religious beliefs as opposed to just dietary preferences

According to the latest census data, 9,140 Burnaby residents self-identify as Buddhists and 7,505 as Hindus Across B C , 83,860 identify as Buddhists and 81,320 as Hindus.While not all adherents are practising vegetarians, Buddhism and Hinduism are the major religions most closely associated with vegetarianism

And while many religions mention ethical eating for example, Judaism prescribes a kosher diet, Muslims follow a halal diet for many Hindus in India, vegetarianism is a way of life based on the concept of ahimsa

(non-violence and no injury to any living creature)

In his book, The Hare Krishna Book ofVegetarian Cooking, author and cook Adiraja Dasa notes the ancient Indian code of law: “Meat can never be obtained without injury to living creatures, let one therefore shun the use of meat.”With the first bite of prepared food offered to the deity as “pras da,” many Hindus sharing this belief not only follow a vegetarian diet, they also

take care to keep their household meat-free

“[Hindu devotees feel] they should be caring towards [animals] and respect them like any other living entity,” said Pratibha Goyal, secretary to the president at the International Society of Krishna ConsciousnessVancouver temple in Burnaby

She added some landlords refrain from renting their homes out to meat eaters “as they don’t want their houses to smell

like [meat] and they don’t want to get the feeling of killing animals ”

But is it legal to refuse to rent to non-vegetarians?

For renters, protection against discrimination is addressed in Section 10 of the B C Human Rights Code When shown the Craigslist ad calling for “vegetarians only,” Laura Track, lawyer and BC Human Rights Clinic director, said, “I don’t think this ad would violate the Human Rights Code as it doesn’t appear to engage a protected characteristic ”

“Vegetarianism is not protected in the Human Rights Code,” she explained “A landlord can’t discriminate on the basis of religion, but I’d be hard pressed to think of any religion that contains a requirement to eat meat And, if the landlord will be sharing a kitchen, bath-

room or living space with a tenant a situation where a ‘vegetarians only’ requirement might be most likely then the code doesn’t apply to the situation at all ”

According to the rights code, landlords are prohibited from refusing to rent to potential tenants on the basis of “Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age or lawful source of income of that person or class of persons, or of any other person or class of persons ”

Track said a non-vegetarian excluded on the basis of diet would be unlikely to succeed in a human rights complaint because meat eating is not protected under the law

Cricket league returns to Burnaby

City will be regular host to 2023 season of Last Man Stands

AbhinayaNatesh anatesh@burnabynow com

With summer on the horizon, cricket enthusiasts in Burnaby and the rest of the GreaterVancouver Area might be on the lookout for opportunities to play their favourite sport in the upcoming season

Last Man Stands, the league with quirky, unconventional rules, might be their answer, returning to Burnaby in full swing

LMS, the world’s widest-reaching amateur cricket league, has been gaining popularity worldwide Its debut season in the province saw matches being held inVancouver and Surrey, with a single final match at the Burnaby grounds

According to Emrul Hasan, the director of strategy with LMS Canada, the league is poised to expand to Burnaby with more regular matches scheduled on local grounds in the 2023 season

The 2023 games will run from May 1 to Sept 30 across three tournaments much like the debut season It includes the LMS BC Blasters Cup championship, whose finals were held in Surrey, the LMS BC Blasters Plate championship, with finals inVancouver, and the LMS BC Blasters Early Risers championship,

with finals in Burnaby

The league offers amateur players of all backgrounds a chance to play the game on a flexible schedule

Although difficulty in acquiring ground permits has slowed growth of the game in the province, especially in Burnaby, where there are only two grounds, Hasan said the league plans to have about 50 games in Burnaby (Sperling), about 100 games inVancouver (Memorial, Douglas,Trafalgar and Stanley Park), and about 200 games in Surrey (Newton, Sullivan Heights, Enver Creek and more)

With a green light from the city in sight for new matches in Burnaby, the league is calling for teams especially from the local community to register for this year’s season The

eight-per-side games for amateur players last two hours, and participants are now eligible to register here “We’re hoping to get at least eight teams from Burnaby residents this year,” Hasan added The open call seeks people from all backgrounds who share a love for the sport Through its LMS Canada DEI Foundation, the league aims to provide incentives for newcomers and other groups to come forward and play the sport at minimal costs

According to Hasan, newcomers to Canada who have been in the country for less than two years may be eligible to play for free this season.

The league also established a foothold inToronto last year, and organizers hope to expand to other cities includingVic-

toria and Ottawa

Adhering to its motto, “It’s anybody game,” the league also plans to launch a league for post-secondary students and their families later in summer, when cricket clubs from Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia will participate They are hoping to get other universities and colleges on board for their intramural initiatives.

In 2022, LMS’s first year, around 18 teams and 200 participants played in more than 150 matches across three tournaments LMS also plans to launch a women’s league this year

For now, amateurs can register for the 2023 season to get a swing at playing “professional” cricket. Interested umpires, league managers and ground managers from Burnaby, Vancouver and Surrey can email canada@lastmanstands com as the open call stands for the positions

Those without a team are encouraged to apply through the three open teams Vancouver Sloggers, Surrey Challengers and Burnaby Falcons. Teams can also register by emailing bc@lastmanstands com or contacting 778-863-8693 For more information about the league, visit www lastmanstands.com

In action: Aravind Kandimalla of the Vancouver Vikings (of Burnaby) bats against the Okanagan Hawks Cricket Club in the 2022 final of the LMS BC Blasters tournament at Burnaby Lake PHOTO JENNIFER GAUTHIER/NOW FILES

REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

Susan Mae Riviére

Our beaut ful and courageous Susan Mae Riviére, of Port A berni was born on March 17th, 1962, left for the other side from the comfort of her home in New Westm nster on March 15th, 2023

Surrounded by love, her spirit ascended Susan spent 18 years of her life work ng in the Anima Services Department at SFU, fin shing her career as the Department Coord nator

She loved her job and those she worked with; they meant the wor d to her As a l felong an ma lover, Susan went above and beyond to ensure the welbeing and safety of a l animals involved and ded cated her energ es to finding homes for anima s that were not el gible for participation in research studies, saving them from be ng put down

Susan had a gentle heart with a thirst for adventure and made ife ong memor es astride her motorcycle, Gloria She was an avid traveler with an open and curious m nd about the wor d around her Life wasn’t always easy but she persevered through some trying circumstances w th grace, humi ity, authenticity and not to mention her dazzling (trademark) smi e As her struggles with cancer became more challenging, Susan found the Medical Assistance in Dying program, MA D and was forever gratefu to be able to ut l ze their serv ces She thoughtful y made the decision for what was best for her, knowing that there are those that aren’t afforded that opt on and spent her last months surrounded by loving fam ly, ife ong extended fam ly and c osest fr ends Susan s surv ved by her precious cats, Choco and Lucy who provided her with unconditional ove every moment They wil cont nue their l ves at the home of Susan’s best fr end Andrea who resides on Vancouver Island

On her forever ride I can see that trademark SMILE!

Susan’s fina message comes across the wind, “Remember, don’t take life for granted!”

Susan wi l be missed dear y, remembered often and fondly by the ‘Wonderfu Women’ she brought together

The humane treatment of al an mals was very mportant to Susan throughout her ife and as part of her ast wishes she had hoped that in place of flowers, donations would be made to the WORLD

WILDLIFE FUND CANADA Charitable Registration

Number: 119304954 RR0001

FER MARLATT

EMPLOYMENT

PETS

VIN# 1G2NE52E95M178183

LS400 V N# JT8UF11E2R0200308

C VIC V N# 2HGFB2F48CH013350

BC LTD DBA SUKHI BATH MOTORS

GCRVN V N# 2C4RDGBG2ER166533

BMW 328I V N# WBA3B3C59EF545339 RO: GRACE WE 12) 1999 DODGE DAKOTA VIN# 1B7GG22Y1XS246093

RO: ROBERTO CONTRERAS HERNANDEZ Un ts may be v ewed and b ds to be subm tted on TUESDAY, April 4, 2023 at 5917 Thorne Avenue, Burnaby, BC between 10:00am to 3:00 pm A l wr tten bids to Mundie’s Tow ng 5917 Thorne Ave, Burnaby, BC V3N 2T8

LEGAL NOTICE

Not ce s hereby given that on March 27th, 2023, U-Lock M ni Storage, 4240 Manor St, Burnaby, V5G 1B2, wi l sell the contents of the lockers isted be ow:

Un t #1913 - Tri Vang Nguyen

Un t #1939 - Tri Vang Nguyen

Un t #1029 - Robert Macdonald

Un t #2203 - Rochelle Kennedy

These lockers w ll be put for auction v a: iB d4storage com on the 27th of March, 2023

GARAGE SALES

Pet services

for details and availability sakuradogsalon@gmail.com I sakuradogsalon.com

Currently grooming small dogs under 25lbs

PERSONAL TAXES

Prepared and Filed for $49

P ease call Barry: 604-862-0811

Email: barrygreenfeld@yahoo ca