Burnaby Now June 22 2023

City can conceal ownership of hundreds of properties: judge

Court rules against resident, deciding Burnaby can keep secret 421 of the properties it owns

LaurenVanderdeen

lvanderdeen@burnabynow

com

A BC Supreme Court judge has ruled the City of Burnaby can keep 421 of the properties it owns a secret.

The City of Burnaby won its case to keep those properties hidden against the B C Information and Privacy Commissioner and local resident David Hayre earlier this month.

Hayre had requested a list of all the properties owned by the City of Burnaby in January 2020

His freedom of information request returned a list of 2,314 properties However, the street addresses or parcel identification information on another 421 properties were redacted.

The city said the withheld real estate information was related to its plans for future development projects, including active land assemblies.

It argued if the properties were disclosed, it would

Continued on page 3

IN PERFORMANCE: HaidahoopdancerJaneWyliedemonstratedstunningtalentattheNationalIndigenousPeoplesDay eventatEdmondsParkandPlazainBurnabyonJune21

PHOTO LAUREN VANDERDEEN

Man hurt in escape bid gets conditional sentence

Offender,36,sustained a spinal cord injury when he plunged 11 storeys from balcony in Metrotown trying to flee police

CorneliaNaylor cnaylor@burnabynow com

A man who fell from the 11th floor of a Burnaby apartment building during a suspected kidnapping four years ago has been handed a conditional sentence in part because of “life-lasting injuries” he sustained during the fall

“Mr. Abdullahi in his state now will experience incarceration far more harshly than an able-bodied young man,” B C Supreme Court Justice JanetWinteringham said at the sentencing of 36-yearold Abdullah Abdullahi and his co-accused, Abdulkadir Handule, 27, in Vancouver June 13.

The men were found guilty last June of forcible confinement in a suspected kidnapping in July 2019.

On July 4, 2019, tactical officers descended on an 11th-floor apartment at 4960 Sanders St

at about 10:20 p m to rescue a man they believed had been kidnapped at the Metrotown mall two days earlier, according to B C Supreme Court documents.

“Many of the residents were frightened by the heavily armed police presence,”Winteringham said “Mr. Handule and Mr. Abdullahi’s conduct had a traumatizing effect on more than (the victim).

Residents have a right to feel safe in their homes, and Mr. Handule and Mr Abdullahi intruded in what should be a sanctuary”

By the time police entered the apartment, the suspects had fled through the balcony door.

Handule, who was 23 at the time, managed to scale down the outside of the building and was arrested on a fifth-floor balcony, with a loaded Glock semi-automatic pistol at

POLICE RESPONSE: HorizonTowersat4960Sanders St inMetrotownwasthesiteofadramaticsuspectedkidnapping inJuly2019

his feet

But Abdullahi, who was then 32, fell from the 11th-floor balcony into a rhododendron bush, sustaining “life-lasting” injuries

Because of a spinal cord injury, he now needs a

cane, has to wake up every two hours to manage bowel and bladder incontinence, and needs his spouse’s help to shave, shower and dress, according to information presented in court.

He also suffers from

post-traumatic stress disorder.

“There is no doubt that his injuries are debilitating and lifelong,”Winteringham said

She sentenced Handule six years in prison but handed Abdullahi a twoyear conditional sentence, including a year of house arrest followed by a year under a 9 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew, and two years of probation.

For the first 18 months of his sentence, he will have an electronic monitoring bracelet

Besides Abdullahi’s injuries,Winteringham noted he had played a “marginally lesser” role in the offence than Handule, who was more directly linked to a firearm used during the forcible confinement, according to the judge.

Abdullahi has also taken “stronger steps” towards rehabilitation,Winteringham said, and has success-

fully lived for four years under the “most stringent” bail conditions house arrest with electronic monitoring.

Handule, meanwhile, is already serving a life sentence with no chance of parole for 20 years for the shooting deaths of Toronto rapper Jahvante Smart (a k a Smoke Dawg) and hip hop brand manager Ernest Modekwe outside the Cube nightclub inToronto’s entertainment district on June 30, 2018

A bystander was also shot in the brazen daylight shooting

Winteringham said those convictions “weigh against” his prospects for rehabilitation

“In sum, the two offenders, while they are convicted for similar conduct, they are ultimately not similarly situated.”

Handule’s six-year sentence will run parallel to his life sentence

City proved ‘reasonable expectation of probable harm,’ judge finds

Continued from page 1

“harm (the City’s) ability to negotiate the purchase of these targeted properties at fair market value.”

The city said property owners would refuse to sell or seek prices much higher than market value, as had happened at least 27 times before. (An affidavit included “one extreme example” in which the city offered to purchase land for an overpass project and pump station for $10.8 million When the owner became aware of the city’s

intention, he counteroffered at $66 9 million )

Still, an Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) decision ruled the city had to disclose the 421 properties, as the adjudicator did not see “how advance notice of the city’s interest would alter the negotiations between the city and the property owner.”

The city appealed to B C Supreme Court for a review of the decision.

Judge Shelley Fitzpatrick found the OIPC rul-

ing “unreasonable” and quashed the OIPC decision.

Fitzpatrick found the city proved a “reasonable expectation of probable harm” from disclosing the properties.

She said knowledge of the withheld properties would not only give a property owner “advance notice” about the city’s interest in purchasing their property, but also reveal the city’s plans of a likely land assembly, as well as how far along the city

was in its land acquisition goals

The city said that disclosing the property information would provide owners of neighbouring lands with a “virtual roadmap” that would show “with a high degree of certainty,” according to the judge, where a land assembly is planned and how important a property is to the land assembly package, providing leverage in negotiations.

“If a property owner becomes armed with that

knowledge,” Fitzpatrick said in her decision, “the city’s evidence established that there was considerably more risk that a property owner may ask for an increased sale price or refuse to sell at all.”

“In addition, the ‘disclosure to the world’ would also inevitably increase the risk of other third parties entering the fray to purchase the remaining properties in the yet uncompleted land assembly, seeking to acquire ‘leverage’ in relation to the city

as a means for profit.”

The city said if it is unable to purchase the properties needed for its land assemblies, it “may not be able to” increase low-income rental housing in the city, add new construction jobs, or increase parkland.

Fitzpatrick added if the city weren’t a public body, it wouldn’t be required to disclose its plans in real estate negotiations because the other side would likely use the information to their own benefit and the city’s detriment

PHOTO GOOGLE STREET VIEW

MY VIEW KEITH BALDREY

Population rise stokes superheated housing market

Canada’s national population punched through the 40 million level last week, and while that may help fuel economic growth, a rising population also brings some serious challenges with it.

When so many more people are residing in Canada, our public health care system sags under the increased weight placed upon it, and our housing affordability problem stubbornly shows no signs of abating as the rising population fuels demand.

Last week, for example, Central 1 Credit Union’s economic briefing for May showed that average house prices in B.C. rose by 5 1 per cent over the previous month, pushing the average price of a home to slightly more than $1 million (the average price in MetroVancouver is now

$1 28 million)

So even rising interest rates and a significant increase in the cost of living are not bringing down housing prices, or sales either Central 1’s report also showed a 5 8 per cent increase in sales last month.

Surely, the steady increase in our population is outweighing any effect on the housing market brought by the two factors of interest rates and inflation.

B C government statistics forecast that the Fraser Health region’s population alone will increase by 35 per cent between 2018 and 2038, adding almost 700,000 new residents over that time span

Provincewide, the population is expected to rise by 27 per cent, reaching about 6 5 million people by 2038

Not only will that population explosion likely keep sustained pressure on the hous-

ing market, but it will also put enormous pressure on the health-care system, particularly because the number of people over the age of 64 is forecast to skyrocket

What’s driving our population growth?

B.C.’s population grew by about 150,000 last year, and that is almost all international migration We currently sit at about 5.4 million residents, up from 5.1 million in less than four years.

TheTrudeau government decided a few years back to greatly increase the annual level of immigration, ostensibly to nullify a growing worker shortage

Last year, across the country almost a half million people achieved permanent resident status, and the federal government hopes to keep that number rising through 2025 and beyond

DonWright, the former head of the

B C civil service, recently wrote in The Orca of the problems associated with a population explosion, noting that 95 per cent of new British Columbians are settling in MetroVancouver, southVancouver Island and the Okanagan, where affordable housing is already in short supply

The fact that more than one million more people are expected to come to B.C. over the next 15 years underscores the need for innovation and planning in many areas of public policy

And with the federal government playing such a key role in our phenomenal population growth, look for the provinces to demand more from it to meet these rising challenges, particularly when it comes to health care and housing

Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC.

Opinionnow

City can afford to loosen some purse strings

Editor:

A recent letter about the current civic government’s trend of spending notes that previous, more conservative governments had historically built huge reserves of capital, through so-called fiscal restraint

Seems I’ve heard that term before. Where did all that money go? The reserve must have been massive, considering the previous regime’s propensity for not spending The writer goes on to say he hopes the new(er) regime starts being a little more responsible, fiscally, moving forward, as he may have noticed there has been a fair amount of spending in recent years. Over my 30-something years in Burnaby, there was such a tight leash on spending that we have gotten to a state of public suffering unlike anywhere I know of with such unbelievable resources. Suffering from lack of updated public infrastructure such as parks and rec-

reation facilities, and sidewalks, and housing policies that make it more affordable to live in our community

Burnaby has been one of the “have” cities for years and years I have no idea how the “nest egg” couldn’t be even bigger than it was, seeing the negligent lack of spending I’ve witnessed for a long time It’s about time I think that the city’s recent announcement that there are plans to build a new multimillion-dollar city hall may be adding to the previous letter author’s grievances

It may be that there is a want for the location to be closer to Metrotown. Not opposed, as long as it isn’t a huge waste The worst political spending is redundant or politically motivated, seemingly regardless of the cost the Massey tunnel replacement, fast ferries development (or sale, depending on your view) I hope the city government makes a good, publicly supported decision on the new city hall. Good record on decisions so far

Stan Gardner

THE BURNABY NOW WELCOMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 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 Letters to the editor and opinion columns may be reproduced on the Burnaby NOW website, www.burnabynow.com.

CityConnect

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Burnaby City Council hereby gives notice that it will hold a Public Hearing to receive representations in connection with: a) proposed amendments to “Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 1965”; and b) proposed retention and protection of historic property seeking Heritage Designation.

TUESDAY, June 27, 2023 AT 5 PM

ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENTS

1) Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 1965, Amendment Bylaw No 16, 2023 - Bylaw No 14579

Rez. #22-11

Unit #5 - 8063 North Fraser Way

From: CD Comprehensive Development District (based on M2 General Industrial and M5 Light Industrial Districts)

To: Amended CD Comprehensive Development District (based on M2 General Industrial and M5 Light Industrial Districts, and in accordance with the development plan entitled “New Mezzanine for Unit #5 - 8063 North Fraser Way” prepared by Zeidler Architecture)

Purpose: To permit a minor increase in interior floor area in an existing stratified industrial building which includes the addition of a 225.75m2 (2,430 sq. ft.) mezzanine for office use, as well as minor changes to parking and loading

Applicant: TJ Reavley; Zeidler Architecture (Representative)

2) Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 1965, Amendment Bylaw No. 15, 2023 - Bylaw No. 14578

Rez. #22-02

7388 Southwynde Avenue

From: CD Comprehensive Development District (based on RM2 Multiple Family Residential District)

To: Amended CD Comprehensive Development District (based on RM2 Multiple Family Residential District, RM2r Multiple Family Residential District, P5 Community Institutional District, and Edmonds Town Centre Plan as guidelines and in accordance with the development plan entitled “Southwynde Rental Apartments” by Integra Architecture Inc.)

Purpose: to permit the construction of a residential multiple-family development and childcare facility which includes a six-storey nonmarket rental building with a childcare facility for up to 37 children fronting Southwynde Avenue

Applicant: Jotty Gill, Metro Vancouver Housing

3) Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 1965, Amendment Bylaw No 14, 2023 - Bylaw No 14577

Rez. #22-01

7118 and 7280 MacPherson Avenue

From: M2 General Industrial District

To: CD Comprehensive Development District (based on RM3 Multiple Family Residential District, RM3r Multiple Family Residential District, and the Royal Oak Community Plan as guidelines, and in accordance with the development plan entitled “Proposed Multi-Family Development” prepared by Integra Architecture Inc.)

Purpose: to permit the construction of a multiple-family development which includes a four-storey non-market rental building, a six-storey apartment building, and three-storey townhouse buildings

Applicant: Collin Truong, Integra Architecture Inc. (Representative)

4) Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 1965, Amendment Bylaw No. 13, 2023 - Bylaw No. 14576

Rez. #20-31

7330 Sixth Street

From: C4 Service Commercial District

To: CD Comprehensive Development District (based on C9 Urban Village Commercial District and Sixth Street Community Plan as guidelines, and in accordance with the development plan entitled “Six on Sixth” prepared by Lovick Scott Architects Ltd.)

Purpose: to permit the construction of a six-storey mixed-use multiple-family rental development with commercial retail uses at grade, and underground parking

Applicant: Andrea Scott, Lovick Scott Architects Ltd.

5) Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 1965, Amendment Bylaw No 12, 2023 - Bylaw No 14575

Rez. #18-49

6645, 6659, 6675, 6691, 6707 Dow Avenue

From: RM3 Multiple Family Residential District

To: CD Comprehensive Development District (based on the RM5s, RM5r, RM4s, RM4r Multiple Family Residential Districts, C2 Community Commercial District, C3 General Commercial District and Metrotown Downtown Plan as guidelines, and in accordance with the development plan entitled “6465 Dow Avenue” prepared by Boniface Oleksiuk Politano Architects)

Purpose: to permit the construction of a high-density mixed-use development above underground parking. The development is comprised of two high-rise residential strata buildings, a nine-storey commercial podium, street-fronting retail, street-oriented townhomes, and a six-storey rental building

Applicant: Eric Hughes, Dow Beresford Development Limited Partnership

HERITAGE DESIGNATION / HERITAGE REVITALIZATION

1) Burnaby Heritage Designation Bylaw No. 1, 2023Bylaw No. 14573

7828 Stanley Street

Purpose: to designate the Alice and Robert Travers Residence at 7828 Stanley Street as a protected heritage site and authorize the listing of the subject property on the Burnaby Community Heritage Register as a Protected Heritage Property

2) Burnaby Heritage Revitalization Agreement Bylaw No. 1, 2023 - Bylaw No. 14574

7828 Stanley Street

Purpose: to provide for the retention and protection of the Alice and Robert Travers Residence at 7828 Stanley Street to ensure specific design controls and provide necessary zoning variances to allow for the subdivision and development of the existing R2 Residential District property as a City heritage site

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

1. PARTICIPATE IN-PERSON

2. 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

3. PARTICIPATE LIVE THROUGH A ZOOM WEBINAR

• see details and instructions on City’s website (Burnaby ca/PublicHearings)

4. WATCH THE PUBLIC HEARING LIVE • via live webcast at Burnaby.ca

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

Citynow DNA expert testifies in trial of man accused of slaying teen

CorneliaNaylor cnaylor@burnabynow.com

Advisory:This story includes disturbing details about a murder trial

Witness testimony continued in front of the jury at the trial Ibrahim Ali this week after a three-week adjournment.

Ali has pleaded not guilty to first-degree mur-

der in the death of a 13-year-old girl, whose body was found in Central Park in July 19, 2017.

The victim cannot be named because of a publication ban.

DNA expert Christine Crossman retook the stand Monday morning to continue her overview of what happens when swabs,

HIGHWAY CLOSURES

clothing and other exhibits are sent to the RCMP National Forensic Laboratory for DNA analysis.

Crossman, who wrote the report on the lab’s findings in the case, will retake the stand after several other witnesses from the lab testify

Jeremy Fenn, a technologist at the lab, began his

testimonyTuesday afternoon

An expert in the identification of human sperm and other biological substances at the RCMP lab in Surrey, he said he examine 13 exhibits taken from the girl, including multiple swabs, a clump of hair, fingernail clippings and a blood sample

The first exhibit he examined was a vaginal swab with “blood-like staining throughout the entire swab,” according to Fenn

Under the microscope, a clipping of the swab revealed skin cells and “frequent spermatozoa,” Fenn said

He explained “frequent” meant he saw more than

10 sperm cells.

DNA evidence is crucial for the Crown’s case as there were no witnesses to the killing, according to the Crown

The Crown’s theory is that Ali attacked the girl in Central Park, dragged her into the forest and strangled her while sexually assaulting her

TAKE NOTICE THAT Burnaby City Council proposes to adopt the following bylaws:

Bylaw No. 14569 cited as “Burnaby Highway Closure Bylaw No. 3, 2023” (Road Closure #22-02) pursuant to Section 40 of the Community Charter The purpose of the proposed bylaw is to close certain portions of highway – closure of a portion of Carrigan Court (that portion of road dedicated by Plan 36433 in District Lot 4, Group 1, New Westminster District containing 1991m²) as shown outlined in bold on Reference Plan EPP129106 prepared by Patrick Korabek, B.C.L.S.

The proposed Bylaw and Plan may be inspected on the City’s website (see April 25, 2022 and June 5, 2023 Council agendas).

Bylaw No 14570 cited as “Burnaby Highway Closure Bylaw No 4, 2023” (Road Closure #22-05) pursuant to Section 40 of the Community Charter The purpose of the proposed bylaw is to close certain portions of highway – closure of portions of Gatineau Place abutting 9850 Austin Road (those portions of road dedicated on Plan BCP26417 containing 1,739.3 m² , and that portion of road dedicated on Plan 43016 containing 615.1 m² all of District Lot 2 and 4, Group 1, New Westminster District) as shown outlined in bold and identified as Parcel A and Parcel B, respectively, on Reference Plan EPP129157 prepared by Patrick Korabek, B.C.L.S.

The proposed Bylaw and Plan may be inspected on the City’s website (see April 25, 2022 and June 5, 2023 Council agendas).

For additional information, please contact the Planning and Development Department at 604-294-7400 It is proposed to place these bylaws before City Council for consideration of Final Adoption at the regular Council Meeting scheduled for July 10, 2023.

Anyone who considers themselves affected by the proposed bylaw is provided an opportunity to be heard or to present written submissions respecting the bylaw to Burnaby City Council by submitting a letter addressed to: Mayor and Council, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 1M2.

All submissions must be received by the Director Legislative Services no later than noon, Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

Important Tax Information

» City of Burnaby paper and electronic Property Tax Notices were emailed May 16 and mailed on May 24, 2023

» If you have not received your Property Tax Notice, please contact the Tax Office at 604-294-7350 or tax@burnaby ca

» It is the responsibility of the homeowner (including new owners) to pay property taxes and claim the Home Owner Grant (if eligible), even if a Property Tax Notice has not been received.

» The Home Owner Grant must be submitted every year You do not have to make a

Inspired by Tuscany’s old-world charm, I4 Property Group’s Siena is 80 per cent sold

I4 Property Group’s Siena is a nod to the best of Italy’s stunning architecture and design in Burnaby Heights

Every once in a while a truly exceptional condominium building comes along that offers Italian inspired design and authentic luxury, e as well as a touch of oldworld charm So taken have buyers been with I4 Property Group’s Siena in Burnaby Heights that there are only 12 residences remaining.

“I’ve met with a lot of the buyers and many are from the neighbourhood,” says Myron Calof, president of I4 Property Group “They are very excited about finding this kind of luxury in Siena. There’s a large Italian community in Burnaby Heights, so buyers are happy they can stay in the community they love ”

Curated by House of Bohn, Siena’s sophisticated but welcoming design finds its ideal home in these exceptional condominium residences. Siena is a collection of 38 spacious one bedroom +den,and two-bedroom and two-bedroom + den & flex homes, ranging from 732 to 1,250 square feet.

The interiors evoke understated elegance coupled with West Coast contemporary details: expansive ceilings, wide plank laminate flooring, and sprawling terraces to take in sweeping vistas of the Burnaby and North Shore mountains.

Each Zen-like master ensuite boasts his and hers sinks, floating vanities, Quartz countertops with eternity backsplash, and soaker tubs with incline backrest

perfect for indulging a little longer

Siena kitchens are equally striking. The soul of the home, each kitchen was created with the gourmet chef and aspiring chef in mind imagine islands or u-shaped chef’s kitchens, walk-in food

pantries, LeMans ‘magic’ corner (u-shaped kitchens), matte black or white oak shaker cabinetry, and a Bosch appliances package, including a French door refrigerator – just to name a few highlights.

Other unique features include air conditioning, centralized heat, and naturally dehumidified and purified air.

For those moving from a large home, they will be especially impressed by the side-by-side laundry with a counter above it for sorting – a rare find in the condo market There are even laundry rooms in some

within walking distance, this neighbourhood has all of the urban conveniences.

Burnaby Heights is a pedestrian-friendly and extremely walkable community It’s great for families and for anybody who wants to get out of the clutter of a typical urban street and into a more natural green environment. You don’t have to get into a car you don’t have to even get onto a bicycle! Siena is also centrally located to easily access Simon Fraser University, Downtown Vancouver, and Metrotown.

With only 12 residences remaining, the time to purchase in Siena the Heights is now!

of the one and two-bedroom homes.

Piazzas are the beating hearts of every Italian town and city The rooftop garden patio with elevator/wheelchair access and covered seating with BBQ station will be perfect for mingling with newfound friends and family.

Once Burnaby Heights was one of the best kept secrets in the Lower Mainland – not anymore more. With a strong sense of community and history, beautiful views, parks and trails, recreational amenities, and the thriving The Heights shopping district all

Completion is scheduled for late Spring 2024. For more information, visit sienaburnabyheights.com.

SIENAoffers38spacious one,two,andtwo-bedroom plusdenhomesinBurnaby Heightsthat areclassicincharacter, uncompromisingindesign. Formoreinformation,visit sienaburnabyheights.com.

WEEKEND

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

CHINESE HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Don’t miss these weekend events & activities!

BURNABY PINOY FESTIVAL

It’s a celebration of Chinese culture and heritage at this vibrant annual cultural festival The free event is open for people of all ages to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of China whether it is listening to traditional Chinese music, undergoing Chinese medical therapy, shopping for unique crafts or savouring rich, flavourful food. A fireworks show might be in the cards, but the event organizers note that the show can be cancelled

WHEN: Saturday, June 24, from 3 to 11 p.m.

WHERE: Swangard Stadium (6100 Boundary Rd.)

COST: Free admission; reserve a spot at https://tinyurl com/

THE SCANDINAVIAN MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL

Celebrate Nordic culture in this grand festival happening at the Scandinavian Community Centre in Burnaby on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25

The Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, one of MetroVancouver’s most beloved events, is back for its 26th year in Burnaby for community members to revel in live music and performances, cultural displays and exhibits This family-friendly event will also have artisans on site for you to check out arts and crafts from Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. And of course, savour the best of Scandinavian foods (and, beer garden).

WHEN: Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25 from 10 a m to 4 p m

WHERE: Scandinavian Community Centre (6540 Thomas St)

COST: $15 Saturday, $10 Sunday; free for ages under 16; visit https://tinyurl.com/ scandinavianmidsummerfestival for more information.

DEATH CAFÉ

Gather with strangers to eat cake, drink coffee and discuss death at this meet-up coming to SmallVictory Bakery in Brentwood mall on Saturday, June 24 from 1 to 2 p m The objective of the event is “to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.”

The hour-long free event is funded by the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program through Burnaby Neighbourhood House The group will hold a direct discussion of death with no agenda, rather than a grief support or counselling session

WHEN: Saturday, June 24

WHERE: Small Victory Bakery, Brentwood mall (4580 Brentwood Blvd.)

COST: Free, reserve your spot at https://tinyurl com/deathcafecoffee

compiled by Abhinaya Natesh

Celebrate Filipino Heritage Month at this spectacular culmination of festivities at Civic Square on Saturday, June 24

For the first time, the City of Burnaby has proclaimed June as Filipino Heritage Month, and the whole community is invited to the Pinoy Festival to enjoy a day of Filipino culture with a street dance parade kicking it off.

WHEN: Saturday, June 24, from 10 a m to 7 p m

WHERE: Burnaby Civic Square (6100 Willingdon Ave.)

COST: Free

The biggest Filipino festival in city history is coming to Burnaby Civic Square on June 24

PHOTO: Burnaby Pinoy Festival

Citynow

Council nixes paid parking for Barnet Marine Park

LaurenVanderdeen

lvanderdeen@burnabynow com

After Burnaby’s parks commission received a report considering paid parking at Barnet Marine Park, city council resolutely opposed the idea

The waterfront beach park has seen“ongoing challenges in parking and traffic management” as it grows in popularity, according to the report.

More than 276,000 visitors enjoy the park every

year, with peak periods attracting more than 1,900 daily visitors.

“Most visitors arrive by vehicle, leading to significant parking lot demand, which can reach up to 1,000 vehicles per day,”

states the report

Staff said “safety issues” have arisen from vehicles circulating the lots looking for vacant parking stalls, which results in queues spilling onto the Barnet Highway

“This situation has created challenges for emergency vehicles trying to access the park during peak hours,” states the report.

The report said a paid parking system, where visitors would pay a fee to park their vehicles within the park, could help regulate parking demand and generate revenue that can be used for maintenance and improvements in the park.

But that proposal, which saw almost no discussion at the parks commission last week, generated concern at council

“This is a park that’s not very well serviced by transit,” said Mayor Mike Hurley “It’s a difficult park to cycle to; it’s a difficult park to walk to And I think to have parking charges there would be unfair to families ”

He noted some of MetroVancouver’s parks currently use a reservation system and suggested that option be considered.

“I just don’t want to start charging our families, cost our families money to go to parks.”

“Commission or the staff is not contemplating

anything like charging for parking including Barnet,” Coun. Sav Dhaliwal said, who is also chair of the parks commission

The staff report presented to the commission and council stated, “Staff will be pursuing potential solutions for the management of the parking lot for 2024 These options include: paid parking.”

Dhaliwal noted the other option listed in the report is to outsource parking management to a professional company Couns. DanielTetrault, Alison Gu and Richard Lee expressed support for considering if a free shuttle service to the park on weekends during peak season could keep the park accessible but reduce the traffic congestion

The city pays a little more than $250,000 in staffing costs for parks staff, bylaw officers, RCMP and external traffic management personnel to ensure on-site safety at the park, according to the report.

Staff will analyze the options further and bring a report to the parks commission and council in fall 2023

PARKING PROBLEM: Burnaby will study adding pay parking or an outsourced traffic management company to deal with increased vehicle traffic at Barnet Marine Park PHOTO JENNIFER GAUTHIER/BURNABY NOW.

INDIGENOUS EDUCATION

O

YOUR VALEDICTORIANS 2023

CELEBRATING BRIGHT FUTURES FOR THE CLASSES OF 2023

Graduation is a time of reflection, a time to celebrate and a time to look forward toward the future. Thanks to the high schools in Burnaby, the Burnaby NOW celebrates this time through the words of the valedictorians from the Grad Class of 2023. What follows are excerpts from their respective speeches.

COVALEDICTORIANS

Kendall Drager, Haida Nation

I’d like to take the opportunity to talk about my home of Haida Gwaii. Growing up on the island was the best thing for me being around family and having so much nature around with so little buildings. Leaving home and coming here changed my view of the world It gave me a new lens to look through and opportunities opened for me But home brought a lot of things as well Being withEldersandlearningfromthem…IbelieveItrulygotthebestofbothworlds.

Shanae Nadary, Salt River First Nation

I want to recognize the aspects of our spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual accomplishments. I want to recognize that we are celebrating not only academics, but also our determination to survive and thrive in a system and world that hasn’t treated Indigenous people very well Success is not measured only by degrees or job titles or grades It is measuredbythepositiveimpactwehaveonourcommunities,howwehelpthose who come after us, how we show courage and respect in the face of adversity

Congratulations! Class of 2023, whatever comes next on your journey we encourage you to keep dreaming, keep reaching for your goals and keep learning.

YOUR VALEDICTORIANS 2023 2

BURNABY CENTRAL SECONDARY

VALEDICTORIAN:

Fredson Hu

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Class of 2023, we are the generation to challenge the impossible. We are the generation that has inherited a planet facing extraordinary adversities - from climate change to social inequality We are the generation tasked with the insurmountable challenge to change the world, but we are not daunted by this Instead, we embrace it as an opportunity to make a positive difference We are a generation that is passionate about change We have started movements far

Avani Dhaliwal

We need to thank each other for all the lasting memories we have created, for the perspectives and views we have gained, and for the support we have given each other that has led us to where we are today. We changed each other’s lives, every little word we said, or any little gesture we made, we truly shaped each other into the people we are today I urge you all to cherish those moments, not take them for granted and continue to fill your buckets up None of us can control what life throws at us, but we all have a choice on how we react to what comes our way. I am encouraged and hopeful that we as a group will truly make powerful choices filling up our buckets every day, as we stay young, wild, and free. Congratulations Grads! WE DID IT!

BURNABY NORTH SECONDARY VALEDICTORIAN: Elsie

Beyond the school walls, we become adults, we seek our own adventures wherever they may lead us. And of course, we become responsible for shaping our own destinies. Nevertheless, regardless of where we are, we willbemovingon,andwewillallflourish.As weembarkonthesenewadventures,Iknowthateveryoneofuswillachieve our own greatness. We can look to our sides and see the dear people we call friends, peer into classrooms to see our occasional source of stress and the teachers who are our mentors; we look into our homes to find warmth and comfort through turbulent times And lastly, we can look into ourselves and identify all the relationships and experiences that make us strong and worthy I hope you all choose to love yourselves for who you were, who you are, and who you hope to become

Li

YOUR VALEDICTORIANS 2023

BURNABY SOUTH SECONDARY

VALEDICTORIAN: Nathan (Nyles) Aquino

Take this time to look around the hall and acknowledge that the class of 2023 is at a turning point. We’re being thrust into a new phase lt’s scary; it’s chaotic; it’s exciting Where we are past this June may be a complete mystery, and it’s beautiful We don’t know what comes next; we don’t know where life will take us or where we’ll take it All we know is that after today, we’ll have earned the freedom we ’ ve worked towards Every fruit is ripe; every door is open! We did that Weputourselveshere Andjustaswecametogetherhere,wewillleavehere as one; as Burnaby South’s class of 2023.

BC PROVINCIAL SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

VALEDICTORIAN: Liam Fuchs

Our whole high school experience has been about change and how to navigate the bumps along the way With each obstacle or barrier, we held strong to our goals and we ’ ve persevered We’ve reached our goal and we are graduating! Within the BCSD wing of the school we have an area we call the Deaf Pod For us this is an amazing place where we can really be ourselves and communicate freely. It’s a place of communication access, socialization and connection with each other as well as a space respecting the different identities of BCSD students. I have so much respect for my graduating class, every one of you. You’re all amazing people and I know your lives are going to be filled with fun, amazing experiences.

BYRNE CREEK COMMUNITY SCHOOL

VALEDICTORIAN: Sam Abdul Salam

The lessons we ’ ve learned from school, sports, and hobbies are not confined to the walls of our classrooms or the boundaries of the court. They extend far beyond, into the vast realm of our existence. The ability to adapt, to learn from our mistakes, and to rise above our failures, will most definitely shape our journey in life. Carry the lessons we ’ ve learned from outside hobbies and life, and remember that failures are just stepping stones on the way to success

We should surround ourselves with a circle of individuals whohelpusriseaboveallANDpushustowardsgrowth.The world awaits us. Using the lessons we ’ ve learned in school, it can aid to build lives that are meaningful and powerful. We must work together to attain greatness while also uplifting others and changing the world for the better.

ÉCOLE ALPHA SECONDARY SCHOOL

VALEDICTORIAN: Maeve

Holbrook

Whateveryoudonextyear,whetherthat’sgoingtouniversity, starting a job, or taking a gap year, be confident in your choice! You chose that path for a reason Make the most of it Document it in your favourite ways I promise, you’ll want those memories stored somewhere Reach out to people, new and old Make new friends Say yes Take risks Go to that concert, dance with your friends at that party, take part

ÉCOLE CARIBOO HILL SECONDARY SCHOOL

VALEDICTORIAN:

Serena Gill

As I was gathering my thoughts for what I’d like to share with you, I was struggling to find the perfect metaphor to represent this class.Untilithitme…whilesingingaTaylor Swift song – more specifically, “Long Live.” And the metaphor was clear – “Long Live” the class of 2023. As I stand in front of everyone ’ s loved ones, surrounded by all my best friends, teammates, hallway acquaintances and classmates, I would like to emphasize the point that we grew up Graduation will be forever on our list of things to be remembered, but there are many other moments along the journey that should make it on our “Long Live” list

in that competition that you ’ re not sure you’ll win. Form a newclub,fightforwhatyou’repassionateabout Stepoutside of your comfort zone, for that is where the growing happens And what are our late teen years for if not for growth and exploration? We are fortunate enough to have these liberties, let’s make the best of them

ÉCOLE MOSCROP SECONDARY SCHOOL

VALEDICTORIAN:

Alex Hong

Some of you may be scared to become a beginner again, to feel the nervousness of starting anew. But, think of the times when we were beginners and look at how far we ’ ve come: from bikes to cars, playgrounds to universities, and new desks to new homes. As Steve Jobs said, “The heaviness of being successful will be replaced with the lightness of being a beginner again.” So, today, I implore you to think differently about change. Don’t see today as an end of an era, but, instead, asthestartofabrandnewone.Thinkdifferentlyaboutthegoodbyes.Don’t see them as final farewells, but just as “until next time.” Think differently about the future. I’m sure that our brightest days are ahead of us, our proudest moments soon to come, and our greatest achievements just around the corner

Citynow Report sheds light on how much money mayor and council make

LaurenVanderdeen

lvanderdeen@burnabynow com

Burnaby’s annual financial statement is out, detailing how much elected officials earned in 2022 Mayor Mike Hurley made $189,863, a four per cent increase from the year before.

Due to last year’s October municipal election, councillors who served the full calendar year, Couns Sav Dhaliwal, Alison Gu, Joe Keithley, and James Wang made $86,862, a four per cent increase from 2021.The remuneration includes the time each councillor served as acting mayor. Coun. Pietro Calendino made $86,150

Newly elected council-

REMUNERATION: Burnaby’s 2022 statement of financial information is out, with pay for city council members.

lors Richard Lee, Maita Santiago and Daniel Tetrault made $11,002

They replaced former councillors Mike Hillman, Dan Johnston and Colleen Jordan who made $74,915.

The total remuneration, allowances and benefits and expenses for all of council in 2022 added up to almost $1 05 million

In 2021, the mayor made $182,525, and councillors in office the full year made $83,497

In 2021, Hurley earned about $4,000 more than then-Vancouver mayor Kennedy Stewart in remuneration, thoughVancouver councillors made about $13,000 more than their Burnaby counterparts

PHOTO JENNIFER GAUTHIER

Citynow Province announces $253M for rental homes in city

LaurenVanderdeen lvanderdeen@burnabynow com

With Burnaby still losing purpose-built rental homes, the B C government has announced it will invest $253 million across 10 Burnaby developments

that will bring around 1,500 new affordable rentals to the city.

Some of the developments are specifically for Indigenous people, seniors facing homelessness, low-income families and

people with disabilities

The City of Burnaby is providing land for at least four of the projects

“Unfortunately, too many British Columbians are struggling to find housing that they can actual-

ly afford especially in fast-growing cities, including right here in Burnaby,” Premier David Eby said at a press conference on June 19. “We need to do more together ”

He noted Burnaby is

Mulberry PARC is hosting a garage sale! All proceeds will go to our annual Christmas hamper initiative, supporting seniors in need during the 2023 holiday season.

Come by to browse our wide selection of furniture and household goods available for purchase, enjoy popcorn and hotdogs, play some games, enter a prize draw, and meet the Mulberry team!

Any items not purchased will be donated to the Burnaby Hospice Thrift Store.

Date & Time: Sunday, June 25, 10 am - 2 pm

Location: Mulberry PARC, 7230 Acorn Ave, Burnaby

For details, call Terrie or Erin at 604.526.2248

one of the fastest growing cities in B C , making the demand for affordable housing in the city among the highest in the province

Burnaby has the third highest rents in the country, and the second highest when it comes to apartments and condos.

The provincial investment is going to fund the following projects:

7392 16th Ave.: 203 rental homes, under construction, expected to be complete in 2025 This six-storey building will be for individuals, families and people living with disabilities with low to moderate incomes.

6889 Royal Oak Ave.: 134 rental homes, under construction, expected to be complete in 2025.This six-storey building will be for individuals, families and people living with disabilities with low to moderate incomes

6608-6652 Sussex Ave.: 53 rental homes, under construction, expected to be complete by 2026.This four-storey building is part of a development including 285 strata condos; the rental units will be for people with middle incomes

3802 Hastings St.: 161 rental homes, construction expected to start in late 2023 The six-storey building will be for seniors and families with low to moderate incomes The project includes a 74-space childcare facility.

6488 Byrnepark Dr.: 130 rental homes, construction expected to start in late 2023 The six-storey building will be for Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals and families with low to moderate incomes.

BUILDING PLAN: Premier David Eby announced an investment in rental housing in Burnaby June 19

7492 Holly St.: 14 homes, construction expected to start by fall 2023. The project is 14 beds of supportive living for people who are living with mental illness and who may be experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have health-care needs

Those developments make up 695 homes; the province’s investment also includes $186 4 million for four major housing developments of about 790 rental homes Further details will come “as plans for each project are finalized,” according to the press release

Non-market housing providers include M’akola Housing Society, New Vista Society, SUCCESS Affordable Housing Society, Catalyst Community Developments Society and Progressive Housing Society

Four of the projects (790 units) are currently in development, 205 units will begin construction by the end of this year, and 390 units are currently under construction and expected to be complete by 2026.

PHOTO LAUREN VANDERDEEN/ BURNABY NOW

Communitynow Petition launched to save ‘cherished’ Viking mascot

CorneliaNaylor cnaylor@burnabynow com

As the completion of the new Burnaby North Secondary School draws ever closer, renewed fears about the fate of a 16-foot steel and concreteViking head that has stood guard outside the old school for nearly three decades has sparked a petition to save the mascot

“Preserving this cherished symbol is not only an act of respect for tradition but also a way to honour the collective memories and experiences shared by countless individuals throughout the school’s history,” states the petition

Keerthi Herath, an

ex-Burnaby North parent, contacted the NOW to say there seems to “a renewed conversation and apprehension among the kids regarding the potential removal of the mascot ” Herath would like the mascot, which they de-

scribe as “beloved,” to be preserved for future generations

But fears about the loss of theViking are still premature, according to the school district, as no decision has yet been made about its fate.

“We understand and appreciate that there are strong feelings about the Viking head,” Burnaby North principal Curtis Hodgson said in an emailed statement

An eight-year project started by now-retired shop teacher John Clarke to challenge his welding students, theViking has been a polarizing figure since it was unveiled on June 1994.

TRADITION: The steel and concrete head and shoulders of the Burnaby North Secondary Viking was unveiled in June 1994.

PHOTO CORNELIA NAYLOR

SUMMER FUN ER FU inBurnaby

BurnabyVillage Museum

Open for the season

FREE gate admission | Carousel rides $2.65 eac

Until September 4

Open Tuesday-Sunday (plus holidays) 11am-4:30pm

BC Day | Monday, August 7 | 11 am-4:30 pm

Labour Day | Monday, September 4 | 11 am-4:30 pm

For more information, visit: BurnabyVillageMuseum.ca

6501 Deer Lake Avenue | 604-297-4565

Summer Programs

Be active, be creative or learn something new! Enjoy a wide range of programs at Burnaby’s recreation and cultural facilities this summer. Learn more: Burnaby.ca/Active.

Check out our website and social channels for Fall activities in August.

Explore outdoors

The outdoors offers an any time schedule for solo, group and family activities for all ages. Whether you enjoy parks, trails or outdoor pools there’s plenty to do in Burnaby

Things to do

» Splash around in a spray park.

» Grab your racquet and play outdoor tennis or pickleball.

» Play a round of golf.

» Dive into one of our outdoor pools.

» Catch the sunset from Burnaby Mountain.

» Work out at the free outdoor fitness circuits.

» Check out Burnaby’s public artworks and Eco-sculptures.

» Grab a bite to eat on the patio of Riverway and Burnaby Mountain restaurants.

Check out schedules for wading pools, spray parks and Playmobile activities at Burnaby ca/Playgrounds

August 4 The Wizard of Oz (wear a costume for free popcorn!)

August 11 The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run

August 18 Spies in Disguise

August 25 The Lost City

September 1 West Side Story (2022)

SOUNDS LIKE SUMMER

We're bringing live music to public spaces throughout the city! Watch for these free pop-up performances from local musicians.

Visiting Buntzen Lake this summer?

Before you arrive:

• Make a reservation at bchydro.com/buntzen.

• Download your dynamic QR code. Screenshots are not accepted.

Remember that cell service in the area is limited. If you can’t make it, please cancel your reservation. For more information, visit bchydro.com/buntzen.

Citynow

Burnaby bakery ‘gutted’ by destructive break-in

CorneliaNaylor cnaylor@burnabynow com

Police are investigating an early morning break-in at a Burnaby bakery Monday

Officers were called to Mon Paris Patisserie at 4396 Beresford St for reports of an alarm at 3:20 a.m., according to Burnaby RCMP spokesperson

Cpl Mike Kalanj

Upon arrival at the premises, they found evidence that someone had broken into the Metrotown business

“They smashed the glass doors, and, as far as we can tell, they went directly to the cash register and took whatever they could find,” Kalanj said

HEYBURNABY,HEADING TONANAIMO?

After shattering the door, the culprits took just $300, according to a post on the bakery’s Instagram account.

“I am gutted,” said the post

Opened in 2017 by chef Elena Krasnova, Mon Paris specializes in pastries, chocolates and desserts

orsurchargenotincluded.*Fareisbasedononestandardunder-heightvehicle (includingdriverfare)travellingone-waybetweenVancouver(Tsawwassen)–Nanaimo(DukePoint)ineitherdirection.Saverfar arenoSaverfaresavailableonthealternatesailingoronlymoreexpensiveSaver andcanbechangeduptotwohoursbeforebookeddeparturefornocharge.‡Fare shownisbasedononeadultfootpassengertravellingone-waybetweenVancouver(Tsawwassen)–Nanaimo(DukePoint)ineitherd

Robert Michael Gard

June 21, 1953 - November 2, 2019

Robert,

Michael Nemeth ART SALE & EXHIBITION

SATuRDAY

June 24th • 10am - 4pm

EMPLOYMENT

Career oPPortunItIes

Smithers/Hazeltons/ Houston

Human Resource and Operations Director Program Administrative Assistant

Developmental Consultant (Birth to 8)

Behavioural Consultant CCRR Resource Educator

Burns Lake/Vanderhoof/ Fort St. James

Physiotherapist Occupational Therapist

For more information visit nwcdc.ca/news/#careers

eMPLoyMent

GARDENER PART-TIME Burnaby Res dence;

LegaL/PubLIC notICes

LEGAL LEGAL

Not ce is hereby given that on June 23rd, 2023, u-Lock Mini Storage, 4240 Manor St, Burnaby, v5G 1B2, wi l sel the contents of the locker isted below:

Unit #0188 - Chad Constant This ocker will be put for auction on June 23, 2023 via: B d4storage com

ACT

N co e Brunsch 2301

Caitl n M chelle Nicke 2617 Ryan M chae McClure 3326

Not ce is hereby g ven, that a sa e of the contents of the storage units wi take place June 30, 2023, or thereafter, by way of pub c auction or private sa e

these conditions. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading, is never knowingly accepted. If any reader encounters non-compliance with these standards we ask that you inform the Publisher o th s newspaper and The Advert s ng Standards Council of B.C. OMISSION AND ERROR: The publishers do not guarantee the insertion of a particular advertisement on a specified date, or at all, although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers. Further the publishers do not accept liability for any loss of damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred. Any corrections of changes w be made n the next ava abe ssue The vancouver Courier will be responsible for only one incorrect insertion with liability limited to that portion of the advertisement affected by the error Request for adjustments o correc ons on charges must be made w th n 30 days o the ad s exp rat on For best results please check your ad for accuracy the first day it appears. Refunds made only after 7 business days notice! TODAY'S PUZZLE ANSWERS May the Sunshine of Comfort Dispel the Clouds of Despair Burnaby Now • THURSDAY June 22, 2023 A25

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Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.