Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024 edition: Higher fines for short-term rentals

Good morning, Burnaby!

Happy new year, and a warm welcome to the Beacon’s very first newsletter of 2024. This week, we’re looking at higher fines for short-term rentals (a new legislation voted in last month’s council meeting), a brand new accessibility plan launched by Burnaby School District, and tons of other exciting stories to start the new year off strong. Cheers.

👀 In today's edition:

• A New Year’s Eve stabbing in Burnaby

• A sub shop closes after 50 years of business

• A new accessibility plan for Burnaby School District

Consider forwarding this to a friend in Burnaby! New here? Sign up for free.

Advertise your business, event, or restaurant in front of 16,000+ engaged locals! Contact our team today.

NEWS

Higher fines may be coming for short-term rentals

During the special committee of council’s meeting on Dec. 6, committee members voted to send a letter to the attorney general and minister of municipal affairs to increase the maximum daily penalties under the Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act (LGBNEA) for owners of short-term rental (STR) accommodations.

Current legislation requires STR operators to obtain a Burnaby business licence before putting a unit on the market and restricts operators to one business licence and one STR unit. 

However enforcement is not strong and one councillor said that some STR owners have taken advantage of weaknesses in enforcing current bylaws.

Read more about the proposed fine increases and how they will work here. 

Burnaby Bulletin

An extra dose of holiday cheer. Over 2,000 children participated in Operation Elf this year, delivering handmade greeting cards and other heartwarming gifts to seniors throughout the holidays. [Burnaby Beacon]

A stolen U-Haul. Burnaby RCMP are looking for the rightful owners of items found in a stolen U-Haul, found on patrol in the Metrotown area on Dec. 16. Inside the van were family keepsakes like jewelry, photos and tools. [Burnaby Now]

Two youths stabbed. A fight involving a group of young people occurred on New Year’s Day that involved knives, pepper spray and two victims being taken to the hospital with stab wounds. [Global News]

Saying goodbye to a beloved sandwich shop. Operating in Burnaby for over 50 years, Paul’s Sub Shop has officially closed their doors at the start of the new year. [Burnaby Now]

Caught with 34 winter coats. Metro Vancouver Transit Police recently escorted a man carrying 34 winter coats at Waterfront Station, responding to multiple alarms in Metrotown mall around 2:30pm on Christmas Day. [Vancouver Sun]

Armed robbery suspect. Burnaby RCMP are actively looking for a suspect following an armed robbery last Wednesday in the area of Kingsway and 12th Avenue. No injuries have been reported. [CityNews]

Burnaby actors star in 18th century comedy. Burnaby actors Kelsey Robertson and Alex Ross are joining Stage 43 Theatrical Society in Coquitlam for a performance of an 18th century comedy—William Harwell Wilson’s School for Scandal, a New Adaptation. [Burnaby Now]

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Burnaby School District launches new accessibility plan

Burnaby School District announced its new accessibility plan on Dec. 19. The new plan, a working document, will be formulated and adjusted with community engagement and the involvement of a newly appointed Accessibility Advisory Committee. Half of the committee’s members have lived experience with disabilities or accessibility issues per the Accessible BC Act.

The new plan aims to fulfill one of the Burnaby Board of Education’s core values in the 2019-2024 strategic plan, which states, “Our schools are for everyone. We recognize that barriers exist and seek to identify and remove them. We encourage our learners to speak honestly, and we uphold the rights of individuals, families and organizations within our schools and community.”

Read more about the plan’s three priorities, and how to provide feedback. 

Where to eat & drink

🥞 Adam’s Crepes: South Burnaby’s only authentic French crepe cafe is more than worth the visit if you’re craving this delicious (breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between) dish. Both sweet and savoury options are available, catering to all tastes, prepared using traditional methods and ingredients.

🍲 El Inka Restaurant: This unassuming Peruvian restaurant and takeout counter is bursting with rich and savoury flavours. Come hungry, as their generous plates of tamales, arroz con pollo and cheese-stuffed empanadas are all essential items to try upon visiting.

☕️ Kranky Cafe: A cozy coffee shop that does way more than your average coffee and baked goods—opening in 2010 shortly after the Winter Olympics, Kranky Cafe is a thriving community hub serving breakfast and lunch with vegan and gluten-free options as well as smoothies and Jamaican patties.

🤝 Now Hiring

Looking to make a move? Here are local jobs open right now:

• Health and Safety Specialist at BCAA

• Electrical Instructor at Sprott Shaw College

• Academic Writing Specialist at Alexander College

• Industrial Electrician at Aerotek

• Assistant Branch Manager advertised by DMC Recruitment

Hiring and want to let people know? Reply back and let us know!

🗓 Things to do

Thursday

• Family Bingo. 6pm. Burnaby Public Library.

• SFU Men’s Basketball Game. 7pm. West Gym.

Friday

• Burnaby Job Fair. 11am. Online via Zoom.

• Beginner Salsa Class. 7pm. World Dance Co.

• Welcome Back Party 2024. 8pm. World Dance Co.

• Indigenous Writer Camp. 9am. Burnaby Lake.

• Release and Heal Breathwork & Soundbath. 7:30pm. Savasana Meditation.

Saturday

• MSBC New Year Party 2024. 5:30pm. Royal Banquet Hall.

• The Awakened Mother’s Empowerment Class. 10am. Online via Zoom.

• SFU Men’s Basketball Game. 7pm. West Gym.

• Emergency First Aid Training. 8:30am. ProSafe Training School.

Sunday

• Decathlon Pop-Up Store. All day. Metropolis at Metrotown.

Monday

• Striderz Run Training. 6:30pm. Burnaby Central Soccer Turf.

• Healthcare Virtual Job Fair. 11am. Online via Zoom.

Tuesday

• Occupational First Aid Training. 8:30am. ProSafe Training School.

• Discovering Humour Workshop. 6:45pm. Tommy Douglas Library.

• English Conversation Circle. 1:30pm. Burnaby Public Library

• Babytime. 11:30am. Burnaby Public Library

Wednesday

• Burnaby Toasters Meeting. 12pm. Burnaby City Hall.

• Oral Health Workshop for Kids. 10am. Mosaic.