Thurs, Feb. 8, 2024 edition: Burnaby increases property taxes

Good morning, Burnaby!

In this week’s edition, we’re going to take a look at Burnaby’s 2024-2028 financial plan. In it, there will be an increase of 4.5% on property taxes, more on that in our story.

In other news, a new city hall is one step closer to being built as council looks into different options for construction, and Tacofino Metrotown has officially opened its doors—they’re giving out 1,500 free tacos!

👀 In today's edition:

• An increase in property taxes

• A missing man in Burnaby

• A house on fire

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NEWS

Burnaby increases property taxes

City council approved Burnaby’s financial plan for 2024-2028, and in it, there will be an increase of 4.5% on property taxes, compared to a 3.99% increase in 2023. According to a video presentation during council’s meeting on Jan. 29, this increase represents an additional $87 for the average Burnaby residential property. 

The presentation added that this increase is due to additional funding requirements for community safety needs, such as fire services, RCMP, and emergency communication contracts, as well as wage increases; materials increase, other contracts, and inflationary pressures. 

Read what the councillors and mayor had to say about the increase in our full story.

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Burnaby Bulletin

House on fire. A house in Burnaby in the 7200 block of 1st street was swallowed up by flames last Monday evening around 5:15pm. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. [CTV News]

An armed robbery. Multiple businesses were evacuated last Saturday evening following an armed robbery at a store on Kingsway near 10th Avenue at approximately 6:45pm. No injuries were reported. [CTV News]

Concern for chopped trees. With 17 trees being chopped down to make way for a daycare facility in Burnaby, nearby residents are concerned about a local blue heron colony who used to nest there. [Burnaby Now]

A new school. Construction has begun for the new Stride Avenue Community School in Burnaby—the Government of British Columbia and Burnaby School District put in over $7 million in funds to make it seismically safer. [Journal of Commerce]

Missing Burnaby man. The RCMP are seeking help in their search for high-risk 46-year-old Anderson Cheng. Residents near Nelson Avenue between Marine Drive and Rumble Street are encouraged to check their yards, sheds and garages in potentially finding him. [Burnaby Now]

Burnaby drunk driver banned for one year. A 56-year-old Burnaby driver has been given a one-year conditional sentence and driving ban following a head-on collision that took place last year. [Burnaby Now]

New Tacofino officially opens this weekend. While the new 40-seat Tacofino in Station Square has softly opened, their grand opening is from Feb. 9 to 11. Customers will receive a free taco coupon given to the first 500 guests each day. That’s 1,500 tacos in total!

CITY HALL

New Burnaby City Hall one step closer

On Jan. 29, Burnaby City Council agreed unanimously to continue with a feasibility study to examine the option of a brand new city hall in the same location of Burnaby’s present city hall at 4949 Deer Lake Ave. A report by the general managers of lands and facilities and planning and development presented two options to council for consideration.

Option A would have the city renovate and expand the existing building, while option B would be the construction of an entirely new building. Ed Kozak, the general manager of planning and development, said either option would require constructing new buildings on the city hall campus.

Read more about the new city hall here, and which option comes in at a lower cost.

SPONSORED BY TACOFINO

Tacofino Metrotown, now open!

Burnaby taco and burrito lovers can rejoice knowing that Tacofino Metrotown is now open seven days a week from 8am-10pm!

Known for the bold flavours, you can now try iconic Tacofino favourites like the fish taco and crispy chicken burrito, or new options like Gringas or Soft & Crunchies.

Where to eat & drink

🍛 Cayenne Bistro & Grill. A cozy bistro specializing in East African and Indian fusion cuisine. Expect memorable spice blends on platters of grilled meat, curries and plenty of rice and naan to soak in all the goodness.

🍕 Wild Flour Pizza Co. Two words: sourdough pizza. If you’re on the lookout for an incredible pizza crust, Wild Flour is a fairly new dine-in and takeout spot in Burnaby making delicious pies with a sourdough base. Their butter paneer pizza is a knockout.

🍰 Chez Christophe. This traditional French bakery specializes in fine pastries and confectionary from the humble butter croissant to truffles and marble glazed cakes. Come by for a coffee and a treat, or order a custom cake for your next big celebration.

🤝 Now Hiring

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

• Commercial Insurance Specialist at Northbridge

• Systems Development Manager at TechioSoft Systems Inc.

• Technical Sales Specialist at Renegade Electric Supply

• Intern at Beedie

• Restaurant Clerk at Save-On-Foods

• Executive Chef at Compass Group

• Facilities Coordinator at WSP

• Project Compliance Advisor at BC Hydro

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

🗓 Things to do

Thursday

• Hobbies and Games Lounge. 12pm. Global Student Centre @SFU. 

• Babytime. 10:30am. Burnaby Public Library.

• Monthly Coworking Drop-In. 9am. 3999 Henning Dr.

Friday

• Advance Theatre: Leila Roils the Seas. 7:30pm. Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.

• Governing the Displaced: A Talk by Prof. Ali Bhagat. 1:30pm. Simon Fraser University.

• Paper Quilling Workshop. 3pm. Student Union Building @SFU.

Saturday

• Cupid Toonie Skate. 12:15pm. Bill Copeland Sports Centre.

• African Craft Workshop. 4:30pm. Edmonds Community Centre.

• Weedbusters. 11am. Burnaby Lake House.

• February Blues. 7:30pm. 202-4199 Lougheed Hwy.

• Temari Workshop. 10:30am. Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre.

• River Basin Days: Lunar New Year. 2pm. Burnaby Lake Regional Park.

Sunday

• Stay Safe First Aid Training. 9am. ProSafe Training School, Burnaby Campus.

• Lunar New Year Paper Craft. 3pm. Burnaby Public Library.

Monday

• Decorative Art Buying Event. 10am. Delta Hotels Burnaby Conference Centre.

• Resume Clinic. 1pm. Burnaby Public Library.

Tuesday

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

• Ergonomics and Spinal Health Class. 12:15pm. 3605 Gilmore Way #305.

• Reignite Your Inner Fire. 11am. Online via Zoom.

Wednesday

• Vancouver to SFU Cycling Pop-Up Event. 11am. SFU Convocation Mall.

• Burnaby Writing Group. 6pm. Burnaby Public Library.

• Valentine’s Day Comedy. 4pm. The Rec Room.