Caring For Our Environment
To take care of our bodies, we eat well, exercise and make sure to get enough sleep. That's our internal environment. The environment that surrounds us -- the air, soil, water and ecosystems -- is equally important for our health and the health and well being of others.
We Can Protect the Environment Around Us:
- By reducing consumption and recycling, we reduce the costs and environmental burden of waste.
- By driving less and instead taking transit, walking and cycling, we improve air quality as well as our own health and fitness.
- By pitching in to clean up, restore and enhance local waterways, shorelines and other ecosystems, we can help native plants and wildlife to flourish
- Other tips to care for our environment at home, at school and in the office include natural gardening practices, conserving water and proper waste disposal and recycling
Everyone, from government to individuals of all ages and abilities, can play an important role as stewards of the environment. Burnaby is fortunate to have many dedicated community volunteers who have made a big difference in protecting and enhancing environmentally significant sites throughout the City.
Across the country and in Burnaby, April 11th 2011 has been proclaimed National Volunteer Week.
Key municipal documents that address environmental stewardship and education include the Official Community Plan (OCP) Environment Section, the State of the Environment Report (SOER) and the recently completed Social Sustainability Strategy.
Environment Committee
The City of Burnaby’s Environment Committee is an endorsed citizens committee of Mayor and Council that addresses issues related to the environment. Members of the public may speak before the Committee after submitting a written request to the Committee’s Secretary (Administrative Officer) seven working days prior to a Committee Meeting. The written request must include the name of the speaker and the topic to be discussed. This is referred to as Appearing as a Delegation.
Environment Committee Meetings normally take place on the second Tuesday of the month. See also the Boards and Committee Meeting Schedules. Members of the public may also serve as Citizen Representatives on the Environment Committee. Find out more on How to Become a Committee Member or contact the Clerks Department for more information.
Environmental Events
The City of Burnaby supports and promotes a number of environmental events throughout the year. These events are valuable occasions for Burnaby residents and the public to discover Burnaby’s many natural assets, learn how they can help, and celebrate achievements.
Burnaby’s Environment Week takes place in early June each year with a number of eco-friendly activities around the City. Burnaby’s Environment Awards Program is an annual tradition that recognizes Burnaby individuals and groups that have made significant contributions.
World Rivers Day in late September is an annual event that celebrates the historic, cultural, economic and environmental importance of waterways both locally and around the globe.
Other local environmental events:
- Earth Hour (mid-March)
- Earth Fest Wildlife Rescue Association (mid-April)
- Eagle Creek Fish Release (mid-April)
- Great Salmon Send-Off at Stoney Creek (early May)
- Burnaby Rhododendron Festival (mid-May)
- Clean Air Day (early June)
- Bike to Work Week (late May-early June)
- Waste Reduction Week (Mid-October)
- Burnaby Invasive Plant Workshops (ongoing)
Visit the Festivals and Events and Calendar of Events pages for more event information.
Jennifer Atchison Environmental Centre
The Jennifer Atchison Environmental Centre is a community facility sponsored in partnership between the City of Burnaby and Burnaby School District 41. It provides space and resources for students, teachers and interested community groups regarding environmental activities in a classroom setting. The Centre is located on the grounds of Stoney Creek Community School at 2730 Beaverbrook Crescent, Burnaby near Lougheed Town Centre. Contact the Stoney Creek Community School Coordinator at 604-664-8845 for more information.
Previously described as the Burnaby Environmental Classroom, the Centre has recently been renamed for Jennifer Atchison, (1938-2010) an environmental stewardship champion and member of the Stoney Creek Environment Committee.
Environmental Programs and Initiatives
The City of Burnaby has a broad range of Environmental Programs and Initiatives including the Burnaby Streamkeepers Program.
Additional Resources
- Environment Canada – What You Can Do
- BC – Our Environment And How We Can Reduce Our Impacts
- BC – Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP)
Nature
Air Quality
- Air Care - Clean Air Tips
- Health Canada - Outdoor Air Quality
- The Lung Association - Pollution and Air Quality
- BC – Top 10 Ways You Can Make a Difference
Climate Change
Energy Conservation
Food
- Burnaby Food First
- Burnaby and Regional Allotment Garden Association
- Burnaby Village Farmers Market
- Sharing Backyards
- Vancouver Fruit Tree Project Society
- Burnaby Urban Agriculture
Sustainable Transportation
- Travel Smart (Translink)
- Jack Bell Ride-share for BC
- Modo Car Co-op
- BC - Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Alternative Motor Fuel Tax Concessions
- Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association
- ICBC - Electric bikes
- NRC - Most Fuel-efficient Vehicles
- NRC – Fuel Consumption Guides
- BCAA Eco-Driving
Waste Reduction
Volunteering
Youth
For more information, visit the Environmental Planning Program page or contact the Planning Department at planning@burnaby.ca or 604-294-7400.
