Community Capacity Building and Support
Burnaby operates on a philosophy of citizen participation, whether on the part of individuals, community groups, or local business associations. The City supports a number of initiatives and programs that help to increase the social capacity and resilience of the community.
Individuals
The Citizens’ Plaza pavers at Burnaby City Hall are a unique community project to celebrate the City and its citizens, while raising funds to benefit Burnaby-based registered charities and non-profit organizations.
Community Groups
Community Grants
Through its Community Grants Program, the Executive Committee of Council awards grants to non-profit, cultural, athletic and volunteer assistance groups which provide a service or promote activities that are beneficial to Burnaby.
Festivals Burnaby
Festivals Burnaby provides funding to eligible organizations in Burnaby to support existing events and festivals or to initiate new events, festivals and projects in the community. These could be neighbourhood initiatives, events within specific areas of the City and/or Citywide or regional events.
Community Resource Centres
The City of Burnaby owns two Community Resource Centres, and several other properties, which provide affordable office and programming space for non-profit groups serving the local community. Non-profit tenants of resource centre space may be eligible for a lease grant to offset lease costs. Although turnover of space at the Resource Centres is a rare occurrence, inquiries about space availability, eligibility criteria and the application process can be directed to socialplanning@burnaby.ca.
Community Benefit Bonus Policy
Through the Community Benefit Bonus Policy, the City works with developers to provide needed community amenities (e.g., recreation centres, parks, non-profit office space, childcare centres, adaptable housing units) in Burnaby’s four town centres. Depending on the details of each project, the City negotiates with developers to allow them extra density in exchange for providing a community benefit, either through a cash contribution or the direct provision of an identified amenity.
Community Schools
Seven of Burnaby’s public elementary schools and one secondary school have been designated as community schools, which means they have a Community School Co-ordinator who works with and supports the local community. The co-ordinator positions are cost-shared between Burnaby School District and the City of Burnaby. Community schools serve as focal points for the neighbourhood, build a sense of community and link local residents with programs and resources.
Business Associations
The City has helped to establish business improvement areas that support local businesses. There are currently two business improvement areas in Burnaby (Burnaby Heights and North Road). Burnaby businesses are also supported through the Burnaby Board of Trade.
