Programs
Burnaby has attracted the attention of global businesses and investors with its strong, stable and dynamic economy, world-class infrastructure, and leading-edge universities with outstanding technology research facilities.
Building on these advantages, the City of Burnaby has created a business environment that welcomes and supports investment and has become one of the most competitive and innovative locations to do business. Burnaby was rated the "Best Run City in Canada" by Maclean's Magazine in 2009.
In addition to promoting economic development by ensuring sound community fundamentals - in the quality of our environment, community and life - the City of Burnaby also directly supported the creation and operation of the partner agencies and City programs listed below.
Program Details
Burnaby Board of Trade
The Burnaby Board of Trade (BBOT) is Burnaby’s pre-eminent business association and is a key part of the City’s economic development strategy. Working closely with the municipality, the BBOT supports the growth of business both locally and internationally, and fosters a sustainable business environment through networking, education, advocacy and development.
With approximately 1,100 members, the BBOT facilitates a collaborative community model involving businesses of all sizes, not-for profits, academia, citizens and all levels of government. It is committed to addressing the needs of its community by following the triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental sustainability.
Recently the Burnaby Board of Trade celebrated its centennial anniversary. After 100 years, the BBOT continues to evolve, and more than ever plays an integral role in the growth and diversity of Burnaby.
The Burnaby Board of Trade has in recent years received an annual grant from the City of Burnaby to support a portion of its operating budget.
For more information on the Burnaby Board of Trade, please visit www.bbot.ca
Tourism Burnaby
Tourism Burnaby is a non-profit, destination marketing organization whose purpose is to support tourism promotional activities to increase visitation to the City. As part of its mandate, Tourism Burnaby is responsible for marketing, promoting and selling Burnaby as a site for corporate meetings, pleasure travel, cultural, sports and special events.
Tourism Burnaby was incorporated on October 25, 2004 under the Society Act of British Columbia and is funded by a 2% hotel room tax.
Tourism Burnaby’s vision is to be a leading, sector-focused destination marketing and resource organization that develops, promotes and assists in the city’s tourism growth through innovative community, regional and partner programs.
Tourism Burnaby’s Strategic Plan has identified the pursuit of following goals and major strategies for the next few years:
- Build the Brand – create awareness in primary sector markets
- Build the Markets – build and execute marketing and sales plans in primary sector markets: Sports, Meetings & Conferences and Arts & Culture
- Build Partnerships – identify and build partnerships with key sub-sector business and tourism partners and supporting organizations
For more information on Tourism Burnaby, please visit www.tourismburnaby.com
Beautification Program
The City of Burnaby has a number of beautification programs aided at brightening the appearance of the community, including a mural program, a public art program and a street banner program.
Festivals
Burnaby is home to a number of festivals which help to celebrate the character of the community. These include the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival, Giro di Burnaby, Hats Off Day (in The Heights), Santa Claus Parade (in Edmonds), and Symphony in the Park.
Friendship Cities
Burnaby is located at the heart of Canada’s pacific gateway in Metro Vancouver and is well positioned to take advantage of stronger trade and commerce with the Pacific Rim. The City of Burnaby, in partnership with the Burnaby Board of Trade, has also undertaken a number of economic development focused friendship and trade missions to Taiwan (2009) and China (2009, 2010).
Sister Cities
The City of Burnaby has established a number of long standing city-to-city Sister City relationships. The City of Burnaby is a sister city with Gatineau, Quebec; Kushiro, Japan; and Mesa, Arizona.
Tourism Program
The City's current tourism program consists of a staffed Metrotown tourism centre at Metropolis at Metrotown during the peak summer tourism season, hosting a staffed City Hall tourist information centre, and printing about 80,000 copies of the Burnaby Visitors Guide every second year for distribution throughout the province of BC and Washington state.
