Community Plans

The City of Burnaby has a comprehensive set of plans to guide future development throughout the city in conformance with the Official Community Plan. There's a framework for every town centre, urban village and community plan area in the city with detailed strategies for land use and development, transportation, infrastructure servicing and other related development issues. Plan areas also include suburban multi-family areas, mixed-use areas and park/conservation areas.

All community plans are based on detailed planning and land-use studies completed in conjunction with comprehensive public consultation with area property owners and residents. The plans are adopted by council as a policy guideline for considering specific rezoning and development applications. Over time, community plans and general land use designations may be changed or amended by council to serve the changing community and development needs.

Town centres

Each of Burnaby's four town centres contributes to our increasing diversity and self-sufficiency by combining transportation and social infrastructure with residential and employment opportunities. They provide for higher density forms of housing in the city’s most urban settings.

We are currently developing a new community plan for the Edmonds Town Centre neighbourhood. Learn more information about the project and how to get involved in the planning process.

Urban villages

Urban villages are designated to accommodate mixed-use neighbourhoods of moderate density and scale with locally-serving commercial uses, employment, recreation, schools and other everyday services close-to-home.

Download our Urban Village Design Guidelines

The Bainbridge Urban Village Community Plan was adopted by Council on July 25, 2022. In the coming months, staff will proceed with the initial implementation of the plan, which will include the preparation of amendments to the Zoning Bylaw for Council's consideration to ensure there are districts and development regulations in place to achieve the distinct urban village housing forms outlined in the plan.

We are currently developing a new community plan for the Cascade Heights Urban Village neighbourhood. Learn more information about the project and how to get involved in the planning process.

The Lochdale Urban Village Community Plan was adopted by Council on July 25, 2022. In the coming months, staff will proceed with the initial implementation of the plan, which will include the preparation of amendments to the Zoning Bylaw for Council's consideration to ensure there are districts and development regulations in place to achieve the distinct urban village housing forms outlined in the plan.

We are currently developing a new community plan for the Royal Oak Urban Village neighbourhood. Learn more information about the project and how to get involved in the planning process. 

Suburban multi-family areas

Within the framework are comprehensively planned townhouse and garden apartment development areas. These areas differ from urban villages because of their low-density multi-family residential character.

Mixed-use areas

Several community plans encompass complex areas serving multiple land use designations and civic interests.

Parks and conservation areas

Burnaby is blessed with many natural features and open spaces, helping meet our community needs.

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