A Message from Mayor Mike Hurley

Season's Greetings
December 15, 2020
To my fellow Burnaby residents,
Every year during the holiday season, I’m reminded how lucky we are to live in this community.
From Hastings Street to Edmonds, Deer Lake Park to Burnaby Mountain Park, this City always shines a little brighter during the holidays. While our celebrations will look a little different, the holiday lights are a good reminder that there are brighter days ahead.
This past year, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the spirit, compassion and resilience of the Burnaby community, as people make personal sacrifices to safeguard the health of their neighbours. We have cheered on our health care workers with hearts on our windows and by banging our pots and pans at 7pm. Our students have written letters to isolated seniors, sharing kind words of hope and warmth. And City staff, businesses and community groups have contributed in many ways to ensure people get the help they need.
Despite the unprecedented challenges of 2020, the City of Burnaby continues to advance long-term plans and projects that will shape Burnaby’s future. Next year, we will finalize a new Transportation Plan that will create a transportation system that is safer, more active and sustainable. The Transportation Plan and a comprehensive housing strategy – also being finalized in 2021 – will be key supporting pillars of This is Climate Action, a framework developed to guide how the City will put into action its commitment to be “carbon neutral” (no longer contributing to the carbon emissions that accelerate climate change) by 2050. It’s been just over a year since we declared a climate emergency, and we are moving quickly to deliver on our commitment.
Our residents have shared with us that we need more recreational facilities in our City. As Burnaby continues to grow, in the next two to five years we will be building new recreational facilities to accommodate the needs of our community. For now, we are looking forward to the unveiling of the South Burnaby Arena in 2022.
As we wind down for the holiday season, our thoughts often centre on our family, friends and loved ones and we forget about the most important person – you! Therefore, I challenge and encourage you to find the time to care for your own well-being. Unplug, go out for a leisurely run or walk around your neighbourhood and, if needed, seek support as it’s been a difficult year for everyone.
On behalf of City Council, I want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your families during this holiday season, and best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2021.
Happy holidays!
Sincerely,
Mayor Mike Hurley