Learn about the City's advisory bodies and boards
Advisory bodies and boards meet to discuss and decide on important topics that affect you, Burnaby's residents and business owners. City councillors chair most of these groups, while other councillors serve as vice-chairs and/or members.
Some groups are made up entirely of council members, while others only have citizen appointees–or in some cases, a combination of both. The mayor is an ex-officio member—that is, a member-based on position, not by appointment—of all the committees.
Learn more about each of the following advisory bodies and boards at the City of Burnaby.
Join an advisory body or board
Get involved and volunteer to serve on one of Burnaby’s advisory bodies or boards. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gain experience in City government. The deadline for submissions is October 25.
Access Advisory Committee
This committee advises Council on improving access and inclusion for community members with disabilities in Burnaby.
Audit Committee
This committee reviews the audited annual financial statements and other financial information, reports to the council about committee activities, issues and related recommendations and ensures the City follows applicable laws and regulations.
Board of Variance
This board considers minor variances to the Burnaby Zoning Bylaw. The board may hear appeals regarding the siting, dimensions or size of a building but not those involving use or density.
Community Heritage Commission
This commission advises the council on the City’s heritage program.
Environment Committee
This committee advises the council on environmental issues, including public education and awareness and policies to ensure the City meets its environmental targets and goals per the current climate emergency.
Executive Committee of Council
This committee advises the council on the City's strategic direction, First Nations reconciliation, provision of grants to help cultural, athletic and volunteer assistance groups, and special initiatives that bring recognition to the City.
Financial Management Committee
This committee oversees the City’s annual budget, expenditures, debt and the planning and construction of major civic buildings, among other things.
International Relations & Friendship Cities Committee
This committee works to improve the relationships between the City and our Sister and Friendship cities.
Mayor's Task Force on Community Housing
This task force explored strategies for improving housing affordability. The initiative was a significant step towards developing an effective approach to the housing crisis. The task force's findings continue to help the council create policies and other tools to address our City's housing needs.
Mayor’s Task Force on Unsheltered Community Members
In Burnaby, our goal is to create a community where homelessness is rare, brief and one time. To achieve this vision, the City launched a Mayor’s Task Force on Unsheltered Community Members in June 2023.
Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel
The Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel approves new charges for Sewer Parcel and Local Area Service Taxes. Property owners who provide advance written notice to the Panel are given the opportunity to appeal against the Local Area Service Frontage and Sewer Parcel Tax assessments. The assessments confirmed by the Panel form the basis for the Local Area Services and Sewer Assessment Tax Rolls.
Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee
This Committee advises Council on matters related to parks, recreation and culture services, programs and facilities within the municipal boundaries of the City of Burnaby.
Planning and Development Committee
This committee advises the council on transportation planning, affordable housing, land leasing for non-market and special needs housing, planning issues for residential land use and reports on the impacts of federal and provincial policies.
Public Library Board
This board sets strategic priorities, oversees all the financial and operational aspects of the library.
Public Safety Committee
This committee collaborates with various City departments to implement and promote public safety programs and initiatives. Discover the plans, projects and programs that the City is undertaking to create a safer community.
Simon Fraser Liaison Committee
This committee liaises with Simon Fraser University on matters of common interest.
Social Planning Committee
This committee advises the council on various social issues, including leasing space at Burnaby's community resource centres, needs of seniors, youth, families, ethnic groups, 2SLGBTQIA+, persons with disability and socioeconomic equity issues.
Transportation Committee
This committee advises the council on improving all modes of transportation under the City’s authority.