After more than 30 years in the Fire Department, I've learned that communication is the single most important tool for getting the job done. In high-pressure, life-or-death situations, we had to communicate clearly and effectively to help people in their greatest moments of need.
Running a city is no different: communication is critical. Together we are creating a Burnaby which is inclusive, diverse, and safe. A full-service city - leading on housing, childcare, transit, sustainability, safety, and livability - which attracts talent and businesses as a great place to work and live.
Day in and day out, we are working hard to make Burnaby a model for Metro Vancouver and beyond: a city located in the heart of the Lower Mainland where priorities are set by the needs of the people and where stability leads to growth.
To deliver on this we must ensure that everyone understands not only what exactly we are doing in the City of Burnaby, but why we are doing it, how it will affect daily life, and where we are headed together. From my experience, good communication can be broken down into:
Listening
A core part of my time as Mayor has been a commitment to genuine two-way communication - listening carefully and making sure decisions reflect what we hear. In 2019 the City of Burnaby engaged with more than 2,600 residents through the Task Force on Community Housing. That process included an online housing survey with around 1,450 responses, and targeted outreach by Community Student Ambassadors who spoke directly with over 400 residents.
In 2023, the City applied the same model through the Task Force on Unsheltered Community Members, which met seven times and brought together service providers, health experts, people with lived experience, and housing advocates to develop practical recommendations. In parallel, more than 1,600 residents, businesses, and community partners contributed to the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan - shaping new priorities around public safety, inclusion, and community spaces.
At present, the City of Burnaby is engaging local employers, workers, educators, and entrepreneurs through the Task Force on Economic Growth and Resilience to strengthen Burnaby’s economy and ensure opportunity keeps pace with growth. Through my Mayor’s walks, people can join me out in the community to share real conversations about what’s happening in our city. Most days, you can also find me at community events across Burnaby.
I take pride in keeping an open-door policy, being accessible, and always listening. Because if you're not prepared to get out and go to the people, to visit all the different communities and groups, and listen to what everyone has to say - then you’ll find only the 50 most vocal voices in the city will be heard. A huge part of going to the people is connecting online.
Clarity
It’s crucial that residents are kept informed and fully aware of what’s happening in our city, including clear details such as timings and locations. We deliver this information across the platforms people use most, ensuring it reaches you where you consume your news and updates.
Equally important is clarity - in an age of widespread misinformation, you can trust that what comes from our official channels is accurate, reliable, and up-to-date.
The disappointing closure of Burnaby Now and the limited capacity of local media make it even more important that the City provides ongoing, timely updates on Burnaby-specific issues, keeping our community connected and informed
Strategy
Beyond keeping residents informed on what is happening, we want to show how each action is part of our broader vision and strategy for Burnaby. We are combining immediate initiatives with long-term planning to position the city as a full-service community that supports families, businesses, and newcomers alike.
Preparing for future growth starts with ongoing planning, active listening, and building trust, ensuring city priorities continue to reflect community needs. For each initiative, we aim to explain not only what we are doing, but why it matters, how it fits into our long-term plans, and what we are working toward - making our strategy and plans clear, transparent, and meaningful to everyone in Burnaby.
Impact
At the heart of all our communication we aim to answer a simple question: how will this impact your lives? Effective communication ensures residents are prepared for changes, understand the reasoning behind decisions, and can plan accordingly. Whether it’s a new housing development, a public safety initiative, or updates to local services, keeping you informed helps reduce uncertainty and allows everyone to participate in the city’s growth.
Clear, timely information also strengthens trust - when you know what’s happening, how it will impact upon your life, and how it fits into Burnaby’s long-term plans, you can make informed choices for your families, businesses, and communities. Ultimately, this is about a shared journey: the city takes action, but it’s your insights, feedback, and engagement that shape how those actions succeed and benefit the whole community.
So what's next?
We’re making it easier than ever for residents to hear directly about the progress, challenges, opportunities, people and vision shaping Burnaby. This ‘Letter from the Mayor’ weekly article will provide deeper insight into the thinking and strategy behind city decisions - from infrastructure and public safety to innovation and community life. Explaining how our work fits into Burnaby’s long-term vision.
For example, next week’s article will discuss multi-unit zoning - a topic which there’s been a lot of confusion and misinformation around. We have worked hard to find the right balance between supporting regional housing needs proactively, while standing up to subsequent provincial overreach and protecting local decision-making and livability.
These are the kinds of topics I look forward to delving into with you all. So please subscribe and follow on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X. Thank you for reading, listening and sharing over the coming weeks, and for being an active part in shaping Burnaby's future.