Within three months of becoming Mayor, we formed our first Task Force on housing, and in January, we’ll convene our third. This time to tackle another one of Burnaby’s most critical priorities: ensuring our City’s economic growth and resilience. Task Forces are a model we introduced to Burnaby with the aim of delivering results within six months by bringing together people who are both experts in their fields and action-oriented.
Back in my fire-department days we used similar models just under different names, the key being, getting the right people around the table and moving quickly and effectively. That’s why I favour Task Forces over committees and other more traditional processes - as they reflect the open, consultative, community-grounded and proactive leadership we pride ourselves on.
In Burnaby, Task Forces handle cross-sector challenges where public input and expert advice are crucial. Past examples show the impact of this approach: our Community Housing Task Force strengthened tenant-protection policies, accelerated non-market and below-market housing projects and introduced measures to diversify housing supply prior to the provincial government’s new legislation.
The Task Force on Unsheltered Community Members coordinated shelter planning, expanded outreach teams and integrated health, housing, policing and social-support services to deliver meaningful outcomes for our most vulnerable residents. I am also part of the regional Mayors’ Task Force on modular and factory-built housing, furthering collaboration on housing solutions beyond our City limits.
Meet the Business leaders joining the Mayor's Task Force
Now, we are turning this approach to Burnaby’s economy. As the City grows amid shifting markets, housing pressures and changing economic conditions including punitive trade tariffs imposed on Canada by US President Donald Trump - our goal is to build an economy that is strong, adaptable and competitive. One that not only attracts new businesses but also supports and listens to the needs of those already here.
The new Task Force will advise City leadership and provide recommendations that feed directly into policy and planning - supporting the direction of the City’s long overdue new economic strategy. The existing plan dates back to 2007.
The experts making up this Task Force
To achieve this, we are bringing together a group of 15 local business and community leaders with a wide spectrum of expertise, all serving as voluntary members. This includes leaders with expertise in retail, small business and commercial banking and wealth management at major national banks; industrial and commercial real-estate development; investment attraction and economic development projects; artificial intelligence and emerging technologies; expertise in nuclear physics; and Indigenous business leadership, sustainability planning and global supply chain management.
Their combined knowledge spans finance, real estate, innovation, grassroots commerce, clean technology, community impact and professional sport franchises - bringing practical, real-world perspectives that will directly inform Burnaby’s economic strategy.
Collectively they will focus on understanding and supporting Burnaby’s businesses across all industries, neighbourhoods and sizes. Exploring how to encourage innovation and adaptability, strengthen the resilience of businesses and the workforce, and working collaboratively to tackle the City’s economic challenges using research, local knowledge and practical experience.
Members will identify opportunities and challenges in the local economy, review City policies and processes that affect growth and recommend actionable steps for both the short and long term which are practical, community-driven and strengthen our economy. They will also look for ways to partner with other levels of government to leverage additional support and resources for our business community.
What they will deliver and when
Throughout their work, the Task Force will produce an interim report highlighting emerging trends and possible actions, followed by a final report that outlines Burnaby’s current economic conditions, goals, key challenges and practical solutions with clear timelines. Their recommendations will be designed to be immediately useful, directly guiding the City’s economic strategy and helping businesses thrive.
I will chair the Task Force, which will begin meeting in January 2026 and serve for 6 months before delivering their findings to Burnaby City Council. Their work is timed to align with updates to Burnaby’s Official Community Plan and Economic Development Strategy.
Ultimately the Task Force will work closely with the business community over these months to develop Burnaby-specific strategies that build on our central location, excellent transit connections and growing strengths in tech, life sciences and health innovation.
Guiding how Burnaby grows and supports its business community over time - their goal is to chart practical, community-driven steps that enhance our economic resilience. As well as solidifying the City’s position as a leading hub for business and innovation in a rapidly changing global landscape.
By deciding to take proactive steps rather than simply reacting to change, Burnaby is shaping a stronger, more resilient and innovative future for all of us to live and work in.
