Following is a letter to Burnaby residents from Mayor Mike Hurley
Last Sunday marked the first Walk and Chat with the Mayor of 2026, beginning the eighth year of what is becoming a real community tradition through spring and summer in Burnaby.
Walkers meet at the Christine Sinclair Community Centre at 9 am, for a one-hour walk. These walks are on the final Sunday of the month from March 29 to August 30, and include a $2 pancake breakfast served at 10 am by the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society.
Some people are not comfortable coming into City Hall for a meeting, which sparked this idea before taking office back in 2018. It was designed to bring the community together, promote active living, and give residents a chance to speak with the Mayor and councillors who take part, in an informal, welcoming and fun setting.
Leading by listening
A core part of our leadership approach at City Hall has been a commitment to genuine two-way communication—listening carefully and making sure decisions reflect what we hear. Whether that’s been our task forces that have engaged thousands of residents, businesses and community leaders, or the events attended most days across Burnaby, or this weekly article and our podcast, the goal has been to broaden input and fully represent the needs of the entire city.
On Sunday, many residents had questions and concerns about the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, as well as a lot of excitement about the new facilities being built across the city, such as the community centres, as well as the new crossings connecting the city. As we walked past, residents could see the progress on the Holdom Overpass.
These projects will make a significant difference in people’s daily lives and these walks give them a chance to ask questions and stay informed.
Historic investment to be the beating heart of Burnaby
Generally, there is a lot of talk on these walks about active living and ideas for the community, and it also provides an opportunity for us to clarify the limits of municipal responsibilities. For example, people often ask when new schools will be built, which is not a municipal responsibility but falls under the provincial Ministry of Education which funds and manages public schools.
Back in my fire department days, listening carefully and acting on what was heard was essential—and that approach continues today.
Active living
Burnaby is an active city with over 150 parks and outdoor spaces which offer trails and paths for walking, running and cycling. Like communities everywhere, however, we have an aging population in Burnaby and residents of all ages are living increasingly sedentary lifestyles. This highlights the importance of people getting out to walk together.
For the seniors who join each month, the walks give them a chance to keep moving, connect with neighbours, and carry that momentum, hopefully creating a habit of getting out two or three times a week.
I know it gets me into a good habit, especially on weeks like this when it’s been perfect walking weather.
Younger people also take part, finding opportunities to meet new people, connect with their community, explore Burnaby’s green spaces, and enjoy the benefits of movement and being outdoors. Having a mix of ages involved helps make active living feel normal for everyone, not just a particular group.
Community
Walk and Chat brings together people from all different backgrounds, interests and stages of life—last week there were around 35 participants reflecting the diversity of Burnaby.
Regulars help shape the experience in their own ways: Lynne leads warm up exercises before the walk, and community groups like Ryan’s Rainbow and the Tzu Chi Society, the Heights Merchants Association and the Burnaby Society to End Homelessness have all joined us. Last Sunday, we were delighted to have some monks involved, and on one memorable walk, even a local bear made an appearance.
The presence of the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society is not just about delicious pancakes, but as I always say, they aren’t just a big part of the community—they are in the community.
In the past, walks rotated between parks but hosting them consistently at the same meeting point and route has made it even easier to get involved. In the coming weeks however there will be a small change as participants will be taken on a short shuttle ride to see the Burnaby Lake Overpass project.
Burnaby has grown and continues to evolve in significant ways, but the goal remains to retain the feeling of a tight-knit community within a much bigger city.
Ultimately, what brings people back month after month is that Walk and Chat is a fun morning activity.
It offers a chance to meet new people, share a smile, and have informal conversations with myself and the councillors who attend. While there is value in discussing city issues, the biggest thing is having fun and providing a space where people feel comfortable moving together and talking about what matters to them—because it also matters to us.
The future of Burnaby Hospital–with John McCarthy and Dr. Alex Butskiy
