Following is a letter to Burnaby residents from Mayor Mike Hurley
Many years ago, I immigrated from Ireland to the greatest country in the world. Canada welcomes people from all cultures and backgrounds, and there is something truly special about the way we come together, can build a life here and continue to learn from one another.
Here in Burnaby, we are one of Canada's most diverse cities, and on Canada Day we go all out to celebrate it, because it's our greatest strength.
More than half of Burnaby residents were born outside Canada, one of the highest proportions of any major city in the country, and almost 60 per cent of our population has immigrant roots. And last week’s celebrations were a reflection of how the many cultures, traditions and faiths in Burnaby come together to make something that is welcoming for all and truly unique to our city.
Across our three City celebrations—StreetFest on Central, Edmonds Plaza and Park, and Burnaby Village Museum—people from across all of our communities came out to enjoy a wide range of cultural and live performances, activities and food that showcased Burnaby's wonderful diversity.
Record crowds
StreetFest on Central has become one of the biggest Canada Day celebrations anywhere in British Columbia. This year, it welcomed a record crowd of more than 65,000 people, surpassing last year's record of 62,000. More than 3,000 people joined the celebrations at Edmonds Plaza and Park, almost a 50 per cent increase on last year. Across all three sites, just under 75,000 people celebrated Canada Day with us. Ending with a spectacular firework finale.
Free community events like these are a big part of what makes Burnaby still feel like such a close-knit community, even as our city has grown significantly in size. They give people the chance to spend time together, meet neighbours and experience cultures that may be different from their own.
They also attract thousands of visitors who come to experience everything Burnaby has to offer. Which is great news for our businesses, for our tourism sector and for the wider local economy.
One of my favourite parts of the day was the conversations with families of Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Korean, Italian, Iranian and so many other backgrounds, all enjoying the celebrations together. All proud of the city and country they now call home.
This year there was a particular focus on Latin culture. Afro-Latin dance and soca performances brought huge energy to StreetFest, while dance performances at Edmonds Plaza and Park also showcased traditions from across Latin America. What stood out wasn't just the performances—it was watching people from every background stopping, joining in, dancing together and learning about another culture.
Five key areas shaping Burnaby's approach for the second half of the year
Burnaby Village Museum was another wonderful place to celebrate. The 10-acre open-air museum tells the stories of Burnaby's diverse communities, and Canada Day included multicultural entertainment, cultural demonstrations, family activities, children's face painting and activities for visitors of all ages.
For all the family
StreetFest on Central also had a family zone at Civic Square, activities along Central Boulevard, food trucks, live music, dance performances and concerts before finishing with one of the region's largest Canada Day fireworks displays in Central Park. This provided a spectacular finale and the huge crowds stayed on for every last second of it.
With Patterson and Metrotown SkyTrain stations nearby, along with the Metrotown bus loop, thousands of people were able to take transit, cycle or walk to the celebrations.
It was also great to showcase Canadian talent. This year's headline performer was Juno Award-winning electro-pop group Dragonette. The Toronto band has built an international following, and it was exciting to see so many people enjoying a great Canadian act here in Burnaby.
It is so important that these celebrations are for the whole family because today's children will be the future of our city. I see it with my own kids and the friends they bring home. On some days, my living room could be filled with kids whose families have roots in a dozen different countries.
If kids are not taught to look at others differently, they simply grow up looking at everyone the same, and that is the future we are shaping here and celebrating.
The celebrations continued on Saturday at the Ismaili Centre Burnaby, which traditionally hosts its Canada Day celebration a few days after July 1. Every year they invite people of every faith, every culture and every background to visit their beautiful facility.
Their pipe band has become a unique tradition, but what stands out most is the welcome they extend to the whole community. In many ways, it sums up exactly what Burnaby is about.
What makes all of our events possible is the hundreds of volunteers whose time, energy and enthusiasm make these celebrations better and better every year. We are so grateful for their efforts, as well as the City staff, community partners, performers and StreetFest presenting partner Concord Pacific.
Each year, it feels difficult to imagine how we could build on the year before, but Canada Day continues to reflect the growth of our city. Burnaby has become a destination for people across the region, who come to experience our parks, town centres, festivals and events, and most importantly, the welcoming community spirit that makes our city such a special place.
Local leadership & planning in the Lower Mainland—with Mayors Brad West & Nicole MacDonald
