The Burnaby Citizens Association is…

Making Burnaby a leader in economic, environmental and social sustainability

To complete Burnaby’s Sustainable City framework, the BCA-Burnaby Citizens council is developing the Environmental Sustainability Strategy, building on the City’s award-winning environmental leadership.

Taking action on housing, Burnaby has the third-largest share of non-market housing units (6,174) among Metro Vancouver municipalities*.

The BCA-Burnaby Citizens has also set in motion a number of other progressive initiatives, including leasing City-owned land and City-owned houses to non-profit groups and for special needs housing.

* Source: Metro Vancouver Housing Data Book 2011

Dedicating 25% of land to parks and green spaces and providing exceptional recreational facilities

The BCA-Burnaby Citizens has taken the lead in shaping the policies that have kept Burnaby green. We’ve introduced hundreds of kilometres of bike and urban trails and put in place programs to reduce energy use in city/school buildings, reducing environmental impacts and saving taxpayers millions of dollars. With a BCA-Burnaby Citizens council, we’ve completed the Burnaby Lake Rejuvenation project that benefits the environment and restores recreational opportunities. In addition, we’ve introduced a new waste management collection program and electronic and food scraps recycling.

Burnaby’s sports, recreational and cultural facilities and programs are outstanding and the BCA-Burnaby Citizens continue to enhance these opportunities with new, creative initiatives such as the Edmonds Pool and Recreation Centre.

A voice for Burnaby’s diverse communities

BCA-Burnaby Citizens selects council and school board candidates who represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives. With hundreds of citizens participating on committees, BCA-Burnaby Citizens makes sure Burnaby projects and policies draw on the wisdom of a vast array of Burnaby residents, businesses and community organizations.

Ensuring low taxes, sound finances and an affordable plan for tomorrow

Burnaby has one of the lowest tax rates in the region and its financial position remains very strong. BCA-Burnaby Citizens councils have made Burnaby debt-free, providing a rock solid foundation for business and residents in the community and making Burnaby the most financially stable city in the country.

The BCA-Burnaby Citizens will continue to ensure low taxes and fiscal responsibility, even while other cities are searching for taxing options or reducing services and delaying projects.

Dramatically reducing crime rate in all categories

Working with the Burnaby RCMP and community partners the BCA-Burnaby Citizens have introduced many innovative programs, including the successful Crime Reduction Strategy, resulting in a dramatic drop in Burnaby’s crime rate*.

*As of January 1, 2011, Burnaby’s crime rate has dropped from 82 to 68 Criminal Code offenses per 1,000 of our population. This is below the provincial average and demonstrates how we are continuing to make Burnaby even safer for our citizens.

Making Burnaby a leader in student achievement through excellence in education

BCA-Burnaby Citizens School Trustees are committed to excellence in all aspects of education. They ensure extensive community involvement in projects and policy development, with parents being encouraged to participate through the innovative “Involvement Task Force”.

With a record of respectful, comprehensive and inclusive consultation, the BCA-Burnaby Citizens introduced a thoughtful policy to help prevent bullying, continuing their success in creating safe and caring environments in Burnaby’s public schools.

BCA-Burnaby Citizens School Trustees are proud of their transparent budget process and, in a time of dwindling resources, they have achieved a strong financial position.

Providing leading-edge advanced placement university credit programs, comprehensive pre-apprenticeship and trades training programs and innovative sports/academic programs, BCA-Burnaby Citizens leadership gives Burnaby’s public school students a strong advantage for success in their future endeavours.

BCA-Burnaby Citizens School Trustees have also instituted an expanded Mandarin language program, increased French immersion classes and introduced innovative student leadership programs.

Building new schools and planning for the future, the BCA-Burnaby Citizens will continue to ensure students are provided with safe, caring schools, in which every child can find success.