The following Vision Statement, Values and Guiding Principles were developed using the findings from the previous two phases of public engagement. Community members from across the city expressed their hopes for the future of Burnaby, what mattered to them most, and their priorities. This information is detailed in the “What We Learned Report (2023)” with additional information available at Burnaby.ca/Burnaby2050. Community input was analyzed and used to write the statements below.

A Vision Statement is a description of our desired future state. It is aspirational and inspiring. It “paints a picture” of what we’re hoping to achieve by the year 2050.

Option 1: “Burnaby is a safe, thriving, green city with a vibrant economy and connected neighbourhoods that people want to live in and be in for generations to come.”

Option 2: “Vibrant and connected, green and safe–Burnaby is a place we can all call home.”

Option 3: “Burnaby is a safe, green and affordable city where people in all their diversity can prosper.”

Values are our shared core beliefs. These are the fundamental ideas that are most important to Burnaby community members.

Our City’s core values are Connectedness, Inclusion, Opportunity, Stewardship and Sustainability.

Connectedness

Burnaby is woven together by strong social bonds and efficient transportation systems. We embrace connection in all forms – social, technological and environmental. We deeply appreciate the freedom to walk or roll safely to access most of our daily needs. Residents value the convenience of being able to easily travel between neighbourhoods, creating more social connection and economic growth.

Inclusion

Burnaby is proud to be a friendly and welcoming community. We create spaces where all residents, visitors and businesses feel like they belong. We strive to create a safe community where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute to our shared future regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexuality, income or ability. Burnaby is a place where all community members can reach their full potential.

Opportunity

Burnaby prides itself on having diverse educational and employment opportunities. Burnaby is an excellent place to do business or start an organization. It is centrally located and has a strong business climate, many transportation choices, efficient permitting processes and a highly skilled workforce. Burnaby is a city where everyone can thrive and prosper.

Stewardship

Burnaby values good stewardship of public assets and shared spaces. Good stewardship includes making infrastructure, facilities, systems and communities more resilient so Burnaby can adapt and ‘bounce forward’ in a crisis or disaster. Residents hold public servants and decision-makers to the highest standard of integrity and expect public funds and facilities to be well-managed for the benefit of all, now and in the future.

Sustainability

Burnaby residents enjoy nature and value healthy ecosystems. Burnaby protects and enhances its lakes, streams, wetlands, parks, trees, natural areas, wildlife habitats and atmosphere. Burnaby takes great pride in its climate leadership and protects the environment for future generations.

Guiding Principles are short prescriptive statements about how to plan in Burnaby. They are practices that are timeless, long-standing, effective and near universal.

Burnaby 2050 is guided by the following planning principles:

1. Lead in climate action.
2. Protect ecosystems and the natural environment.
3. Enhance access to nature for people and wildlife.
4. Protect farmland and promote food security.
5. Nurture reconciliation through strong and respectful relationships with Host First Nations and Indigenous community members living in Burnaby.
6. Develop a safe, inclusive, multi-modal and well-connected transportation system that encourages public transportation and active living.
7. Build a vibrant and resilient economy that supports innovative and diverse employment sectors and opportunities.
8. Foster diverse housing options that serve the needs of all household types through all stages of life.
9. Foster complete communities that are sustainable, equitable and accessible to all.
10. Design healthy and resilient urban environments that are adaptable to changing needs.
11. Create safe and welcoming public spaces that are fun and accessible for everyone.
12. Foster equity, diversity and a sense of belonging for all.
13. Foster and celebrate diverse local histories, cultures and heritage.
14. Efficiently meet the infrastructure and service needs of Burnaby residents through coordinated land use planning and service planning, including the use of nature-based solutions.
15. Provide equitable opportunities for the public to meaningfully participate in decisions.
16. Collaborate with neighbouring municipalities, local First Nations and all levels of government to achieve common goals for the future.
17. Use best practices in urban design techniques to encourage active mobility, social connection and a sense of place and belonging.
18. Responsibly use financial tools to efficiently and transparently finance the cost of maintaining, replacing and expanding infrastructure services to support Burnaby residents.

Thank you for taking our survey

This survey closed on June 9. Stay tuned for updates as we process the results.