Burnaby is a district municipality located in the metropolitan area of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was incorporated in 1892 and achieved city status in 1992. Burnaby is named after Robert Burnaby, a prominent local businessman in the late 19th century. 

The city is situated between the Burrard Inlet and the North Arm of the Fraser River, with Port Moody to the northeast and New Westminster to the southeast.

Burnaby has a rich history, with its growth influenced by its location between expanding urban centers of Vancouver and New Westminster. 

Initially, it served as a rural agricultural area supplying nearby markets. Later, it became an important transportation corridor between Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and the Interior of the Province. 

Today, Burnaby is one of the province's chief commercial and industrial centers, with important trucking, warehousing, and petroleum distribution facilities, as well as forest industries, steel fabrication, and the manufacture of electronic, electrical, and transportation equipment.

Simon Fraser University, a major research university, is located in Burnaby and was established in 1963. The British Columbia Institute of Technology, a public post-secondary institution, also has a campus in Burnaby. 

The city is known for its high ratio of parkland to residents, making it one of the greenest cities in North America. Burnaby's Metropolis at Metrotown is the largest mall in British Columbia and the fifth largest in Canada.

Burnaby is served by SkyTrain's Expo Line and Millennium Line, making it easily accessible from other parts of the metropolitan area. 

The city is home to many high-tech companies, including Ballard Power, Clio, D-Wave, General Fusion, EA Vancouver, and Capcom Canada.

Burnaby has experienced a shift in character over time, evolving from a rural area to a suburban community and then to a more urban center. 

The city's landscape is characterized by hills, ridges, valleys, and an alluvial plain, which have influenced Burnaby's location, type, and form of development.

In conclusion, Burnaby is a vibrant and growing city in the metropolitan area of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Its rich history, strong connection to nature, and thriving economy make it an attractive place to live, work, and visit.

History of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, is a city with a rich history that began with the indigenous peoples who lived in the area for thousands of years. 

The Salish of the Central Coast ancestors inhabited the land before European settlers arrived, and their descendants continue to live in Burnaby and the surrounding municipalities. 

The arrival of settlers significantly changed the lives of the indigenous population, bringing disease and disrupting their traditional ways of life.

In 1858, the Fraser River gold rush prompted the British government to establish the Colony of British Columbia, claiming control of the land and its people. 

Colonial officials and royal engineers arrived to establish New Westminster as the colony's capital, and settlers were encouraged to claim land through a process called pre-emption. 

Burnaby formed as a network of small neighborhoods around transportation routes, and the extension of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880s made land more accessible, leading to the establishment of a small resort town and family farms.

Burnaby was incorporated as a district municipality in 1892 and achieved city status in 1992. It is now British Columbia's third-largest city by population and the seat of Metro Vancouver's regional district government. 

Burnaby is known for its commitment to preserving green spaces, with 25% of its land designated as parks and open spaces, one of the highest in North America. 

The city is home to the main campuses of Simon Fraser University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology and high-tech companies such as Ballard Power, Clio, D-Wave, General Fusion, EA Vancouver, and Capcom Canada.

Burnaby's Metropolis at Metrotown is the largest mall in British Columbia and the fifth largest in Canada. SkyTrain's Expo Line and Millennium Line serve the city, making it easily accessible from other parts of the metropolitan area. 

Burnaby's landscape is characterized by hills, ridges, valleys, and an alluvial plain, which have influenced the location, type, and form of development in the city. Overall, Burnaby is a vibrant and growing city with a rich history and a commitment to preserving its natural beauty.

Demographics of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, has a population of approximately 274,425 as of 2024, making it the 22nd most populous city in Canada and the third most populous in British Columbia. 

The city has seen extensive growth since the early 2000s, with the population exceeding 200,000 by 2006 and growing by over 10% over the next five years. The population growth between 2011 and 2016 was over 4%, and the city is poised to reach 250,000 residents soon.

Burnaby has a diverse population, with 63.6% of the total population being visible minorities, including South Asians, Chinese, Blacks, Filipinos, Latin Americans, Arabs, and other groups. Chinese people make up nearly 34% of the total population. Approximately 1.8% of the population is of an Aboriginal group.

The city has a high population density, with over 6,380 people per square mile. Burnaby's median age is 39.8, which is younger than the median age of British Columbia as a whole.

Burnaby has a diverse ethnic and immigrant community, with North Burnaby near Hastings Street being home to many Italian restaurants and recreational bocce games, and Metrotown's high-rise condominium towers in the south being fuelled in part by arrivals from China (Hong Kong and Macau), Taiwan, and South Korea.

The city's population is well educated, with 70.5% of working-age Burnaby adults possessing a post-secondary education. Burnaby is home to two world-class post-secondary institutions, Simon Fraser University and BCIT.

Burnaby has a diverse population with a high percentage of visible minorities, a well-educated population, and a strong connection to Asia, particularly China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and South Korea. The city is expected to continue growing and attracting immigrants from diverse backgrounds, making it a vibrant and dynamic place to live and work.

Geography of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Burnaby is an eastern suburb of metropolitan Vancouver, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Canada. It is situated between the Burrard Inlet and the North Arm of the Fraser River, with Port Moody to the northeast and New Westminster to the southeast. 

The city covers an area of 98.60 square kilometers (38.07 sq mi) and has an elevation ranging from sea level to 370 meters (1,200 ft) atop Burnaby Mountain.

Burnaby is one of the province's chief commercial and industrial centers. It has important trucking, warehousing, and petroleum-distribution facilities, as well as forest industries, steel fabrication, and the manufacture of electronic, electrical, and transportation equipment. 

The city is home to many industrial and commercial firms, including British Columbia's largest (and Canada's second-largest) commercial mall, the Metropolis at Metrotown.

The city is also known for its high ratio of parkland to residents, with over 25% of its land designated as parks and open spaces, making it one of the greenest cities in North America. Burnaby has several parks, including Deer Lake Park, Burnaby Mountain, and Central Park.

Burnaby has a diverse population, with 63.6% of the total population being visible minorities, including South Asians, Chinese, Blacks, Filipinos, Latin Americans, Arabs, and other groups. Chinese people make up nearly 34% of the total population. 

The city has a high population density, with over 6,380 people per square mile. Burnaby's median age is 39.8, which is younger than the median age of British Columbia as a whole.

SkyTrain's Expo Line and Millennium Line serve the city, making it easily accessible from other parts of the metropolitan area. Burnaby's Metropolis at Metrotown is the largest mall in British Columbia and the fifth largest in Canada. 

The city is home to high-tech companies such as Ballard Power, Clio, D-Wave, General Fusion, EA Vancouver, and Capcom Canada.

Burnaby's history dates back to the indigenous peoples who lived there for thousands of years. The city was incorporated in 1892 and achieved city status in 1992. 

The main campuses of Simon Fraser University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology are located in Burnaby. 

The city is known for its commitment to preserving green spaces, with 25% of its land designated as parks and open spaces, one of the highest in North America.

Economy of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, has a diverse economy driven by sectors including technology, biotech, life sciences, film & television, alternative energy, and more. 

The city has a strong and diversified industry cluster, including information technology, wireless, biotechnology, life science, film, new media, education, environmental technology/services, professional services, and light industry. 

Burnaby is the third largest city in British Columbia and is located in the Lower Mainland region, making it a strategic location for businesses looking to access the Asia-Pacific market.

The city is strongly committed to economic development and has implemented policies, projects, and initiatives to support the growth of businesses in the city. 

Burnaby is home to a thriving cluster of businesses, including information technology, wireless, biotechnology, life science, film, new media, education, environmental technology/services, tourism, and professional services. 

The city also has companies in stable industrial sectors such as light industry, warehousing/distribution, heavy industry, agriculture, and not-for-profits.

Burnaby's economic plans and strategies focus on maintaining and increasing the diversity of the local economy, attracting businesses that are appropriate to Burnaby in economic, social, and environmental terms, increasing the quality and sophistication of the local economy with more permanent, high-skill, high-income jobs, and influencing growth and change in the local economy so that it contributes to the quality of life and the health of the environment.

The city has a strong commitment to community engagement and building long-term economic, social, and environmental strategies, making it an attractive location for businesses looking to invest in Canada. 

Burnaby is a growing knowledge-based economy and culturally diverse and welcoming urban center, surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural settings and parks in Canada. 

The city has created a business environment that welcomes and supports investment, making Burnaby one of the most competitive and innovative places to do business in Canada.

Transport System Of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, has a well-developed transportation system that connects people, places, and goods within and beyond the city. The transportation system includes networks and facilities for transportation via road, rail, transit, water, and air. 

The city has primary responsibility for managing the road network, with the exception of Highway 1 – Trans-Canada Highway and several roads that connect to it, which the Provincial government manages.

The Burnaby transportation system supports moving people, goods, and services to, from, within, and through the city. It connects Burnaby locally, across the region, and globally. People and the local economy rely on safe and reliable access to the system to reach their destinations.

The Burnaby road network is based on a classification system that designates streets into different groups or classes based on their intended function and carrying capacity. Each classification defines the following: 

• Function or purpose of the street type, 
• Including but not limited to access to properties, 
• Movement within a neighborhood, 
• Movement within the city, 
• Movement between municipalities, and movement across longer distances (i.e., regional); 
• Characteristics, including several lanes, lane widths, and limitations (e.g., restricted parking, access limitations); 
• Carrying capacity (i.e., the volume of people it carries per day); and, 
• Regulatory ranges (i.e., speeds of travel).

The city has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, particularly its SkyTrain service. SkyTrain, which TransLink operates, is a light rapid transit system that connects Burnaby to other regional municipalities, including Vancouver and Surrey. 

The system is well-connected and extends to major regional destinations, including shopping centers, recreational facilities, universities, and airports.

The public transportation system in Burnaby also includes bus and bike-sharing services, which are well-coordinated and integrated with the SkyTrain. 

The bus routes are designed to connect with the SkyTrain stations, making it easy for commuters to switch between different modes of transportation. 

The bike-sharing service, Mobi by Shaw Go, is a great way for commuters to easily cover the first or last mile of their journey while promoting a more active and eco-friendly lifestyle.

In summary, Burnaby's well-developed transportation system supports the movement of people, goods, and services to, from, within, and through the city. 

The city has primary responsibility for managing the road network, with the exception of Highway 1 – Trans-Canada Highway and several roads that connect to it, which the Provincial government manages. 

The city has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, particularly its SkyTrain service, which connects Burnaby to other municipalities in the region, including Vancouver and Surrey. 

The system is well-connected and extends to major regional destinations, including shopping centers, recreational facilities, universities, and airports. The public transportation system in Burnaby also includes bus and bike-sharing services, which are well-coordinated and integrated with the SkyTrain.

Education In Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, has several educational institutions, including public and private schools, colleges, and universities. 

The Burnaby School District is responsible for the operation of 41 elementary schools and eight secondary schools, providing education to over 24,000 students. 

The district offers various academic programs, including advanced placement, honors, visual and performing arts, technology, computer studies, and sports courses.

The district also offers Experience Programs, which focus on learning Canadian culture, improving language skills, and providing a wide range of exciting elective courses for 5-month and 10-month terms. 

These programs include Advanced Placement, English Language Learning (ELL), Sports Academies, Clubs, and more.

Burnaby is home to several post-secondary institutions, including Simon Fraser University, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), and the University of British Columbia (UBC). 

Simon Fraser University is a public research university located on Burnaby Mountain, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, health sciences, and the arts. 

The BCIT is a polytechnic institution located in Burnaby, offering various programs in fields such as engineering, health sciences, business, and computing. 

UBC is located in Vancouver but has a campus in Burnaby, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as engineering, business, and the arts.

In addition to public schools and post-secondary institutions, Burnaby is home to several private schools, including the Burnaby Montessori School, Deer Lake SDA School, Fawkes Academy, Holy Cross Elementary School, John Knox Christian - Elementary Campus, Our Lady of Mercy, St Francis de Sales, St Helen's, St Michaels, St Thomas More Collegiate, and Whytecliff Agile Learning Centre-Burnaby.

Overall, Burnaby offers many educational opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds, focusing on academic excellence, cultural learning, and language development.

Living In The City Of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Living in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, offers a high standard of living to its residents. Located just 13 kilometers from the Downtown Vancouver area, Burnaby residents can enjoy the beauty of a smaller city while still having access to the amenities of a larger metropolitan area.

Burnaby is known for its high quality of life, abundant green spaces, world-class shopping, excellent dining, and more. The city is home to the Metro Vancouver regional government in Metrotown and is the site of the country's second-largest shopping mall, the Metropolis at Metrotown.

The cost of living in Burnaby is 22% higher than the national average, with housing being the main driving factor. Detached homes typically start at over $1 million, while condos and townhomes generally start in the low $400s. However, the city is still slightly more affordable than nearby Vancouver.

Burnaby is also home to several universities and educational institutions, making it an attractive location for students. The city has a thriving local economy, with various job opportunities in various sectors. The city's transportation system is well-developed, with easy access to Vancouver and other major cities in the area.

Burnaby is a multicultural city, with a large proportion of its population originating from China, India, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The city has produced several famous Canadians, including actor Michael J. Fox, singer Michael Bublé, and BC’s current premier, Christy Clark.

Living in Burnaby offers a high quality of life with access to amenities, a thriving local economy, and a multicultural community. However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is higher than the national average.

Tourist Places At Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, offers a variety of tourist attractions and activities. Some top-rated tourist places in Burnaby include Dominion Tours Inc., Royal Tour Canada, Lawrence Tours Ltd, Bluebird Travel Inc., TravelBoecker Adventures, Toonie Tours Vancouver, and Simply Travel and Tour. 

These tour operators offer a range of experiences, from guided tours of the city to adventure tours and cultural experiences.

For those interested in outdoor activities, Burnaby has several parks and natural areas to explore, including Burnaby Mountain, Deer Lake Park, and Rocky Point Park. Burnaby Mountain offers hiking trails, scenic views, and the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, while Deer Lake Park has walking trails, a lake, and a variety of wildlife. 

Rocky Point Park is a waterfront park in Port Moody that offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a marina.

Burnaby is also home to several museums and cultural attractions, including the Burnaby Art Gallery, the Burnaby Village Museum, and the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. The Burnaby Art Gallery features a collection of Canadian and international art. 

At the same time, the Burnaby Village Museum is a living history museum that showcases life in Burnaby in the early 20th century. The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts is a performing arts center that offers a variety of performances, classes, and workshops.

For those interested in shopping and dining, Burnaby offers a range of options, from the large Metropolis at Metrotown Mall to smaller boutique shops and restaurants in neighborhoods like Edmonds and Brentwood. 

The city is also home to various cultural festivals and events throughout the year, including the Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival and the Burnaby International Children's Festival.

Overall, Burnaby offers a range of tourist attractions and activities for visitors of all interests and ages, from outdoor activities and cultural experiences to shopping and dining.

Traditional Dishes Of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, has a rich cultural and culinary heritage. The city is home to a diverse range of restaurants from around the world that offer traditional dishes. Here are some of the traditional dishes you can find in Burnaby:

• BC Roll: This is a classic and common form of Vancouver style sushi that was created in 1974. It is made with cucumber and barbecued salmon glazed in a sweet sauce and cooked on a grill. The roll is usually completed in a Western style with the rice on the outside of the nori.
• Bannock: This is a traditional bread made by Indigenous people across North America. It is often adapted based on the availability of ingredients and cooking equipment, and can be baked, fried, or cooked on a stick over a campfire. In Vancouver, bannock accompanies most dishes at Salmon ‘n Bannock, the city’s only Indigenous restaurant.
• Nanaimo Bars: These chocolate, nut, coconut, and custard bars were invented in the Vancouver Island city of Nanaimo in the 1950s. They are made with a layer of wafer crumbs, coconut, and nuts, topped with a layer of custard, and covered in chocolate.
• Poutine: This dish consists of gravy and cheese curds poured over a plate of hot French fries. It was invented in Quebec in the 1950s and has since become a popular dish across Canada. In Vancouver, you can find poutine at many restaurants, including La Belle Patate, Mean Poutine, Fritz European Fry House, and Belgian Fries.
• London Fog: This drink is made with steeped Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and steamed milk. It was created in Vancouver and is now a popular drink across Canada. You can find it at most Vancouver coffee shops, including Kafka’s Coffee and Finch’s Tea House.
• Indian Candy: This is a traditional Indigenous dish made with salmon treated in sweet brine before smoking. It is often served as a snack or appetizer. You can find it at Longliner Seafood on Granville Island or The Daily Catch on Commercial Drive.

These are just a few of the traditional dishes you can find in Burnaby. The city’s diverse culinary scene, from Indigenous cuisine to international flavors, offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie or want to try something new, Burnaby has something for you.

 

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