The money is flowing.
Burnaby's commitment to urbanization is evident in its recent achievements. In 2022, the city issued development permits worth a staggering $2.1 billion, nearly double the previous year. The growth is not just in dollars but also in the complexity and value of the projects. Edward Kozak, Burnaby’s general manager of planning and development, attributes this to the city's long-term planning and its focus on larger, high-value projects (at multiple sites across the city).
Unlike cities that concentrate on a single downtown core, Burnaby has strategically channelled its development into four town centres - Brentwood, Metrotown, Lougheed and Edmonds. This approach, combined with extensive consultations with the community and developers, has allowed for smoother execution of plans.
The result is summed up by Burnaby real estate expert Phil Moore in Season One of RealTours. "What we're seeing is gentle densification,” said Moore. “So those single-family houses are going to be next to five-storey apartment buildings. We're going to go from the 80-storeys to the 30-storeys to the 5-storeys, and we're still going to have single-family neighbourhoods in Burnaby."
Sky-high ambitions.
Burnaby is not just building; it's reaching for the skies. Projects at 4444 Kingsway, Gatineau Place, Concord Metrotown, and Two Gilmore Place are among the tallest buildings proposed or under construction in Metro Vancouver, and they’re all located in Burnaby. This shift towards high-rise developments is a testament to Burnaby's ambition and its vision for the future. The city's approach mirrors global trends where suburban areas are transforming into high-density, transit-oriented communities, evolving into secondary or decentralized downtowns.
Image captured from: Dailyhive.com
Harmonizing high-rises with homes.
While Burnaby's skyline is rapidly changing, the city is mindful of its existing residential landscape. The juxtaposition of towering skyscrapers next to single-family homes raises questions about the city's vision for its future. Is this coexistence of the old and the new a temporary phase, or is it a glimpse into the future of urban living?
The answer lies in Burnaby's plans for the "missing middle." The city recognizes the need for diverse housing options, from high-rises to single-family homes. But where do townhomes, duplexes, and other mid-sized structures fit in? Burnaby's vision includes these housing forms, filling the gap between towering skyscrapers and detached homes. The city's plans for areas like Edmonds, Royal Oak, and Cascade Heights reflect this vision, with proposals for high-density residential buildings alongside medium-density structures.
Gentle densification and laneway homes.
Burnaby's approach to densification is not just about building upwards. The city is also exploring "gentle densification" strategies. One such proposal is the introduction of laneway homes, something Burnaby City Councillor Mike Hillman has suggested as an affordable solution to keep families together.
That suggestion has been well received, as Burnaby Council has approved the development of a process that will allow residents to add laneway houses to their properties. This initiative is part of Burnaby's 10-year housing action plan, which aims to introduce more infill housing choices in the city. By allowing laneway homes and other accessory dwellings, Burnaby is providing residents with more housing options while ensuring that the city's character remains intact.
A lesson in vision.
Burnaby's approach to urban development is a lesson in vision, planning, and execution. The city's success in densification, its commitment to providing diverse housing options, and its focus on community integration make it a model for urban growth. As Burnaby continues its journey towards urbanization, it offers a glimpse into the future of city living – a future where growth and community coexist harmoniously.
