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City Life

7 Things The City of Burnaby Could Do With Their $1 Billion In The Bank

burnaby tax hike

Photo: Seaside Signs / Flickr

Burnaby is the third largest city in British Columbia, and it is also one of the wealthiest.

In fact, this growing metropolis is sitting on over a cool $1 billion in reserve funding. Burnaby and Langley are the only two cities in BC that aren’t running on a debt.

“I think if you’re going to see all this new growth in your community, you want to see some real benefits,” Mayor Mayor Derek Corrigan told CBC News. “If you get a new ice rink or a new swimming pool, that shows that this growth has been worth it.”

So what should Burnaby do with all that cash? Hold onto it? Invest? Should they choose the latter, we’ve compiled a few options that residents may like to see.

The $1 Billion Question

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Low-Income Housing

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While there are numerous places to live in Burnaby, there aren’t many that are very affordable anymore. If the recent protests against the Metrotown demovictions are an indication, people are fearing that soon there won’t be any affordable housing.

Zipline

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Burnaby affords some of the most picturesque views in all of Metro Vancouver. Indeed, the view from Burnaby mountain offers unparalleled views of the lower mainland. Consequently, it makes the prime locale for a mountain-based zip-line. While it may cost a bit to put together, the activity would quickly earn back the costs and provide tourists and residents with ample enjoyment.

Tourist Tower

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Move over CN Tower! Burnaby could build a tower that dwarfs that of our neighbours to the east. Not only would Metro Vancouverities use it for a point of pride, but they would also get a great deal of tourism. A new tower is always an attractive affair, and it would be sure to create an international buzz.

Nightlife Strip

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While Vancouver has the Granville Strip, Yaletown, Gastown, and more, Burnaby is a bit lacking in a nightlife scene. That being the case, the money could be spent building up a notable nightlife strip in the area.

Outdoor Skating Rink

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Burnaby already has many indoor skating rinks, but it is illegal to skate on ponds in the city during the winter. This is because most of these ponds and fed by streams and are therefore highly unstable and unsafe. On the other hand, a man-made pond would only be used as a pop-up during very cold weather and wouldn’t be constructed on an unsafe surface – and it would be a ton of fun!

Waterslide & Amusement Park

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It has some outdoor pools and waterparks, but Burnaby is missing an exceptional aquatic experience. With this kind of budget the park could compete with the best in the nation, and help keep our growing population cool during the summer months.

Burnaby Mountain Gondola

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As the student body continues to grow at SFU, space on the buses continues to shrink. In addition, these buses are diesel powered, and therefore don’t run on clean energy. Not only would the electric-powered cable service offer a more reliable solution during bad weather, but it would also be a much greener solution. Translink has been pondering the idea for years.

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