Burnaby voters will vote Saturday, Oct. 17, for a municipal election that includes six mayoral candidates and concerns about affordability and city services.
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Burnaby residents will head to the polls Saturday for the municipal election deciding who will lead city hall for the next four years.
The race features six mayoral candidates, including incumbent Mayor Mike Hurley, who is seeking a third term. Hurley previously ran unopposed in the last election, while five challengers are now hoping to win the top job.
Residents who spoke ahead of election day said rising costs and the pressures that come with a growing city are among their main concerns. One voter said there has been “so much emphasis on development and increasing the population, but not the same amount of attention when it comes to infrastructure.”
Business groups in Burnaby also raised affordability and day-to-day dealings with the city. Burnaby Board of Trade CEO Angie Whitfield said members would appreciate a reduction in taxes, calling it “a big pinch point for many businesses,” and saying they are looking for “support from city hall, anything they can do locally to support the rising cost of business.”
Other business owners said red tape, including permit processes, can be a barrier. HollyNorth Production Supplies owner Mike Kaerne, based in North Burnaby, said paperwork at city hall can be slow and noted “Electrical permits and relocation of my business licence have been a little harder than I expected.” He said streamlining is still needed “to make it much easier for small businesses.”
Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and voting locations are listed on the City of Burnaby’s website.
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