There is a lot of talks these days about moving from the United States to Canada. Even before the 2016 presidential election, I have always been in love with the greater Vancouver area. Truly this part of the North American continent is the most beautiful in all North America. The beauty of the mountains with the Pacific Ocean starkly nestled in their foothills is breathtaking. One of the best cities to live in the greater Vancouver Metropolitan area, is the city of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
History In addition to what Burnaby, BC has to offer today, it also has a vast history for which the longtime residents can be proud and newcomers can be intrigued. About 100 years after the Declaration of Independence from British rule, the Royal British Army of Engineers was deployed to Canada and they began the work that today is Vancouver and its surrounding cities. Burnaby was named for Robert Burnaby who arrived in BC as a surveyor during the time of the great Gold Rush as this is most important ever for a number of people who are much involved in it. Claims to Fame Burnaby is home to many famous musicians, sports figures, and actors. Two famous Michaels hail from the city of Burnaby, actor, Michael J. Fox and singer, Michael Bublé. Obviously, many well-known hockey players hail from Canada, as it is the national sport, on such known hockey player is Joe Sakic of the Colorado Avalanche fame. Living in Burnaby Even though Burnaby is the third largest city in British Columbia, boasting four major town centers and the largest shopping mall in B.C., there is plenty of the natural countryside to enjoy with hiking trails, biking, lake fishing, and camping. Due to the proximity to both mountains and ocean, the air is clean and fresh. There is always something to do, and somewhere to go, without ever leaving Burnaby. However, if the desire to leave strikes, it is only 25 miles by car from Vancouver and the beaches. Burnaby is a major urban center, but close to the mountains, nature trails, and lakes. The juxtaposition of skyscrapers and mountain-scapes complement one another causing the city, as vastly populated as it is, to not seem as claustrophobic as other large cities in North America do. In addition to urban living, there are newly developing neighborhoods for those who prefer a suburban feel. The city is indeed growing due to all it has to offer by way of employment, culture, and education. Industry The IT industry accounts for a large number of the Asian population, and Canada is known for welcoming diverse populations recognizing that they are a boon to the economy, rather than a hindrance. In addition to Asian and other immigrants, many International students choose schools in the greater Vancouver are because of the caliber of the education programs and the broad disciplines offered. In addition to Burnaby being one of the largest IT centers in the world, it also has drawn the film and other high-tech industries. Burnaby, British Columbia has come a long way from the early logging industry days that began as a means of clearing the land for suburbs in the early 1900s but was the first major employment draw. As large as the urban areas of Burnaby are, and as many suburbs, as there are in the city limits, Burnaby has more parks and natural landscapes than any other area in North America. One of the saddest parts of industrialization and urbanization is the loss of natural forests and countrysides. Demographics Burnaby is the third largest city in British Columbia, and like Vancouver boast a widely diverse population. In 2006, much of the population was from Eastern and Southeastern Asia, and the primary spoken language was neither French nor English. The city boasts many companies in the IT industry, as well as retail and restaurants. The cost of living is not cheap in Burnaby, BC, however, it is less than Vancouver. The average home costs around one million, so unless a person is employed in the IT industry, surviving economically might be a bit of a challenge. While apartment living is not generally the choice of most, it is the most economical form of housing in Burnaby. Burnaby, British Columbia is extremely diverse with those considered to be a minority and predominately from Asian countries making up approximately 59.4 of the total population, while European (White) Canadians make up 39.1, and 1.5 indigenous people. With regard to religion, the largest percentage are unaffiliated or non-religious, with the next being Christian and the lowest percentage Jewish. Planning to Become a Canadian Citizen? If moving to Canada is on the horizon, then the greater Metropolitan Vancouver area is one of the best bets. The weather is nearly perfect with mild winters and comfortable summers, with the average temperatures ranging in the 70s to low 80s. While there is snow at times in the winters, it does not stay, and in the summer 78 degrees is often called a heat wave. With the mountain vistas, the lakes and the bustling urban centers along with developing neighborhoods, Burnaby, British Columbia seems a perfect place to live, work, and have a family. For anyone thinking of moving to Canada, becoming a citizen, while easier than it is in the US, is not as simple as some might make it out to be. However, once one becomes a citizen, he or she knows that a Canadian he or she is true. Canadians are more aware of their immigrant status than most Americans. They are aware and proud of their history, but also recognize the wrongs perpetrated towards the indigenous people of Canada. The government continues in their attempts to right those wrongs, recognizing that they must do so to protect their claim of being an enlightened society. The next time one of your co-workers, friends, or family members says, “I’m moving to Canada!” Tell them about Burnaby, British Columbia, and all that it has to offer by way of culture, employment, nature, shopping, and more. Comments are closed.
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