Ms. Antonia Beck, Executive Director; Ms.
Simone Brandl, North House Program Director; Mr. Ted Wiens,
Strategic Directors Chair, Board of Directors; and Mr. Kevin Rakhra,
Member, Board of Directors, Burnaby Neighbourhood House (BNH), appeared
before the Committee providing an update on the North House operations, and
requesting additional support from the City.
The delegation reflected on the
impact that the provision of lease amenity space at 4460 Beresford Street to
the BNH’s South House in 2014 had on its ability to provide sustainable
programs and services. In 2014, the BNH also opened its North House for North
Burnaby residents.
Ms. Brown shared that she became
involved with the North House as a volunteer, and that many residents who
receive support from the BNH give back by volunteering. Almost all programs at
the North House are run by volunteers. Ms. Brown advised that residents who
come to the North House have a need that a community centre cannot meet, and
the delegation wants to ensure that the North House has a permanent place to
support residents.
The delegation advised that the
North House is vulnerable due to high rental costs, recent rent increases,
and limited space vacancy in the City.
In conclusion, Mr. Rakhra and Mr.
Wiens requested that the City:
·
consider the
BNH's needs with current and future planning (e.g. include North
House space requirement in a new
City or private development); and
·
allow the BNH to
apply for separate community grants for its North and South
Houses in 2020, similarly to what is
permitted under the City of Vancouver’s grants program.
Noting the current Community Granting
Policy, competing needs in the community and limited funding, the Committee advised
that staff will need to review the request and investigate potential options
for assisting the BNH.
The Committee expressed appreciation
for the BNH’s work in the community, and introduced the following motion:
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR MCDONELL
SECONDED BY COUNCILOR CALENDINO
THAT the presentation be REFERRED
to staff for review.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
|