Burnaby Heights

What whispers of the past echo through the streets of Burnaby Heights? This vibrant neighborhood, nestled in North Burnaby, British Columbia, has a rich and layered history. Burnaby Heights, or “The Heights” as it’s affectionately known, stretches from Boundary Road to Gamma Avenue and down to Hastings Street. Its northern edge offers a stunning view of the North Shore Mountains cascading down to Burrard Inlet. Burnaby Heights wasn’t a planned community. It grew organically from the ancestral lands of the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, and Musqueam First Nations. They thrived here for millennia, hunting, fishing, and gathering. Imagine this area teeming with deer and black bear, nourished by a creek that still flows beneath Confederation Park today. By 1906, the area was officially designated as Vancouver Heights. The arrival of the streetcar line in 1908 transformed Hastings Street into a bustling commercial hub. The Heights experienced rapid growth in the 1910s. Streets were laid, homes built, and essential amenities like schools, churches, and stores sprang up near Boundary Road. This development, however, was tragically interrupted by the First World War. Many men enlisted, and sadly, not all returned. The 1920s saw a resurgence. Women stepped into roles traditionally held by men. They became business owners and professionals. The Great Depression of the 1930s brought economic hardship, impacting businesses throughout the Heights. The North Burnaby Board of Trade was established during this time. The post-war era saw an influx of diverse communities from Southern Europe and Asia, enriching the cultural tapestry of Burnaby Heights. In 1954, local businesses united to form the North Burnaby Merchants, organizing “Old Fashioned Days,” a precursor to the much-loved Hats Off Day. A pivotal moment in the Heights’ history occurred in 1958. Helen Arnold, owner of Helen’s Children’s Wear, commissioned a neon sign of a swinging girl. This iconic landmark, affectionately dubbed “Helen,” is one of North America’s best-preserved kinetic neon signs and a symbol of Burnaby Heights. By the 1970s, Vancouver Heights became known as Burnaby Heights. The Heights Merchants Association was formed, further solidifying the community’s identity. This era also witnessed a shift from industrial businesses to service and retail establishments. Burnaby Heights faced challenges. The opening of Brentwood Mall in 1961 and the introduction of an HOV lane on Hastings Street in the 1990s impacted local businesses. However, the resilient community rallied. They formed a Business Improvement Area (BIA) in 1994, leading to improvements like public art, street banners, and marketing campaigns. Today, Burnaby Heights thrives as a vibrant community. It celebrates its heritage with annual events like Hats Off Day and Halloween on the Heights. The Heights continues to evolve. It retains its unique “urban village” charm while embracing the future.