Reposted by Lauren VanderdeenChristopher Cheung @bychrischeung.bsky.social · 04/08/2026📕 VERY VANCOUVER is out! It's an odyssey through backyard gardens, alley bottle hoards, eateries like Duffin's and east-side family life beyond our pretty skylines and granola reputation. I hope you enjoy these 15 stories and hanging out with the ~70 larger-than-life figures who lent their voices. 610426
Reposted by Lauren VanderdeenSimon Little 🍁 @simonplittle.ca · 05/08/2026More tough news: Wildfire has destroyed structures on about 120 properties near Clinton, B.C.: regional district official www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...cbc.caWildfire has destroyed structures on about 120 properties near Clinton, B.C.: regional district official | CBC 01010
Reposted by Lauren VanderdeenWendy H. Wong @profwhw.bsky.social · 29/07/2026In my latest interview with CBC news @lauvande.bsky.social , I shared my reflections about the growing adoption of AI at the municipal level. My key question for B.C. local leaders is simple: "Maybe now is the time to ask: What do we actually need it for?" www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...cbc.caSome of B.C.'s biggest cities are using artificial intelligence — but what for? | CBC NewsCities are exploring AI for a range of operational and administrative purposes, from summarizing reports and writing emails to early wildfire detection and identifying contaminated garbage. 154
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 18/07/2026ἄνδρα μοι ἔννεπε, μοῦσα, πολύτροπον… let’s gooooooooo, i want to be amazed and filled with dread 🌊 000
Reposted by Lauren VanderdeenJustin McElroy 🇨🇦 @jmcelroy.bsky.social · 09/07/2026Vancouver approved $4.75 million to make five blocks of Granville Street car free for seven more weeks. But the organizations they gave the money to — the VPD and BIA — can't say what that money will be spent on. Here's our story on a plan being made up on the fly. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... 1119765
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 01/05/2026If you’re a municipalities nerd… this is amazing 🤯 040
Reposted by Lauren VanderdeenJustin McElroy 🇨🇦 @jmcelroy.bsky.social · 23/04/2026The Township of Langley has a different financial and building philosophy than the rest of B.C., racking up $400 million in new debt since 2022. The mayor says it’s a smart and safe strategy to actually get stuff done — but will voters agree? Here’s my video and @lauvande.bsky.social’s article.cbc.caWhy Langley Township's $600M debt is city hall's biggest debate | CBC NewsThe Township of Langley is aggressively taking on debt to build community infrastructure, despite some residents' wariness of wading into the red. 5266
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 06/04/2026I am v late to post, but I was on the This is Vancouver podcast a few weeks ago with @jmcelroy.bsky.social and @cbcstephenquinn.bsky.social to talk Burnaby politics ahead of this year’s municipal elections! As 3 sitting councillors plan to step down… what’s shakin!? www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-p...cbc.caWhy is a floating sauna causing waves — and is Burnaby politics about to change? | This is Vancouver | CBC Podcasts | CBC ListenA proposal for a floating sauna near Vancouver’s Maritime Museum is drawing pushback from some Kitsilano residents. We look at why this idea has people divided, and what it says about how the city use... 121
Reposted by Lauren VanderdeenJustin McElroy 🇨🇦 @jmcelroy.bsky.social · 25/03/2026Burnaby council could have its biggest shakeup in decades this election, as three councillors have recently made clear that they won't be seeking re-election. But the big question is whether Mayor Hurley will run again, which he's still playing coy about.cbc.caBurnaby council in for a shakeup as 3 councillors announce they won't run in civic election | CBC NewsBurnaby's two longest serving active councillors and its most popular councillor in the last election have announced they won't run in October. 3202
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 08/03/2026there is nothing more soothing than rolling up to a 199-page city report on one screen and a 134-page report on a second screen filled with lovely little abbreviations like USS and GLU and maps and maybe they’re about land use and maybe they’re not but they probably are and life is lovely 😊 121
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 16/02/2026Words seem to fail when faced with such tragedy. It has been humbling to witness the community in Tumbler Ridge come together this week. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...cbc.caGrace comes in the wake of horror in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. | CBC NewsThe mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., has rocked the small tight-knit community. 000
Reposted by Lauren VanderdeenAndrew Kurjata @akurjata.ca · 14/02/2026I have been privileged to be reporting on Tumbler Ridge for more than a decade. I wanted to provide a little more context for why it is so incredibly unique and why the word "resilient" keeps popping up when people talk about it It's a town that doesn't give up www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...cbc.caWhy Tumbler Ridge is resilient | CBC NewsThe town at the centre of a national tragedy has faced collapse and hardship but continues to persevere. 28823
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 01/11/2025EXTREME TRAIN GLEE AFTER AN HOUR-PLUS IN THE RAIN 070
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 15/10/2025HEY BURNABY, NEW WEST AND TRICITIES!!!!! My former colleagues have launched a non-profit, co-op community news outlet! These four are real pros and have been wonderful mentors to me. Can’t wait to see where this goes. Read and share 🗞️🗞️🗞️ www.freshetnews.cafreshetnews.caFreshet NewsTop Stories Burnaby New Westminster Tri-Cities All 15320
Reposted by Lauren VanderdeenTyler Harper @tylerharper.bsky.social · 01/06/2025It was gold in Community Written Feature for this story btw. My brain isnt working at the moment because emotions. www.nelsonstar.com/home/in-ever...nelsonstar.comIn every Nelson he visits, Jeff Truesdell finds the man he lovedHow do you live with the loss of a loved one? For Truesdell, it means visiting every Nelson in North America 4193
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 23/05/2025This story has completely burrowed into my brain because it reaches deeply into so many aspects of how cities and communities are built. Grateful I could work on it. 0163
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 09/04/2025Hi!! Burnaby council meeting tonight!!! The agenda is VERY exciting: 🌇FINAL stage of Official Community Plan!!! 🏙️Changes to inclusionary rental policy ⚡️BC Hydro updates on energy infrastructure Note: This’ll be my last council meeting — don’t let me get emotional 2282
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 08/04/2025!!! Chris has written some of the best Burnaby journalism out there. Just a sampling: Who’s Afraid of Metrotown? thetyee.ca/News/2024/01...thetyee.caWho’s Afraid of Metrotown? | The TyeeBurnaby’s booming downtown is a menace or a model, depending on who you ask. 120
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 05/04/2025What's up with Burnaby sewers? Read all about it. www.burnabynow.com/local-news/h...burnabynow.comHere's what you need to know about sewer separation in BurnabyBurnaby has 36 kilometres of combined sewer remaining. 030
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 01/04/2025a reader sent in this trekkie april fool's joke... burnaby unicomplex incoming? 041
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 28/03/2025Should there be a single report totalling how much city councillors earn by sitting on various government bodies? One Burnaby city councillor says it's important for transparency. But fellow councillors shut down the conversation around the table. www.burnabynow.com/local-news/b...burnabynow.com'It's a shame': Burnaby council sidesteps discussion on total politician payCouncillors refused to second a motion by Coun. Richard Lee on creating a document detailing how much politicians are paid across government bodies. 100
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 27/03/2025Let's hear what folks have to say about multiplex housing in Burnaby. 010
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 21/03/2025Here's my story on the history of the No. 49 bus route from Metrotown to UBC, which celebrates its 50th birthday today! Read about a group of residents who opposed the route half a century ago, declaring the bus service "is not going to be used." www.burnabynow.com/local-news/t...burnabynow.comThis bus route (both detested and beloved) from Burnaby to UBC celebrates 50 yearsHappy 50th birthday, No. 49! 191
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 20/03/2025With all the Hudson's Bay news, a reminder of its local importance: If it weren’t for the Bay, Lougheed Mall wouldn’t have been built. Plus, some behind-closed-doors real estate dealings from the '60s. Read it here (from 2023)! www.burnabynow.com/local-news/h...burnabynow.comEnd of an era: The first mall-based Hudson’s Bay is shutting down in BurnabyHudson's Bay Co. shaped Lougheed Town Centre as we know it. 150
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 12/03/2025We're Burnaby council watching remotely tonight bc it's been a chaotic month on my end. There's some updates to Burnaby's density bonus policy and inclusionary zoning so... Nerds get ready. Posts will be sporadic tho. 190
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 26/02/2025We're at Burnaby City Hall for tonight's council meeting and guess what... I have journo colleagues! There's usually never anyone here, but today there's six students sitting in from BCIT Journalism. "I'm glad you're here to pay some attention to your local government," says Mayor Mike Hurley. 2212
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 24/02/2025Starting a new budget thread because my computer is glitching out. 100
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 24/02/2025IT'S BUDGET DAY IN BURNABY!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🎆🎆🎆 It's gonna be a long one. $2-billion capital plan, 5.37% tax increase on the proposed agenda for the day. Burnaby's reserves are also expected to decrease from $2.3b to $1.1b by 2029. (52% ⬇️) 2192
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 24/02/2025IT'S BUDGET DAY IN BURNABY!!!!!!!!!!!! 🎆🎆🎆 It's gonna be a long one. $2-billion capital plan, 5.37% tax increase for this year proposed on the agenda. The city's reserves are expected to decrease from $2.3b to $1.1b by 2029. 020
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 23/02/2025It's my birthday. The Burnaby Now is shutting down in two months. Can I be a little maudlin? You go into journalism knowing you're gonna get laid off, it's just a matter of time. www.burnabynow.com/local-news/b...burnabynow.comBurnaby Now, New Westminster Record, Tri-City News to closeChallenging economic conditions cited as reason for closure. 6262
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 05/02/2025Burnaby's mayor wants a 'Buy Local and Buy Canadian' campaign in place for municipal procurement - and he's hoping residents will follow suit. www.burnabynow.com/local-news/r...burnabynow.com'Ready to stand up against bullies': Burnaby mayor urges residents to 'Buy Canadian'Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley wants residents to take a 'buy local and buy Canadian' approach. 0141
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 04/02/2025Choices... www.burnabynow.com/local-news/b...burnabynow.comBurnaby driver ticketed for snowy windshield, tells cop he was on his way to buy a brushThe driver was going 12 km/h in a 50 zone in a car blanketed by snow. 151
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 30/01/2025We are nearing a Very Important Holiday. "I'd been thinking for a while that I'm never going to win at Christmas or Halloween because they're all together too competitive, but Groundhog Day was one that I felt I had a chance at." By @theresamc.bsky.social www.newwestrecord.ca/local-news/g...newwestrecord.caGiant inflatable groundhog returns to its stomping grounds in New WestPeople dig this Sapperton resident’s five-metre-tall groundhog – including groundhog carollers: ‘They have a repertoire of groundhog carols.’ 050
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 29/01/2025People say Burnaby is boring, but do other City councils get protested by inflatable dinosaurs like once a year?? Story tomorrow 🦖 0140
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 15/01/2025Burnaby council livetweets on the bad place bc I'm doing something different today. See ya there! 130
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 30/12/2024This is such a fun story by @sthomas10.bsky.social! How boots for horses made by a Sunshine Coast company helped save the Beyoncé Bowl www.coastreporter.net/local-news/h...coastreporter.netHow a Roberts Creek company helped save 'Beyoncé Bowl' halftime showCavallo Hoof Boots saved the day when stage and entrance for NFL 2024 Christmas Day performance, turned out to be too slippery for the horses. 041
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 17/12/2024This Burnaby icon is looking festive. Council tweets coming up! (Possibly abridged tonight, we'll see.) 2102
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 03/12/2024Burnaby tends to between 38.5m and 39.5m cubic metres a year in consumption. 000
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 03/12/2024Burnaby City Hall is all alight! Will have some council livetweets over the evening. 2131
Reposted by Lauren VanderdeenMichael Hall @michaelhall.bsky.social · 27/11/2024More bus priority likely coming to Burnaby! Every bit counts especially on what might be a RapidBus corridor in the future 🚌 Thanks @lauvande.bsky.social for covering this committee item! 042
Reposted by Lauren VanderdeenElliot Rossiter @elliotrossiter.bsky.social · 22/11/2024One can never step into the same livestream twice. 131
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 22/11/2024Gotta love covering city council, cuz where else do you get rhapsodies like this?? (they changed their council meetings from monday to tuesday) 2131
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 19/11/2024Burnaby City Hall all lit up! Council updates to come. 1301
Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 18/11/2024Hey Bluesky. I just got back from vacation and there's a ton of new folks here, wow! 👋 I'm thinking about livetweeting (or... what's the right word...) some Burnaby council updates tonight. Do we do that here? Shall we test it? Meeting's at 5 p.m. PT. 270