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Lauren Vanderdeen

@lauvande.bsky.social
2.4K followers 767 following 541 posts

Reporter 📰 Can talk cities, suburbs and CP style till the cows come home. journolau@gmail.com

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Reposted by Lauren Vanderdeen
Christopher 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.
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Reposted by Lauren Vanderdeen
Simon Little 🍁 @simonplittle.ca · 05/08/2026
More tough news: Wildfire has destroyed structures on about 120 properties near Clinton, B.C.: regional district official www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Wildfire has destroyed structures on about 120 properties near Clinton, B.C.: regional district official | CBC
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Reposted by Lauren Vanderdeen
Wendy H. Wong @profwhw.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
In 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.ca
Some of B.C.'s biggest cities are using artificial intelligence — but what for? | CBC News
Cities 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.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
ἄνδρα μοι ἔννεπε, μοῦσα, πολύτροπον… let’s gooooooooo, i want to be amazed and filled with dread 🌊
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Reposted by Lauren Vanderdeen
Justin McElroy 🇨🇦 @jmcelroy.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Vancouver 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/...
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
If you’re a municipalities nerd… this is amazing 🤯
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Reposted by Lauren Vanderdeen
Justin McElroy 🇨🇦 @jmcelroy.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
The 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.ca
Why Langley Township's $600M debt is city hall's biggest debate | CBC News
The Township of Langley is aggressively taking on debt to build community infrastructure, despite some residents' wariness of wading into the red.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
I 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.ca
Why is a floating sauna causing waves — and is Burnaby politics about to change? | This is Vancouver | CBC Podcasts | CBC Listen
A 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...
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Reposted by Lauren Vanderdeen
Justin McElroy 🇨🇦 @jmcelroy.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Burnaby 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.ca
Burnaby council in for a shakeup as 3 councillors announce they won't run in civic election | CBC News
Burnaby's two longest serving active councillors and its most popular councillor in the last election have announced they won't run in October.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
there 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 😊
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Words 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.ca
Grace comes in the wake of horror in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. | CBC News
The mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., has rocked the small tight-knit community.
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Reposted by Lauren Vanderdeen
Andrew Kurjata @akurjata.ca · 14/02/2026
I 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.ca
Why Tumbler Ridge is resilient | CBC News
The town at the centre of a national tragedy has faced collapse and hardship but continues to persevere.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
EXTREME TRAIN GLEE AFTER AN HOUR-PLUS IN THE RAIN
A hand holds a keychain model of the west coast express train at waterfront station
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
HEY 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.ca
freshetnews.ca
Freshet News
Top Stories Burnaby New Westminster Tri-Cities All
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Reposted by Lauren Vanderdeen
Tyler Harper @tylerharper.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
It 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.com
In every Nelson he visits, Jeff Truesdell finds the man he loved
How do you live with the loss of a loved one? For Truesdell, it means visiting every Nelson in North America
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
This 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.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
this is my roman empire
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Hi!! 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
redheaded reporter in a greenblue jacket (idk there's no consensus on the colour) stands outside Burnaby City Hall on a rainy day
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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.ca
Who’s Afraid of Metrotown? | The Tyee
Burnaby’s booming downtown is a menace or a model, depending on who you ask.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
What's up with Burnaby sewers? Read all about it. www.burnabynow.com/local-news/h...
burnabynow.com
Here's what you need to know about sewer separation in Burnaby
Burnaby has 36 kilometres of combined sewer remaining.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
a reader sent in this trekkie april fool's joke... burnaby unicomplex incoming?
a fake development application board with a mock giant cube rendering for construction of a "new, multi-unit unicomplex"the fake blue development board at grassmere street in burnaby
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
weird march '25 over 🖤 to a kinder april
Brentwood's wall of towers under blue twilight, as seen from the front of a SkyTrainBrentwood Town Centre against a mild sunset and dark blue clouds from a SkyTrain
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Should 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 pay
Councillors refused to second a motion by Coun. Richard Lee on creating a document detailing how much politicians are paid across government bodies.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
Let's hear what folks have to say about multiplex housing in Burnaby.
Auditorium stage with projection behind titled "Multiplex Townhome Burnaby Builder Showcase"
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Couple notes from Burnaby City Hall tonight!
Spring flowers in front of Burnaby City Hall
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Here'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.com
This bus route (both detested and beloved) from Burnaby to UBC celebrates 50 years
Happy 50th birthday, No. 49!
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
With 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.com
End of an era: The first mall-based Hudson’s Bay is shutting down in Burnaby
Hudson's Bay Co. shaped Lougheed Town Centre as we know it.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
We'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.
Phone playing a council livestream in front of a SkyTrain.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
We'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.
Six BCIT students sit in council chambers
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
Starting a new budget thread because my computer is glitching out.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
The menu at "City Hall Cafe"
City hall cafe menu includes toast, Avocado toast, breakfast sandwich, 3-egg omelette, French toast, burgers, salads, chicken straps, fish and chips, soup, various coffees, smoothie drink, gluten free baked goods and cinnamon bun
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
IT'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% ⬇️)
City staff stir in council chambers. Picture taken from the back of the room, empty seats. Projector screen at the back shows the same view of chambers.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
IT'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.
City staff stir in Burnaby council chambers
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
It'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.com
Burnaby Now, New Westminster Record, Tri-City News to close
Challenging economic conditions cited as reason for closure.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
Burnaby'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.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
Choices... www.burnabynow.com/local-news/b...
burnabynow.com
Burnaby driver ticketed for snowy windshield, tells cop he was on his way to buy a brush
The driver was going 12 km/h in a 50 zone in a car blanketed by snow.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 02/02/2025
Sliding into 2025 like
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
We 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.ca
Giant inflatable groundhog returns to its stomping grounds in New West
People dig this Sapperton resident’s five-metre-tall groundhog – including groundhog carollers: ‘They have a repertoire of groundhog carols.’
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
People say Burnaby is boring, but do other City councils get protested by inflatable dinosaurs like once a year?? Story tomorrow 🦖
Red inflatable dinosaur faces a security guard in Burnaby council chambers.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
Burnaby council livetweets on the bad place bc I'm doing something different today. See ya there!
Metrotown in the skyline through trees as sun sets on Burnaby City Hall.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 30/12/2024
This 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.net
How a Roberts Creek company helped save 'Beyoncé Bowl' halftime show
Cavallo Hoof Boots saved the day when stage and entrance for NFL 2024 Christmas Day performance, turned out to be too slippery for the horses.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
This Burnaby icon is looking festive. Council tweets coming up! (Possibly abridged tonight, we'll see.)
Ken Lum's 'Retired Draught Horse' sculpture is wearing tinsel garlands in Edmonds.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Burnaby tends to between 38.5m and 39.5m cubic metres a year in consumption.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Burnaby City Hall is all alight! Will have some council livetweets over the evening.
Burnaby City Hall lit up with snowflake projections, Christmas lights, and "happy holidays" projected.
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Reposted by Lauren Vanderdeen
Michael Hall @michaelhall.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
More 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!
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Reposted by Lauren Vanderdeen
Elliot Rossiter @elliotrossiter.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
One can never step into the same livestream twice.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
Gotta love covering city council, cuz where else do you get rhapsodies like this?? (they changed their council meetings from monday to tuesday)
Text: Coun. Pietro Calendino, meanwhile, waxed lyrical about the change.

“Monday, Tuesday, it doesn’t really matter,” Calendino said.

“But I just wanted to say that change is all around us. The world is changing. Society is changing. The weather changes frequently. Bus routes change. … We change and we can look at each other in the mirror every year and see how different we are. So, I don’t really see a huge problem having to go from Monday to Tuesday.”
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Burnaby City Hall all lit up! Council updates to come.
Main buildings of Burnaby City Hall lit up with Christmas lights under evening sky.
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Lauren Vanderdeen @lauvande.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
Hey 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.
A view of Edmonds Town Centre in Burnaby from a highrise office tower. You can see big white clouds over blue sky, highrise apartment towers, a parking lot and some lowrise apartments and business offices.
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