Burnaby Approves New Community Plan For Edmonds Neighbourhood

The City of Burnaby has officially approved a new community plan for the Edmonds neighbourhood, setting the stage for significant growth and transformation in one of the city's most diverse and historic areas. The plan, adopted in March 2025, outlines a vision for higher-density housing, improved transportation, and enhanced public spaces to support the neighbourhood's future.

Edmonds, situated between Royal Oak and New Westminster, is Burnaby's largest town centre, covering approximately 908 acres. As of the 2021 Census, it housed about 14% of Burnaby's population. The area is known for its cultural diversity, with 42% of residents speaking a non-English language at home. Currently, land use in Edmonds includes 31% single-family residential, 29% multi-family and mixed-use, and 24% public use, with the remainder comprising industrial, institutional, and commercial spaces.

The new community plan divides Edmonds into six districts: Central Edmonds, South Edmonds, Station District, West Edmonds, Northwest Edmonds, and East Edmonds. It identifies three main nodes for concentrated development: the Town Centre Node at Kingsway and Edmonds Street, the Station Node near Edmonds SkyTrain Station, and the Southgate City Node in South Edmonds. These areas are earmarked for high-density residential and mixed-use buildings, with potential building heights reaching over 50 storeys.

A significant component of the plan is the Southgate City development by Ledingham McAllister, approved in 2015. This master-planned community aims to deliver over 12,500 homes across more than 25 buildings, along with commercial spaces and green areas. The tallest structures, exceeding 50 storeys, will be located within this node.

In addition to residential growth, the plan emphasizes the development of creative employment zones, such as arts and craft studios, workshops, galleries, and small-batch manufacturing spaces. These areas are intended to foster a creative economy while being environmentally friendly and non-disruptive.

The approval of the Edmonds Community Plan marks a significant step in Burnaby's efforts to accommodate population growth, enhance livability, and promote sustainable development. By focusing on high-density housing, improved transportation, and creative employment opportunities, the plan aims to transform Edmonds into a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient neighbourhood for the future.