Overview
Burnaby Neighbourhood Works Society (BNW) is a resident-led, non-partisan, registered non-profit organization dedicated to bringing people together to strengthen our community and advance priorities that matter to Burnaby residents.
Our roots trace back to March 2023, when a group of concerned residents united in response to a proposal to build a toxic waste transfer facility near Fraser Foreshore Park. Working together, residents organized, shared information, and spoke with one voice to advocate for the community’s concerns. Their collective efforts resulted in Burnaby City Council unanimously voting 9–0 to relocate the proposed facility to a different site.
That successful community campaign became the foundation and “first chapter” of what would eventually grow into Burnaby Neighbourhood Works Society.
Since then, BNW has evolved from a grassroots neighbourhood initiative into a city-wide organization representing thousands of residents from diverse backgrounds across Burnaby. Today, we continue to foster constructive dialogue, encourage civic participation, and work collaboratively with residents, governments, institutions, and community partners to improve the quality of life for everyone in Burnaby.
Our work focuses on issues that have a meaningful impact on residents, including community safety, healthcare access, education and school resources, community planning, neighbourhood wellbeing, and constructive civic engagement.
We believe that meaningful progress is achieved when communities work together with respect, facts, and a shared commitment to the public good.
Why We Changed Our Name
As our organization grew, it became clear that our original name no longer reflected the breadth of our work or the community we serve.
Burnaby Neighbourhood Watch Society began with a focus on neighbourhood issues and resident advocacy. Over time, our initiatives expanded well beyond the traditional concept of neighbourhood watch. Today, our work includes healthcare advocacy, education, community planning, public policy engagement, community wellbeing, and collaboration with organizations and all levels of government.
To better reflect this broader mission, we have adopted a new name in April 2026:
Burnaby Neighbourhood Works Society (BNW)
The word “Works” represents people working together to solve problems, strengthen communities, and create positive change. It reflects collaboration, action, and shared responsibility—values that have guided our organization since its earliest days.
While our name has changed, our core principles remain the same.
We remain a resident-led, non-partisan organization committed to constructive dialogue, practical solutions, and community-driven action.
Together, we believe that stronger communities are built through collaboration, respect, and active participation.
Stronger Together for Burnaby’s Future.