Editor:
I am writing about the derelict state of the public plaza at the corner of Beresford Street and McKay in Metrotown.
This lot, with its park benches and planters, serves as the viewing area for a large silver sculpture placed there as part of the Beresford Street Art Walk project. Unfortunately the benches have been in serious need of paint for years now, and the planters are full of weeds. In short, it’s an eyesore.
Situated across McKay is another art project which fails to deliver. A 160-foot-wide illuminated sign has been installed on the front of three lower floors of this building. This sign is referred to as a digital art installation because it’s not intended for advertising. Rather, its purpose is to display purely artistic images selected by the Burnaby Art Gallery. I saw it when it was switched on back in 2020 and it was spectacular. Unfortunately, it was turned off after a few weeks and it’s been dark ever since.
I find these situations irksome because it’s my understanding that these amenities are provided by the developer in exchange for bonus density. At my condominium we pay to have our lawn and shrubs trimmed, and the residents volunteer to plant up the flower beds. The towers on Beresford should step up and fulfill their obligations as well.
Greg Bourgeois
Burnaby
