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What's New on the Heights!
Recent Events
Light Up the Heights (Dec. 6, 13 & 20, 2008)
This year, we took Light up the Heights to the streets with strolling carollers, surprise visits from Santa and sweet treats for shoppers between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the three Saturdays leading up to Christmas. Visit our Light Up the Heights page for more info.
Halloween on the Heights (Oct. 31, 2008)
The Heights became haunted for Halloween as hundreds of kids (and their guardians) visited Heights merchants for a bit of trick-or-treating. Fun for all ages, this neighbourhood event was ghastly and ghoulish yet again in 2008. Click here for more info.
Mural Launch (August 2008)
This fun event marked the completion of our newest mural. This year's Public Arts Coordinator, Alex Achtem, revealed the new mural on the corner of Hastings and Gilmore to the Heights merchants and community. To find out more, take a look at our Mural Projects.
Giro di Burnaby (July 17, 2008)
The third annual Giro di Burnaby returned to Hastings Street for another round! The HMA played a liaison role in this exciting Burnaby event. More than ten thousand spectators were expected this year, and Heights merchants showed all ages a good time. For more information, visit our Special Events page or the Giro di Burnaby website.
HMA Annual General Meeting (June 25, 2008)
The HMA's Annual General Meeting was held at the Confederation Community Centre, where we were joined by our board of directors, merchants, and dignitaries. Rod Roodenburg of Ion Design spoke about the Heights' new brand and how merchants can use it to help promote their business. A lucky few left the evening with some great prizes donated by Heights merchants, but everyone left with a full stomach from the delicious dinner and beverages provided.
Dates and details are TBA for the next Annual General Meeting. All Heights property owners and business owners are welcome to attend, so stay tuned for more information!
 Hats Off Day 2008 (June 7, 2008)
Burnaby's favourite festival four years in a row was a grand success again this year, with crowds totalling more than 35,000. The parade, displays, merchant specials, music, live entertainers, and kids' activities were highlights, along with a cake celebrating BC's 150th birthday. More than 100 vehicles participated in the Show & Shine, making it colourful and interesting for all. Come visit next year for an event that just keeps getting better! For more info, check out our Special Events page.
An East of Willingdon triumph (April 2008)
For more than three years, the East of Willingdon Revitalization committee, together with the HMA staff, has worked hard to communicate with the City, merchants, and residents about the persistent economic decline east of Willingdon Street.
On April 7, the committee experienced long-awaited success as the Burnaby City Council voted in favour of mixed-use four storey buildings and a broader range of retail activities permitted east of Willingdon. Previously, only two-storey commercial buildings were permitted, and generally only service commercial uses were allowed.
Now that developers and investors have more options, the blocks east of Willingdon may soon see growth and revitalization.
New Staff Structure (Spring 2008)
Though not new to the Heights Merchants Association, April Penney joined us permanently this year as our new full-time Marketing and Operations Coordinator. With a background in commerce and marketing as well as experience working with our BIA and other enterprises, April is an indispensable addition to the HMA. She has helped to hone our marketing initiatives and promote the Heights district.
 Re-Branding the Heights (Jan. 2008)
After more than a year of hard work, the HMA launched a new brand for the Heights, which includes a new graphic identity and message. The new brand will help us promote the unique, friendly, lifestyle-oriented community we have here on the Heights to shoppers, locals and visitors alike. The new design is a nod to the neon swinging girl sign, a historical landmark of the Heights. The yellow arc and "sparklies" evoke the vivacity and energy present in the Heights district.
The HMA and Dance Addicts Studio hosted the new brand launch on Jan. 31. The gradual transition into using the new brand will take place over 2008-2009.
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