The HMA's mandate is to work on behalf of its members (the merchants and property owners of the Heights) to promote the economic development in the Heights commercial district in cooperation with the community.
That translates into lots of different activities that build up this community. These include:
Street Beautification
Coast Foundation Sidewalk Cleaning Program
A highly effective litter collection program provided four times weekly (since 2001).
Power Washing Program
The HMA has a power washing program that allows Heights merchants to borrow a power washer to clean the sidewalk in front of their business – free of charge.
Street banners
The decorative Heights’ street banners are purchased by the Association and hung by the City of Burnaby.
Flower planting program
The Association contracts a Burnaby landscaping firm to weed the tree wells and to plant flowers or ivy around the Hastings Street trees twice yearly.
Heights Mural projects (every two years)
To enhance the area, the Association has commissioned several Heights themed murals throughout the area and other special initiatives done by art students.
Decorative Street Signs
Decorative "Heights" street signage display street names and identify the area as a part of the Heights.
Street furniture
During the extensive streetscape revitalization of Hastings Street in 1995-96, the Association worked closely with the City of Burnaby regarding the new street amenities that were added including: the benches, bus shelters, bike racks, garbage cans and pedestrian level lighting. In 2006, the garbage cans were replaced with stylish new ones.
Heights Christmas lights in trees
During the dark winter months the trees are lit with bright cheery lights thanks to our HMA partner, the City of Burnaby.
Repainting/Maintenance
The HMA works with the City of Burnaby to arrange for the needed painting of street furniture and poles to keep the Heights beautiful.
Laneway Revitalization
The HMA is currently working in partnership with the City of Burnaby to explore laneway enhancement initiatives in the Heights.
Façade Improvement
The HMA recently developed the Façade Improvement Program to provide financial incentives to merchants interested in enhancing their storefront.
Events
Chinese New Year Held during the Lunar New Year celebrations
Hats Off Day The first Saturday of June (Burnaby’s Biggest Festival!)
Giro di Burnaby (2006, 2007 and 2008) Burnaby’s first elite bicycle race (Organized by the City of Burnaby – the HMA plays a supporting role)
Halloween on the Heights (Trick or Treating on the Heights)
Light up the Heights (December)
Chevron Movie Night in the Park (2008) The HMA plays a supporting role for this neighbourhood event.
Security and Community Policing
The Association is represented on the Community Policing Advisory Community (CPAC).
Business Watch
The Business Watch program (2001) was created to allow businesses to proactively work together to prevent crime. Business Watch packages and informative DVDs and videos are available at the HMA office.
Security Alerts
Crime alerts and warnings to members via e-mail and faxes communicate suspicious activities reported by members to the merchants at large.
Security Seminars and Workshops (Periodic)
Marketing and Promotions
Marketing and Promoting the Heights
Via numerous vehicles, promotion includes the Heights business directory (distributed to more than 17,000 homes) events, advertising, web and periodic media campaigns.
Media & Public Relations
The HMA and the Heights commercial district have developed strong working relationships with the two community newspapers, Burnaby Now and The Newsleader and have been profiled in a number of leading publications. Other highlights include:
Heights Section in the Burnaby NOW
We partner with the Burnaby NOW for the monthly Heights section. The Heights section is an 8-page insert to the Burnaby NOW that is distributed to approximately 21,000 homes in North Burnaby.
Gilmore Connection
We regularly contribute to the Gilmore Connection; a Gilmore Community School publication distributed to 2,000 homes in the Heights.
Community Partnerships
Projects that have stemmed from community links and partnerships include:
Heights Fountain Square
Completed in 2001, Heights Fountain Square is a community meeting place and community art showpiece.
Trans-Canada Trail Route and Roots Project
The Trans Canada Trail, built as part of a grass-roots project, is a shared-use recreational trail that jaunts through the northern part of the Heights and connects the Heights community to a trail planned to span and unite our entire country.
Heritage on the Heights
A series of interpretive historical signs are installed at a number of locations on the Heights.
Supporting Local Initiatives
The HMA helps support initiatives such as fireworks at Hallowe’en, as well as the Burnaby Firefighter’s Charitable Society, the Burnaby Christmas Bureau and other charities and programs in cooperation with community partners.
Transportation and Parking
We work hard with the city to ensure that the parking needs of the Heights are met. Evidence of this can be seen in the number of corner parking lots in the area.
Translink's Public Advisory Committee
The HMA attendance on the committee (as issues arise) has ensured that the public transportation needs of the Heights and North Burnaby are met.
Advocacy on Behalf of Merchants and Property Owners
Regarding other transportation issues such as snow removal, the HOV lane, pedestrian crossing lights and parking meters in the Heights. The HMA was part of the Park the Tax Coalition to advocate for merchants and property owners against an imposed parking space tax (it has since been defeated).
Communication & Member Services
What’s Up eBulletin
Our newsletter is sent by e-mail every three weeks to all HMA members to keep members up to date on events, announcements and activities.
Heights Outlook Newsletter
Seminars and events
The Association holds regular seminars, networking mixers and events for members.
Website
Our website is regularly maintained and has been recently redesigned (2008).
Merchant to Merchant Discount Program
Awards
2005, 2006 and 2007, 2008 and 2009 Best of Burnaby Reader’s Choice Award (Burnaby Now) for Hats Off Day as the Best Annual Burnaby Festival
2004 Retail BC for Community Spirit Award
2001 Burnaby Business Excellence Award for Community Spirit
2000 Best in the West BIA BC Award for "Hats Off Day & the 'Heights' Section"
1996 Best in the West BIA BC Award for the "Heights Revitalization Project" (Beautification)
