History

Burnaby Community Connections is a non-profit society committed to connecting people, services and community since 1971. Originally founded as an information and referral service, the agency has grown considerably over the years and has taken in new programs in response to emerging local needs. In recognition of our contribution to the community, we were awarded a 2006 Business Excellence Award. This honour is the direct result of our many dedicated directors, volunteers, staff and community supporters.

Over the years, we have developed a variety of services to assist people in accessing community resources, provide support to families with low income and help seniors maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle.


Brief Historical Overview

• July 1971
In reaction to requests from the Burnaby community for an information and referral service, the Burnaby Division of the United Way established the Information Centre (the Centre) in South Burnaby.

• November 1972
Due to of the large volume of requests a second Centre was opened in North Burnaby.

• May 1976
After the Provincial Government withdrew funding for all information centres, the two Burnaby Centres merged in South Burnaby.

• July 1977
The Centre began to coordinate and administer the Burnaby Seniors' Transportation program.

• November 1979
The Centre was registered under the Societies Act of British Columbia as Burnaby Information and Referral Society (the Society).

• January 1980
The Society was included as a member agency of the United Way of the Lower Mainland.

• October 1981
The United Way of the Lower Mainland asked the Society to administer the Burnaby Christmas Bureau.

• May 1982
The Burnaby Health Department requested that the Society take over the Burnaby Camping Bureau due to increased volume.

• April 1984
The Society’s name was changed to Burnaby Information and Community Services Society (BICSS) to reflect the range of services offered.

• September 1984
Publication of the first Directory of Services for Burnaby and New Westminster—in collaboration with the United Way of the Lower Mainland, Burnaby School Board, and Burnaby Public Library.  The Directory of Services was last printed in 2009.

• September 1990
Publication of the Youth Pages for Burnaby and New Westminster, focusing on critical teen topics and information useful in everyday situations. The Youth Pages were discontinued in 1999.

• January 1996
The City of Burnaby approached the society to administer the verification & processing applications from families and seniors with low incomes, Canada Pension Plan, or Long Term Disability for the Burnaby Recreation Credit Program.

• November 1996
Publication of the first Low Cost Goods & Services Booklet, portable resource guide to essential services is free and available to the general public. The guide was renamed Community Resource Guide in 2005.

• October 2006
In partnership with the Burnaby School District, published Ready, Set, Learn, a community resource guide for families with children age birth-5 years. The brochures, divided by city quadrants, was completely redesigned in 2007 and a web-based edition made available in 2008.

• July 2007
As part of a long-term growth strategy, the Society went through a complete rebranding with a new name, logo, mission & values.

• February 2008
Publication of Middle Childhood Matters, a community resource guide for families with children age 6-12, divided by city quadrants; funded through the United Way of the Lower Mainland.

• May 2008
Launch of www.burnabycommunityconnections.com, including features like the Community e-calendar, Community E-Newsletter and Community discussion board.