Health and Safety
When you are looking for a good place to live, one of your main concerns is going to be the health and safety of you and your family. It can be hard to believe, but there are many locations even here in North America where the health and safety of residents is not of importance to municipal officials.
Such is not the case in Burnaby, British Columbia. Residents here have some of the largest average life spans of anywhere in the world, for several different reasons. One is the natural environment of the area; it's just a healthy place to be. Another, perhaps more significant factor, is the great care and attention public health issues are given by authorities. Scientific research and experimental development geared towards keeping the city clean and safe are encouraged through a number of different initiatives. Over the years, the results of this drive have paid dividends for the city.
What kind of dividends, one may ask. Well, first of all, there is the air quality to be found in the city. Unlike most other large cities in large metropolitan areas in North America, Burnaby's air quality has never been an issue for its citizens. Emissions are kept to an absolute minimum, whether one is talking about those from cars or those from the industrial sector. Even trucks carrying vacuum pump systems and other heavy loads are subject to the taxes and fees which the city charges emission producing vehicles.
Of course, it doesn't hurt the overall efforts towards better air quality that the city is home to Ballard Power Systems, known worldwide as a company which produces alternative fuel supplies. Many of the local transit vehicles are powered by hydrogen cells manufactured by the company.
Heavy industry has a presence in the city, but it is also highly regulated. The petroleum refineries on Burrard Inlet have to carefully monitor their waste in all areas in order to ensure the health of the area's citizens. Water treatment chemicals and processes are used which guarantee that no harmful pollutants are released into local drinking supplies or the surrounding ocean.
Many of the safety initiatives undertaken by the city of Burnaby are governed by laws which apply nationwide. For example, tamper evident seals are required for products designed for consumption by people. These seals can be found on everything from baby products to soft drinks, and are useful when it comes to alleviating worries over food borne illnesses.
Finally, you can't talk about health and safety within a community without talking about the third watch operations. Burnaby is home to one of the finest hospitals in the Lower Mainland, which always uses the latest in xray shielding equipment to protect patients and employees. The police services pay close attention to matters of public concern, from gangs to shoplifting, and their diligence has resulted in a community with the lowest crime rates in the Lower Mainland.
Finally, we must note that Burnaby was noted as Canada's best run city in a recent survey by MacLean's magazine. It received this distinction in part because of its cleanliness and the responses of its emergency services. Both of these factors play a significant role when it comes to assuring city residents of the healthiest, safest environment that can be found.
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