Burnaby is situated at the centre of the Lower Mainland region. It is on the corridor between Vancouver to the west and north, and Coquitlam and New Westminster to the east. Burnaby is the third-largest city in British Columbia, and known as the Centre of Greater Vancouver. It is home to high-tech facilities, post-secondary education (Simon Fraser University and British Columbia Institute of Technology), and shopping (Brentwood Mall, Eaton Centre, Lougheed Mall and Metrotown).
Burnaby's population has grown to over 220,000. Its economic base is service, commercial and industrial activities. Community, business and personal service industries account for about 27 percent of the employment in Burnaby. In 1992, Burnaby celebrated its 100th anniversary and officially changed from the Corporation of the District of Burnaby to the City of Burnaby. This reflects Burnaby's growing role as an urban centre.