Burnaby names first CEO of its new municipal Housing Authority | Daily Hive

Metrotown skyline. (City of Burnaby)

The City of Burnaby has appointed John Brendan McEown as the inaugural CEO of the Burnaby Housing Authority (BHA), marking a major step forward in the municipal government’s efforts to expand affordable housing options.

The BHA was established in 2024 to strengthen Burnaby’s capacity to deliver new non-market and affordable housing and establish deeper partnerships with the provincial and federal governments, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. Previously, this work was undertaken directly by municipal departments.

According to a news release this week, McEown brings more than a decade of experience in affordable housing development, most recently serving as Associate Vice-President of Development Strategies at BC Housing. He has been involved with projects that have collectively created over 9,000 affordable homes, and helped secure approvals for 8,000 units across the province. He made strategic contributions to project delivery, construction financing, rezoning, and partnerships with other stakeholders and agencies such as Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

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“John Brendan’s appointment marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for the Burnaby Housing Authority,” said Aubrey Kelly, chair of the board of directors for BHA.

“He brings the right blend of public housing leadership, development expertise, and long-term vision to build the foundation for a generational shift in how we deliver housing in Burnaby. We are thrilled to welcome him to this critical role.”

John Brendan McEown. (LinkedIn)

McEown holds a Master of Urban Studies from Simon Fraser University, achieved in 2020, and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning and Land Economics from Quest University, completed in 2016.

Acting as the City’s dedicated housing development arm, the BHA will acquire and assemble land, and oversee new construction projects. It will also help support Burnaby’s commitments under the federal Housing Accelerator Fund.

Other examples of municipal governments establishing their own housing entities and/or development corporations include the Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency and, most recently, the Vancouver Housing Development Office under the City of Vancouver, Surrey City Development Corporation under the City of Surrey, and Toronto Community Housing under the City of Toronto.

Whistler Housing Authority, a municipally owned corporation of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, established in 1997, focuses on creating and operating affordable housing options for employees of resort businesses and their families.

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