Burnaby is Metro Vancouver most strategically located commercial market. Bordered by Vancouver to the west, Coquitlam to the east, and served by three SkyTrain lines, commercial real estate in Burnaby BC commands premium rates — and for good reason. Businesses here have unmatched access to the entire Metro Vancouver labour pool and customer base.
This guide covers what commercial space actually costs in Burnaby in 2026, which corridors to target, and what to check on zoning before you sign.
Burnaby Commercial Market Overview — 2026
Burnaby has three distinct commercial clusters each with its own character and target business type:
- Metrotown — Metro Vancouver largest suburban shopping destination, highest retail rates in Burnaby
- Brentwood / Lougheed — Rapidly redeveloping transit-oriented corridors with new mixed-use supply
- Big Bend / Boundary Road Industrial — Burnaby primary industrial area, very tight vacancy
Burnaby Commercial Lease Rates — 2026
| Property Type & Location | Base Rent / SF / Year | Additional Rent | All-In Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail — Metrotown corridor | $48 – $68 | $14 – $20 | $62 – $88 |
| Retail — Lougheed / Brentwood | $36 – $52 | $13 – $18 | $49 – $70 |
| Industrial — Big Bend | $22 – $30 | $7 – $10 | $29 – $40 |
| Office — Metrotown | $28 – $42 | $14 – $20 | $42 – $62 |
| Medical / Clinic — CS zones | $32 – $48 | $13 – $18 | $45 – $66 |
Burnaby retail rates are significantly higher than Surrey and Langley — but the trade-off is access to one of the highest-density, highest-income consumer markets in BC. For businesses whose model depends on volume and accessibility, Burnaby delivers.
Burnaby Retail Corridors
Metrotown — Highest Traffic, Highest Rates
The Metrotown area anchored by Metropolis at Metrotown is the highest-traffic commercial destination in Burnaby. In-line retail along Kingsway and the surrounding plaza network commands the highest retail rates in the city. Competition for available space is intense — suitable units lease quickly.
Brentwood / Lougheed — Growth Story
Both Brentwood Town Centre and Lougheed are undergoing significant redevelopment as transit-oriented mixed-use nodes. New commercial supply is coming online in both areas — creating opportunities for businesses that want to establish early in rapidly growing corridors before redevelopment drives rates higher.
North Road / Boundary Road
The North Road and Boundary Road corridors offer more affordable retail and service commercial options in Burnaby. Strong local neighbourhood traffic with lower rates than Metrotown and Brentwood. Good for neighbourhood services, food, and personal care businesses.
Burnaby Industrial — Big Bend & Boundary
Burnaby industrial vacancy is among the lowest in Metro Vancouver. The Big Bend area along the Fraser River has Burnaby concentration of industrial space — primarily older buildings with lower clear heights but excellent highway and bridge access. Businesses that need to be in Burnaby specifically for logistics or client proximity will pay a premium over Langley and Surrey equivalents.
Zoning in Burnaby — Key Designations
Burnaby uses C-1 through C-9 commercial zones plus CS-1 service commercial and CD (Comprehensive Development) zones for major mixed-use sites. Industrial falls under M-1, M-2, and M-3 zones. The city has a reputation for thorough development permit processes — budget adequate time for approvals, particularly for healthcare and food service uses.
Finding Verified Commercial Space in Burnaby
ZoningVerified.ca covers all Burnaby commercial corridors — Metrotown, Brentwood, Lougheed, North Road, and Big Bend Industrial. Every space is zoning-verified for your specific use before you tour. Tenant representation is at no cost to qualified tenants. Contact Kamran Khan at 236-660-2594 or visit ZoningVerified.ca.
If your requirement is to purchase rather than lease, use the Commercial Property for Sale in Burnaby BC buyer guide to compare owner-user, investment, industrial, retail and office acquisition considerations.