About Us

The Civic Innovation Lab Society was co-founded in 2022 by the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University to serve as a trusted hub where innovative solutions to civic challenges are developed through collaborative research and learning opportunities.

Our mission is to contribute to the economic, social, health,
and environmental well-being of community members in Burnaby and beyond by advancing collaborative learning, research, and innovation opportunities between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University. ​

To view a copy of our 2024-2025 Annual Report, click here. To view our 2024 financial statements, click here.

We are proud to have been awarded the Entrepreneurial Spirit award at the 2025 Burnaby Business Excellence Awards, hosted by the Burnaby Board of Trade.

Our Staff

Executive Director

Rebekah Mahaffey

Research Project Manager

Abdul Zahir

Research Project Manager

Kilim Park

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

Lisa Dotto

Our Board

Chair

Dugan O’Neil

Simon Fraser University

Vice-Chair

Leon Gous

City of Burnaby

Treasurer

Juli Halliwell

City of Burnaby

Secretary

Mary O’Brien

Simon Fraser University

Our Guiding Principles

  • Ensure engaged research with broad and diverse impact
  • Foster strong working relationships with stakeholders
  • Contribute to the missions of the Lab’s founding partners
  • Demonstrate reciprocity of learning with the community


Our Priority Areas

We are currently focusing on supporting projects in the following areas:

  • Climate Action: GHG (greenhouse gas) emission reduction, adaption, and mitigation
  • Mobility: Accelerating the shift to sustainable transportation options
  • Smart Data Collection: Harnessing data collection methods and feedback loops
  • Equity and Intersectionality: Advancing social justice and inclusion
  • Truth and Reconciliation: Furthering the ongoing process of reconciliation and decolonization

Past Annual Reports

Past Financial Statements

Our Founders