We will pilot our first School Streets pop-up at Gilmore Elementary School from April 20 to 24, 2026, creating a temporary car free space during school arrival and dismissal times.
“School Streets are about putting children and community first by creating safer spaces as we learn what works best for Burnaby,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “This pilot at Gilmore Elementary will support active travel, strengthen community connections, and help us understand how temporary, people focused streets can work in Burnaby.”
The pilot is part of the national School Streets initiative being tested by communities across Canada. School Streets are temporary road closures next to schools during peak pick up and drop off times. They are designed to support safer school travel, encourage active transportation and create opportunities for community connection.
As part of the initiative, Triumph Street between Gilmore Avenue and Carleton Avenue will be temporarily closed to vehicle traffic during the following times:
- 8:20–8:50 am
- 2:45–3:45 pm
During these short windows, the street will be open for children and families to walk, cycle, roll, play and connect in a safer, calmer environment.
Emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times, and other existing pick up and drop off locations on nearby streets will continue to be available. Accessible spaces will be available. We will collect feedback from parents and caregivers through a short user experience survey to help inform future considerations.
This project is supported by the National Active School Streets Initiative with financial support from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Government of British Columbia. Additional support is provided by Green Communities Canada and the Society for Children and Youth of BC.
Quotes:
Burnaby North MLA Janet Routledge —
“Supporting active transportation provides a safe, healthy, and convenient choice for children and their families, creating more vibrant communities. School Streets are a proven way to achieve this goal, and we celebrate Gilmore Elementary for being the first school to use provincial funding to pilot the program.”
Brianna Salmon, executive director of Green Communities Canada —
“We are excited to celebrate the first School Street in the BC School Streets project,” said Brianna Salmon, executive director of Green Communities Canada. “That it is the week of Earth Day is perfect timing. The growing nationwide School Streets movement is not only about addressing the alarming decline in physical activity for children and their families. This is also about reducing fossil fuel emissions and building a healthier future with safer streets for everyone.”
Learn more: Burnaby.ca/SchoolStreets
BConnected
Whether it’s by car, SkyTrain or other transit options, or by cycling and other active modes – moving around Burnaby is quick and convenient. The School Streets initiative is just one of the many ways we’re investing in our transportation network to improve connections in our community.