New Sidewalks Program
About this project
We are building new sidewalks in response to what we’ve heard from residents, businesses and community organizations. You told us that Burnaby needs a high-quality pedestrian network—and we’re delivering.
Sidewalks are an important part of Burnaby’s transportation network. They connect our neighbourhoods and provide a safe, accessible and comfortable option for people walking and rolling to meet their daily needs. They support community health, improve access for people using wheelchairs, scooters and strollers, and provide a climate-friendly travel option.
How are streets chosen?
We use a framework to evaluate priority locations for new sidewalks that considers factors related to pedestrian demand, safety, and accessibility. These include proximity to transit, schools, parks, seniors’ housing, civic facilities and high density areas.
Sidewalk design
We're developing a specific plan for each street receiving a new sidewalk. Wherever possible, sidewalk projects will provide:
- separated sidewalks with boulevard space between the sidewalk and curb
- sidewalks on both sides of the street
- sidewalks that meander around large trees (to save trees) or obstacles such as power poles
- grassed boulevards with trees
- street lighting, signage and drainage improvements
- wheelchair ramps at street corners where appropriate
Designs will be modified to accommodate special site constraints. All construction will take place on City land. Individual homeowners will be contacted directly if the project impacts their property.
Project notification
Property owners and occupants adjacent to a planned sidewalk and in surrounding neighbourhoods will be contacted in the calendar year before that year's construction is scheduled to begin, and again before sidewalk construction begins. If major changes are proposed, we will contact property owners directly. For instance, if a sidewalk project requires all the space within the City right-of-way, private features such as landscaping and retaining walls may need to be relocated back onto private property.
Did you know?
- New sidewalks will be funded from our existing capital reserves and don’t require any additional funding from taxpayers.
- When construction requires removal of a tree, at least one replacement tree is planted in an appropriate location. The number of replacement trees planted depends on the size and species of the tree removed.
- Sidewalk construction creates new green space and vegetation, helping us meet our civic commitment to addressing climate change and supporting a healthy and livable community.
What is happening now?
2023 New Sidewalks Program
The new sidewalk locations identified in 2023 are currently being reviewed. The detailed design stage is anticipated to start in late 2023 with construction anticipated to start in 2024 or early 2025.
2022 New Sidewalks Program
The new sidewalk locations identified in 2022 are currently in various stages of detailed design. Construction is anticipated to start in late 2023 and early 2024.
2021 New Sidewalks Program
The new sidewalk locations identified in 2021 are currently either in construction or have been completed.
Have questions or comments?
Once you have received notification of a sidewalk project on your street or in your neighbourhood, please feel free to ask questions or provide comments by calling 604-294-7998 or emailing [email protected].