About this project
Burnaby residents asked for more sidewalks and improved sidewalk accessibility–and that's what we're doing. It's part of the plan we're working on with members of the community that looks at how we live today and how we want to live in the future.
We're building dozens of new sidewalks that encourage more walking by everyone–and improve access for people who use wheelchairs, scooters or strollers.
Why are sidewalks so important? They connect our community and make it easy and convenient to get where we're going without a car whenever possible–and that reduces vehicle emissions that contribute to climate change.
Construction plans for 2021
Before year-end, we plan to build more than 30 new sidewalks throughout the city. This interactive map features current construction plans for all streets that will receive a new sidewalk in 2021:
Click on a highlighted street and you'll see the construction plans for each new sidewalk being built in 2021–plans that will be updated throughout the design and construction process.
How were these streets chosen?
Priority for sidewalk construction was given to streets having one or more of these features: close to schools, parks, community centres and/or transit facilities–and with curbs already in place.
Sidewalk design
We're building standard sidewalks with a boulevard space between the sidewalk and the curb, wherever possible. If the street is steep or if there's limited space for a sidewalk, we'll modify the plan where necessary in order to save existing trees. In these instances, some sidewalks will go around the obstacle or the boulevard space will be eliminated, leaving the sidewalk up against the curb.
We're developing a specific plan for each street receiving a new sidewalk. We'll share these plans with residents who live on adjacent properties and solicit their feedback.
Did you know?
- New sidewalks will be funded from the City’s existing capital reserves.
- 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.
- Approximately 25% of Burnaby's land is designated for parks and open space.
Our sidewalks project is highlighted as a “quick start” in the Climate Action Framework that guides work on the City’s Climate Action Plan. Better opportunities to walk or roll instead of drive will reduce vehicle emissions–and help our city become carbon-neutral by 2050.