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.
What is happening now
After a thorough review of how sidewalk projects are prioritized, we’ve updated the evaluation process and added new criteria to better guide improvements to the pedestrian network. The refined prioritization framework supports walkability, aligns with city priorities, and reflects the diverse needs of our community. The refined New Sidewalks Program, along with the top 10 priority sidewalk project locations, was approved by Council on February 25, 2025.
How are streets chosen?
We apply a framework that supports a strategic and data-driven approach to improving the pedestrian network. This framework considers a broad range of factors related to pedestrian walkability, including proximity to schools, senior care homes, daycares, transit, parks, and civic facilities, and commercial density, population density, walking and transit mode share, street type, connectivity, and gaps in the existing sidewalk network.
Sidewalk design
Each project includes a tailored plan that considers the local context, community feedback and technical requirements to ensure that new sidewalk projects are thoughtfully designed and supports safety, accessibility and connectivity. 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.
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].