New Sidewalks Program
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.
What is happening now
Are you a resident/property owner in any of the following areas?
- Gilmore Avenue (between Douglas Road and William Street)
- Carleton Avenue (between William Street and Union Street)
- Dunnedin Street and Carnegie Street (from the laneway to Duncan Avenue)
- Portland Street (from the cul-de-sac after Buller Avenue to Gilley Avenue)
- Madison Avenue (Pender Street to William Street)
If so, road and sidewalk upgrades will begin in late 2024. You will receive a letter in the mail detailing infrastructure upgrades, the installation of new sidewalks and if there will be any changes to the street right in front of your property (known as the city right of way).
We invite you to a drop-in open house session in your neighbourhood where you can learn more about the infrastructure upgrades and ask any questions.
To learn more, visit Burnaby.ca/newsidewalks
About this project
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.
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].