BURNABY

The City of Burnaby is developing a Trail Management Plan for the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, a 578-hectare municipal park with 30 kilometers of trails. The plan aims to balance the protection of the conservation lands and recreational value, as the city faces growing pressure on the park's resources.

Key Findings from Phase 1:

• Background and Field Review: The trails vary in condition, with common issues including erosion, pooling water, invasive species, exposed roots, and infrastructure needs.
• Environmental Overview: The plan prioritizes protecting valued components like vegetation, wildlife, and species at risk, with recommendations for maintenance, invasive species management, temporary trail closures, and increased fences/park presence.
• Communication and Community Engagement: The objectives include developing a vision, balancing conservation and recreation, strengthening relationships, and identifying park improvements. Engagement includes a public survey, open house, and targeted stakeholder meetings.
• Financial Considerations: The Trail Management Plan work is fully funded in the 2024-2028 Financial Plan.

Project Process:

• The Burnaby Mountain Trail Management Plan (BMTMP) will be undertaken in 5 phases, with Phase 1 (Key Findings) now completed.

Policy Alignment:

• The project aligns with several existing plans and strategies, including the Management Plan for Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area (2000), Environmental Conditions Assessment (2019), Social Sustainability Strategy (2011), Environmental Sustainability Strategy (2016), Climate Action Framework (2019), and Connecting Burnaby – Burnaby Transportation Plan (2021).

The City of Burnaby conducted a pilot program in 2023 to allow for the responsible consumption of alcohol in select parks. The program was deemed a success, with limited feedback and no increase in enforcement or complaints. The city now seeks to make the program permanent and expand it to all city parks, with a new bylaw set to take effect in June 2024.

Pilot Program Review

• The pilot program ran from June 23 to October 30, 2023, in four parks across the city: Confederation Park, Keswick Park, Central Park, and Edmonds Park.
• The program allowed alcohol consumption throughout the parks, with restrictions within a 10-meter radius of programmed amenities like playgrounds and sports courts.
• A public survey received 45 responses, with the majority of feedback focused on confusion around the 10-meter restriction.
• There was no notable increase in calls, complaints, or garbage/waste issues during the pilot program.

Proposed Permanent Program

• Recommendation: Expand the program to all city parks as a year-round and permanent initiative.
• The new Burnaby Responsible Consumption of Alcohol in Parks Bylaw 2024 is set to take effect on June 24, 2024.
• The bylaw will include amendments to the Burnaby Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2009 to impose penalties for violations.

The City of Burnaby is seeking approval to proceed with the concept design for a new pedestrian bridge and connecting pathways around the Deer Lake Trail Loop. The project aims to create a continuous water's edge route and improve pedestrian circulation in the popular Deer Lake Park.

Key Highlights:

• The proposed concept design includes a 36.4-meter long, single-span feature bridge, a 100-meter boardwalk to the east, and a 35-meter boardwalk to the west.
• The design minimizes disturbance to existing trees and sensitive ecological areas, using composite materials for a 75-year lifespan and minimal maintenance.
• The project is expected to take 12-24 months to complete, subject to obtaining environmental and archaeological permits.
• The Class C construction estimate is $3.7 million, with $1.75 million included in the 2024-2028 Financial Plan and the remaining $1.95 million to be requested in the 2025-2029 budget cycle.

Community Engagement:

• First Nation Communities: Staff will engage through the Archeological Impact Assessment process.
• Broader Community: Regular project updates will be provided.

Purpose: To provide information to Council about the proposed park prioritization framework for the sustainable management of the City's parkland and outdoor amenities. Staff presentation by Andre Isakov, Director PRC Planning, and Heather Edwards, Manager Parks Planning Design and Development.