BURNABY

The article discusses a webform submission from a Burnaby resident, Michelle Scarr, who represents the organization Movement - Metro Vancouver Transit Riders. Scarr and Spencer Powell, volunteers for Movement, wish to appear before the Burnaby City Council on March 2, 2024, to express their support for Translink's proposed Rapid bus route that would connect North Vancouver and Metrotown.

• Translink is proposing two Rapid bus route options: one along Hastings and Willingdon, and the other on Boundary and 1st/Halifax.
• The delegation is speaking in strong support of the Hastings alignment, as it will relieve congestion, bring people directly to destinations in Burnaby Heights, help businesses, improve access, decrease reliance on vehicles, and improve safety.
• The delegation has a petition in support of the Hastings alignment and hopes the mayor and council will support this alignment.

Summary of Financial Management Committee Report on Major Engineering Projects Status Update

• Marine Drive project: Design phase complete, construction to start in Q3 2024, on schedule.
• Sidewalk Expansion Program at Alpha Secondary School: Awaiting Archaeology Impact Assessment permit, project tender under review.
• Sidewalk Expansion Program at 6th Street: Construction delayed until Provincial Heritage permits received.
• Burnaby Lake Pedestrian Bridge Overpass: Preliminary construction started, expected completion in Q4 2025.
• SFU Alternate Access Route: Design and construct emergency route connecting SFU and Mintara Restaurant parking lot, considering limited ground disturbance.

The Burnaby Financial Management Committee received a report on the status of the city's major engineering projects, including updates on design, construction, and completion timelines.

• Marine Drive Project: Design phase complete, construction to start in Q3 2024, on schedule.
• Sidewalk Expansion at Alpha Secondary School: Awaiting Archaeology Impact Assessment permit, project tender under review.
• Sidewalk Expansion on 6th Street: Construction delayed until Provincial Heritage permits received.
• Burnaby Lake Pedestrian Bridge Overpass: Preliminary construction started, expected completion in Q4 2025.
• SFU Alternate Access Route: Design and construction of emergency route connecting SFU and Mintara Restaurant parking lot, considering limited ground disturbance.

An update on the Bus Shelter Expansion Program was presented to Council.

• Current Progress: 50 new bus shelters have been installed in various locations across the city.
• Future Plans: An additional 25 bus shelters are scheduled to be installed by the end of the fiscal year.
• Cost: The total cost of the program is estimated to be $1.5 million, with funding coming from a combination of federal grants and city funds.

Transportation Committee received and adopted the report providing an update on the Vancouver-SFU Cycling Connection Project.

• Project Overview: Vancouver-SFU Cycling Connection Project is a key east-west route connecting urban centers.
• Phase Updates:
  • Phase 1 completed in Fall 2023 with data collection and public engagement.
  • Phase 2 underway, developing conceptual designs based on Phase 1 feedback.
• Community Engagement: Engaged with over 800 community members during Phase 1, with more feedback planned for Phase 2.
• Financial Support: Infrastructure Canada’s Active Transportation Fund approved $5,730,000 for the project.

Summary: The Transportation Committee received an update on the Edmonds Town Centre Cycling Network Project, aligning with Burnaby's goals for a safe and connected community.

• Policy Support: The project aligns with Burnaby's Transportation Plan and Climate Action Framework.
• Project Details: Phase 1 was completed in Spring 2023 as a pilot project, with Phase 2 currently underway for further expansion.
• Community Engagement: Public engagement occurred before and after Phase 1, with Phase 2 engagement set to begin in Spring 2024.
• Financials: Phase 1 was partially funded by TransLink, while Phase 2 is funded through the Engineering 5-year capital plan.