New Westminster – The City of New Westminster is launching the second round of public engagement for the Uptown Active Transportation Improvement projects.

Throughout February, the project team will seek feedback on the recommended designs for the Rotary Crosstown Greenway Upgrades and the New Westminster Secondary School Cycling Connector. Input will be used to help the project team further refine the designs as the project moves towards the construction phase in the summer and fall of 2022.

“The City of New Westminster is committed to creating accessible active transportation infrastructure that allows individuals of all ages and abilities to move around our community safely whether they cycle, walk or roll,” said Mayor Jonathan X. Coté. “This isn’t just about adding more bike lanes, but ensuring sidewalks are accessible for individuals with mobility issues, comfortable and safe to use, and include trees, greenery and seating that will make for a better user experience.”

The project team developed the recommended designs using what was heard from public and stakeholder engagement in the fall of 2021, plus a comprehensive technical analysis. Hundreds of residents shared their priorities and preferences for these two routes.

The recommended design for this stretch of the Rotary Crosstown Greenway (between Fifth Street and Eighth Street) includes an improved sidewalk, wider and realigned bicycle lanes that are physically protected from vehicles, intersection improvements, landscaping and more. The recommended design for the NWSS connector along Sixth Street includes bicycle lanes with physical protection from vehicles, new bus stop designs, intersection improvements, curb extensions and additional safety measures.

These upcoming changes take direction from the vision set in the City’s Uptown Streetscape Vision to create “a vibrant commercial district with a distinct identity, accessible and sustainable transportation, as well as inviting and engaging public spaces that are welcoming to all people."

“We received lots of great feedback and input from the community during the first round of public engagement including participants’ top priorities for these projects, as well as their preferred design option for the Rotary Crosstown Greenway improvements and routing option for the NWSS Cycling Connector,” said Councillor Patrick Johnstone, Chair of the Facilities, Infrastructure and Public Realm Advisory Committee. “I encourage everyone to participate in the next phase of engagement where we will further refine the concept and seek input on key design features.”

There are multiple engagement opportunities, including a survey on Be Heard New West that’s active now, and an upcoming pop-up event at Royal City Center on February 16, 2022 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm.

To learn more about these projects, and to provide your input, visit the project webpage: www.beheardnewwest.ca/uptowncycling

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Media Contact:

Michael Leong
Transportation Engineer
City of New Westminster
778-312-1505