New Westminster – The City of New Westminster has received $3.96 million from TransLink as part of its annual Local Government Funding Programs to fund transportation improvement projects; of the total received funding, over $3 million will be used to fund the implementation of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and safety measures identified in the City’s Active Transportation Network Plan.

The Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP), approved unanimously by City Council in 2022, is a $30 million program that will expand the City’s core cycling network over a five-year period, from 2025 to 2030, to connect major destinations such as schools, parks, and commercial areas. At completion, every resident will be within 400m of a safe route designed for people of all ages and abilities. The Plan is aligned with the City’s Master Transportation Plan and several goals of the Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action, including increasing the number of trips taken through sustainable modes of transportation, and reallocating road space to sustainable transportation and public spaces.

“The City of New Westminster is leading the region in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support healthier living. Improving active transportation options and the safety of vulnerable road users is part of that,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “We’re thankful our bold plan for getting more people walking, cycling, and rolling is getting the attention and support of TransLink and senior levels of government. This significant funding contribution will enable us to take a big step forward in achieving our active transportation and safety goals.”

The new funding from TransLink will be used to implement several projects, including:

• A variety of active transportation infrastructure and safety improvements to the Eighth/Ninth/Tenth Street corridor and others;
• Pedestrian comfort and safety improvements at Sixth Street and Blackford Street with curb extensions and letdowns, and tactile warning surface indicators;
• Curb extensions and a median refuge at the Ewen Avenue at Carter Street;
• Walking and cycling safety improvements at the Stewardson Way intersection at Third Avenue, including the replacement of end-of-life signal and electrical infrastructure;

“Active transportation was identified as a priority in the City of New Westminster’s Master Transportation Plan back in 2015 and our network plan was firmed up in the Active Transportation Network Plan in 2022, so it’s exciting to have finally reached the implementation stage. The substantial funding we have received from TransLink, both this year and in previous years, has been instrumental in turning long-term planning into action. This partnership helps us move forward quickly, building a network that supports healthy, sustainable, and accessible travel for everyone in our community,” said Mike Anderson, Manager of Transportation.

TransLink has been a major supporter of active transportation in New Westminster, not only providing extensive funding for the City’s own projects in recent years, but recently completing significant improvements to the BC Parkway along Stewardson Way, between River Drive and 14th Street. The $8.1 million infrastructure investment, completed last month, included separated cycling and walking lanes, improved lighting, and safety upgrades to the intersections at River Drive, Fifth Avenue, and 14th Street.

While New Westminster’s compact community makes it ideal for sustainable transportation, its location at the centre of several regional vehicle and transit networks results in tens of thousands of people moving through the city each day. Speeding, traffic safety, and cyclist and pedestrian safety are ongoing concerns for residents, the Council and the City. In response to serious pedestrian injuries involving motor vehicles in recent months, Mayor Johnstone and City Council have committed to establishing a Vision Zero Task Force in 2025. Chaired by the Mayor and supported by the City’s Transportation staff, the task force will work collaboratively with stakeholders across the province to improve data-sharing in order to make better collaborative decision-making to improve transportation, and multimodal and pedestrian safety across the city. 

Learn more about the Active Transportation Network Plan here: newwestcity.ca/atnp

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Additional Quotes:

Mary Wilson, member of the New Westminster Walkers Caucus
"Walking is an active transportation mode that works for all ages.  Thanks to the City and TransLink for promoting and encouraging walking.  We look forward to working with the City, and especially to partnering with TransLink, to get more people out there enjoying the city and getting around on foot."

Laura Cornish, New Westminster resident and Rad bike-riding mom

"Safer bike routes are the difference between having to drive my kids to school and activities, and feeling confident enough to let them cycle on their own. They also make it so much easier for me to use my bike for everyday commuting."

Media contact: 

Melissa Nilan
Communications Coordinator
778-773-1659