BACKGROUND
The Riverfront Esplanade is one of the key riverfront linear parks along the Fraser River, stretching from the Fraser River Discovery Centre in the east to Rialto Court in the west. Featuring both an upper multi-use path (MUP) and a lower wood boardwalk, the Esplanade serves as a vibrant public space for pedestrians and cyclists. It also plays a key role in the broader region as part of the BC Parkway and the Metro Vancouver Regional Greenway Network.
The existing pedestrian lighting along the Esplanade (also commonly referred to as “the Quay”) dates back to the 1980’s. Many of these fixtures have now reached the end of their service life and require replacement to ensure the area remains safe and welcoming after dark.
To address this, the City retained PBX Engineering Ltd. to prepare a Replacement Lighting Master Plan. The Master Plan provides a condition assessment of existing light fixtures and outlines a phased approach for their replacement. The Master Plan indicates the highest priority for replacement is the Region B located along the north-south connection from Quayside Drive to Quayside Park and east to the Inn at the Quay. The project extents are outlined in figures 1 and 2.
Figure 1 - Aerial map
Figure 2 - Region B
PROJECT STATUS
The concept design identifies the most suitable lighting layout for the Quay, using a consistent set of evaluation criteria. These criteria take into account technical feasibility, environmental responsibility, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with today’s industry standards.
Proposed Changes
In fall 2025, senior staff from the City of New Westminster met with the Quayside Community Board to provide an update on the Esplanade lighting project. Since that time, the following changes have been confirmed:
- Main Pathway Lighting (Multi-Use Path):
The existing pedestrian lighting within the median will be removed and replaced with new, energy-efficient LED luminaires mounted on metal poles, similar to the lights installed at Uptown Plazza and 660 Quayside Drive Development. The new lighting poles will be relocated to the north side of the multi-use pathway to address three challenges:
- Foundation Stability- The condition assessment identified significant settlement within the median area, which may compromise the long-term stability of pole foundations.
- Tree Protection- Relocation will help protect mature trees in the median from potential construction-related damage.
- Longevity and Maintenance- Positioning the poles farther from the river will reduce exposure to moisture, thereby minimizing corrosion risk and associated maintenance requirements.
- Boardwalk Lighting:
To enhance safety and ambiance on the lower boardwalk, a set of supplementary, low-impact lighting fixtures will be installed. While the final product selection is still underway, the City is currently prioritizing wall-mounted fixtures to provide effective illumination while minimizing light pollution toward the river.
Next Steps
- PBX Engineering Ltd. is working with sub-consultant firms to complete the detailed design in coordination with City staff.
- Field activities such as survey, tree assessment, underground utility locate and core sampling, will take place over the next couple of weeks to facilitate data colletion.
- Construction is anticipated to commence in fall 2026 and will take approximately three months. Advance public notification will be distributed to the community prior to the start of work.
FAQ
- How did the City determine that the existing poles have reached the end of their service life?
The City conducted a qualitative condition assessment of the existing light poles and their bases. The evaluation considered multiple factors including surface paint condition, corrosion of poles and baseplates, steel thickness, compressive strength, and any evidence of pole leaning. Based on this assessment, many of the poles within Region B were determined to be in poor condition and all poles in this region have been identified as high-priority candidates for replacement.
- What are the design standards or guidelines governing this project?
This project will be deisgned to meet the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) standards and the most current edition of the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) Guide.
- What are the specification of the new lighting pole and luminaire?
Main Pathway Lighting:
- 6.0m Steel Pole (Galvanized and Powder Coated Black) and,
- Lumenpulse Pure100 fixture (3000 K color temperature)
Boardwalk Lighing: Specific product selection will be finalized during the detailed deisgn stage, after the field investigations are complete.
- Does the City plan to install hanging flower baskets on the new poles?
The City is currently reviewing the feasibility of adding hanging baskets to the new poles. This assessment includes a technical review of the operating procedures to ensure that the esplanade’s loading capacity can safely support the specialized trucks and boom arms necessary for installation and ongoing maintenance. A final decision will be made once these technical evaluations are complete and budget requirements are confirmed.
- What is the project timeline and costruction impact?
The detailed design phase is currently underway and is anticipated to be completed by the end of June. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026 and will take approximately three months. The project team will work closely with the contractor to minimize construction-related impacts on public access to the multi-use pathway and boardwalk. More details will be published prior to starting the work.
CONTACT
If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please contact Shahrzad Eghtesadi, Project Manager, at .