From Stu Ramsey, the Manager of Transportation Planning in Burnaby:
In 2010, we began a process to develop new street standards for all the streets in our four Town Centres. We went back to first principles to think about how we would design the entire street for all modes, ages, and abilities. We wanted something that would be both attractive and functional, and would reflect the City’s environmental, social, and economic goals. And we wanted it to apply consistently to entire neighbourhoods, not just a few high-profile streets. We’re very excited about the end-product.
On January 19, Burnaby Council received our report on this initiative and supported it enthusiastically. I’d be interested in any thoughts you may have on this.
Here’s the report, with excerpts below:
PUBLIC REALM DESIGN STANDARDS FOR TOWN CENTRE STREETS
The arising collective vision for the public realm is to design streetscapes to:
- Enhance the experience for visitors, the business community and residents by improving the safety, access, aesthetics and greening of boulevards.
- Be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable, by adding to the natural landscape, reducing waste, conserving resources, and working with natural systems.
- Be strategic in nature by establishing a hierarchy of priorities and using design standards to minimize the on-going maintenance required.
- Enhance the experience of travel by alternative modes of transportation within the city by creating enjoyable and safe environments for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and the general travelling public.
- Be safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities, and not be a barrier to anyone’s participation in the community.
Some of the illustrations:
Bike Path
.
Centre Boulevard with Rain Garden and Pedestrian Lighting
.
Details and further illustrations here.
Comments can go to Stu – stuart.ramsey (at) Burnaby (dot) ca
