Translink has now finished its public consultation to choose a Route Section Option for the North Shore–Metrotown BRT (Bus Rapid Transit). The deadline was September 21. But this doesn’t mean our communication efforts are finished.

We still need your help to show Translink and the City of Burnaby that we want to preserve the curbside parking and multi-modal accessibility of our Urban Village, and that we say NO to BRT and Bus-Only lanes through Burnaby Heights which would create more noise and an uncomfortable feeling of six lanes of moving traffic next to the sidewalk – every day of the week, all year long.

The BRT is a Rapid Transit line (like a “Skytrain” that runs on the road, using buses) that has dedicated lanes (like “tracks” on distinct-coloured asphalt) that only buses can use, and that need to be built. It also uses BRT Stations, instead of bus stops, that also need to be constructed. Afterwards, the lanes will be positioned either in the centre of the road, or in the curbside lanes.

In Translink’s Survey, you will see two Route Section Options presented:

The HMA supports Option 2 on Boundary-Lougheed with a BRT Station at Kootenay Loop to connect with our district and the many existing Hastings bus routes, including R5. These are many reasons for our preference, largely because it’s a great option for a Rapid Transit line that is supposed to stop as little as possible, to move people quickly. Boundary and Lougheed are also wider and not as vulnerable to the removal of parking. 

For the HMA’s full statement, please visit: https://www.burnabyheights.com/news/saveourparking/

For Translink’s presentation of their Bus Rapid Transit program, visit https://translinklistens.ca/bus-rapid-transit-program

This is our community, and we need to speak up for it.

Tell them your thoughts about a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit / Bus Only Lanes) through Burnaby Heights. Ask them to SUPPORT OPTION 2 Boundary/Lougheed and to vote NO to OPTION 1 Hastings/Willingdon.

Pass this poster along to your friends, neighbours, and networks.

Translink’s informational postcard was at first mailed only to households within 1 km of the BRT route, so those community members and shoppers who live outside of that 1 km radius and who may be most affected by the loss of curbside access to local shops, will not necessarily have known about Translink’s informational Open House and may not know anything about the BRT proposals. The postcard that Translink sent also did not contain details about loss of parking and pedestrian atmosphere. The reader would have had to notice the postcard, understand its implications, and be motivated to go online to search for more information.