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PUBLIC COMMENTS / QUESTIONS
The Chair announced the beginning of
the public comment/question period. The audience was encouraged to speak to
the Commission on matters of interest or concern.
Ms. Cathy Griffin, 21 – 8400 Forest
Grove Drive, Burnaby,
a cyclist that regularly rides the Central Valley Greenway has concerns about
the long stretch where she must ride on the road which she feels puts her and
other cyclists at risk. Ms. Griffin noted that there are new sewage pipes
being installed along the Greenway, and wondered whether a separated cycle
path could be added at the same time. In addition, she asked whether there
are any plans for the old interurban trail to connect up with the Central
Valley Greenway. Furthermore, are there plans to put a cycle path around
Burnaby Lake. Finally, Ms. Griffin noted that weaving around pedestrians and
other obstacles is not advisable, and asked if it is possible to paint a line
down the urban path to separate cyclists from pedestrians.
Staff advised that the sewage refit
along Winston Street is a partnership project with Metro Vancouver, and they
would have to be consulted about any additional plans. However, there is not
enough room along the Burnaby Lake trail to add a separated cycle path. Neither
separated and/or separation of cycle paths, nor a connector between the
interurban trail and the Central Valley Greenway are in the medium term (10
year) plans for the Cariboo Community. Sixty percent of the Burnaby Lake
trails are leased to Metro Vancouver, and there are still some privately
owned lands. The lease with Metro Vancouver expires in 2021 at which time,
if the City repatriates the park into its holdings, then opportunities for
additional recreation amenities would be entertained. Staff explained that
there is a new cycle standard for town centres and a hierarchy of cycle
facilities that will be implemented resulting in new concrete paths with
rumble strip dividers.
The Chair advised that the
Provincial Government is responsible for the closed bridge on Gilmore Street,
and that the City is in talks with the new Provincial Government to have it
replaced, which would provide space for a dedicated bike lane. The hope is
that it will be replaced in the next couple of years.
Ms. Trudy Meyer, 5280 Oakmount
Crescent, Burnaby,
expressed concern about the Oakmount Crescent stairway up to Oakland. She
reported that the brickwork has come undone, and it needs to be updated.
Staff advised that a crew would be
sent to assess the stairway, and thanked Ms. Meyer for the information.
Ms. Debbie Reid, 420 North Boundary
Road, Burnaby,
a cyclist, expressed concern that the roots that are coming up through the
shared asphalt pathways along the golf course perimeter, and along Sanderson,
are a hazard. The roots have been marked with pink, but no further repairs
have been undertaken. She asked when the repairs will be made.
Staff advised that the Traffic
Committee would be alerted.
Ms. Debbie Reid, also requested
clarification of Parks and Recreation’s process when hiring instructors to
teach nutrition or mental health courses at the City, specifically the
criteria used to hire instructors, and whether educational requirements are
followed.
Staff advised that a rigorous system
is in place, and that programmers have a set of criteria when hiring
instructors that includes a thorough panel assessment of credentials, as well
as reference checks and comparative analysis of other municipalities. Staff
will report further and thanked Ms. Meyer for bringing it to their attention.
Ms. Christine Joe, 4804 Westlawn
Drive, Burnaby,
thanked the Commission for the wonderful job on the new Willingdon Linear
Walkway to date. Ms. Joe was concerned about the two large rocks that seem
out of place and she feels that they unbalance the look of the Walkway. She
would also like to see more trees and flowers along the Walkway.
Staff advised that the Willingdon
Linear Walkway is not yet complete. There will be over 200 trees planted
along the corridor. The two large boulders will be incorporated into the
landscape design in a creative and pleasing manner.
Ms. Joe further expressed concern
about tree trimming in her neighbourhood. Some older cherry blossom tree
branches are hanging low requiring walkers to duck under them. She has reported
the issue to the Treeline, but asked if there is a regular maintenance
schedule.
Staff advised that it is challenging
to manage the 60,000 street trees in the City of Burnaby with only two
crews. Council has recently provided increased funding for next year for
tree maintenance.
The Chair advised that the Parks and
Recreation’s budget is the largest operational budget in the City, and great
effort is made to strike a balance between budgets and higher taxes.
Ms. Joe also enquired as to the
annual pass. She feels it is getting more expensive, and no longer provides
the 10% discount that used to be available if the pass was renewed in
September. The 10% discount was eliminated several years ago. She notes
that there are toonie swim days, but the cost is still prohibitive to certain
groups of people who wish to swim. She requested the reintroduction of the
10% discount on the annual passes.
Staff advised that the Be Active
Pass program provides a considerable discount to patrons, and that the annual
pass remains the best deal. Staff will arrange a time for a personal
conversation with Ms. Joe about this issue.
Commissioner Loftus advised that the
Commission takes great care in setting the rates. The City of Burnaby
endeavours to provide rates below all other municipalities, and there is a
significant subsidy in place for Burnaby patrons. The Commission is
dedicated to bringing value to Burnaby’s recreational programs, and tries to
remain as affordable as possible.
Ms. Joe asked if there are any plans
to replace the Willingdon Community Centre, which is surrounded by new, large
houses and no longer serves the growing community.
The Chair advised that there is a
replacement plan being explored. There are two options; the first would be a
new park; the second would be to tie into the Willingdon Linear Walkway and
the Brentwood area. This is still under discussion.
Ms. Joe requested that signage be
improved at the main entrance to Burnaby. Existing signage only says
“Burnaby”, but she would like to see the sign say “Welcome to Burnaby”. She
would also like to see some flowers at the boundaries to Burnaby.
The Chair advised that the
suggestion will be taken under advisement and addressed where possible; that
there are many entrances to Burnaby, and that several roads, such as Boundary
Road and North Road, are shared with other municipalities.
At the conclusion of the meeting,
the Chair thanked the audience for their attendance.
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