Queensborough Quick-build Transportation Project
The City of New Westminster is working to make Queensborough safer and more accessible for people walking. This quick-build project aims to close key gaps in Queensborough’s pedestrian network, as identified in the Queensborough Transportation Plan (2024). It also supports the Active Transportation Network Plan 2022 (ATNP) and aligns with the City’s broader commitment to building a car-light community—one of the City’s Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action.
To move quickly and cost-effectively, the City is applying a quick-build approach to pedestrian walkways. Quick-build designs use materials like flexible white posts and concrete barriers that make walking safer and more accessible, with shorter construction time than permanent infrastructure. These temporary upgrades allow the community to experience the changes and the City to make any refinements before any long-term infrastructure investments are made.
Why is this project happening?
In the past, residents have shared concerns about unsafe street conditions in Queensborough, because of a lack of continuous walking spaces, and challenges of navigating these streets without a vehicle. These conditions especially affect people who rely on active transportation, such as children walking to school or seniors using mobility aids within the neighbourhood.
At the same time, the City is facing rising construction costs and limited resources to deliver large-scale, permanent infrastructure projects. In November 2024, Council directed staff to engage with the community about quick-build upgrades to address the community’s concerns about safety, recognizing that traditional sidewalks would take several years to plan, fund and construct for each pedestrian network gap identified in the Queensborough Transportation Plan.
What is open for influence? The City has prioritized quick-build upgrades to improve walking along portions of Campbell Street, Salter Street, and Dawe Street, key priority routes identified in the Queensborough Transportation Plan (2024). Now, we’re looking for your input. Do you support adding quick-build upgrades on these streets? If so, which design features, such as flexible white posts or concrete barriers would make you feel safer and more comfortable walking along these routes? Your feedback will help the City make informed decisions about which interventions best support safety, accessibility, and community needs and how these temporary upgrades can best reflect the neighbourhood’s values. |
What streets are being considered for upgrades?
Quick-build upgrades will focus on three priority routes identified in the Queensborough Transportation Plan (2024) as critical gaps in the neighbourhood’s pedestrian and active transportation network:
- Campbell Street (between Ota Avenue and Salter Street)
- Salter Street (between Campbell Street and Carter Street)
- Dawe Street
These routes were selected based on their importance for local travel, school access, and overall neighbourhood connectivity. Improving these missing links will enhance safety for all users, especially those who rely on walking, and support the growing community.
Map: quick-build upgrades in Queensborough along Campbell Street, Salter Street, and Dawe Street key routes identified in theQueensborough Transportation Plan (2024).Other pedestrian network gaps identified in the Queensborough Transportation Plan (2024) will see upgrades through other City work, including:
- Boyd Street (Howes Street to Queensborough Bridge) – construction Summer 2025 as part of the Active Transportation Network Plan: Year 1 Routes
- Wood Street (Boyd Street to Salter Street) – planning underway as part of the Active Transportation Network Plan: Year 2 Routes
- Howes Street (Ewen Avenue to South Dyke Road) – expected as part of the Active Transportation Network Plan: Year 3 Routes
- Boyne Street (Boyd Street to Salter Street) – planning underway as part of the 2026 Repaving Program
- Lawerence Street (Ewen Avenue to Queensborough Middle School) – planning underway as part of the 2027 Repaving Program
- Boyd Street (Duncan Street to Ewen Avenue) and Derwent Way – planning underway as part of the 2028 Repaving Program
Additionally, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit has committed to the design and construction of a multi-use pathway along Howes Street (Boyd Street to Ewen Avenue). Planning is currently underway for this project.
What types of upgrades are being considered?
The City is considering using quick-build approaches to create protected walkways on these routes by:
 Image: Salter Street near Hendry Place Installing flexible white posts to create a safer, more visible buffer from vehicle traffic |  Image: Seventh Avenue near 21st Street Using concrete barriers to provide enhanced physical separation and protection for pedestrians in high-traffic or higher-risk areas |
The final design of the upgrades will be decided based on the community input and feasibility. Whether you’re a parent walking to school or someone looking for safer sidewalks your input will help ensure the project delivers meaningful upgrades where they’re needed most.
How can I engage?
💬Pop-ups:
Give your feedback to the project team in person at one of our pop-ups. Join us on:
- Saturday, June 14, 12:00 – 3:00 pm at Queensborough Community Centre (outside the main entrance)
- Thursday, June 19, 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Queensborough Community Centre (inside the lobby)
📝Online survey:
Share your thoughts on these proposed upgrades by taking the online survey here. The survey is open until end of day Sunday, July 6.
Next steps
The future of this project will be shaped by the feedback gathered during this community engagement phase. The City will review and summarize input from residents and share findings in a “What We Heard” report, which will be posted on this page.
With your input, Council will make decisions on whether or not quick-build upgrades will be introduced to Campbell Street, Salter Street, and Dawe Street, and if so, what types of quick-build designs will be used. Please visit this page for future project updates.