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Uptown Active Transportation Improvements

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Consultation has concluded

Project Update, June 2023: Construction of the Rotary Crosstown Greenway upgrades along Seventh Avenue between Eighth Street and Fifth Street is now planned to begin in mid-2024, immediately following Metro Vancouver’s water main work along Seventh Avenue as part of their Central Park Main No. 2 project. 

The water main replacement project will be completed prior to the greenway upgrades project to ensure that any necessary work is done before the new active transportation features are installed. By coordinating the two projects, we can minimize disruptions. 

We understand the importance of this project to the community, and we are committed to ensuring the construction process is as smooth and efficient as possible. We will provide regular updates on the project’s progress, and we encourage you to stay informed by checking our Projects on the Go page and social media channels. For ongoing updates regarding Metro Vancouver’s project, visit their Construction Projects page.


Project Update – August 2022: Construction of the New Westminster Secondary School Cycling Connector along Sixth Street will begin the week of August 22, 2022. Construction is expected to be completed in October 2022. For ongoing construction updates, visit the Projects on the Go page on the City's main website.

The new NWSS Cycling Connector design is based on what the City heard from the community and neighbourhood users through two rounds of public engagement. Protected on-street bicycle lanes will be installed on Sixth Street, as well as street enhancements such as a new crosswalk at Hamilton, intersection improvements, and new “floating” bus stops that provide safe waiting areas for transit users that work in conjunction with the new bicycle lanes. The NWSS Cycling Connector will run along Sixth Street from Seventh Avenue to the southeast corner of New Westminster Secondary School.

Based on the preferences and priorities we heard from the public, the final design includes:

  • A revised bus stop design to retain street trees at the gas station
  • A raised bicycle lane at the northeast corner of Sixth Street and Eighth Avenue to provide more space for refuge

Meanwhile, construction of the Rotary Crosstown Greenway upgrades along Seventh Avenue between Eighth Street and Fifth Street has now been postponed until next year (2023). This is to coordinate with the planned water main work by Metro Vancouver along Seventh Avenue next year. Our goal is to minimize the overall impacts from both construction projects. Again, more details will be shared as they are available.


Project Update: April 21, 2022 - Round 2 Engagement Reports

The What We Heard Public Engagement Summary Report for the second round of engagement is now available. From February 3-22, 2022, we heard from more than 300 participants across a variety of engagement activities: a survey, a pop-up, stakeholder meetings, and school-based engagement. Check out the report to learn about participants' level of support for the recommended designs for upgrades to the Rotary Crosstown Greenway on Seventh Avenue, and the new active transportation connector to New Westminster Secondary School. We also heard about how well the designs achieve goals such as safety, what participants like about the recommended designs, suggestions for improvement, and more.

A shorter, visual summary is also available here. All participants’ verbatim comments are also available. Find the reports in the Documents section on the right of this page (scroll down on mobile).

Project Update: February 3, 2022 - Round 2 Engagement on Recommended Designs

During the first round of public and stakeholder engagement last fall, we heard your priorities and preferences for upgrades to the Rotary Crosstown Greenway, and a new cycling connection to New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS). The project team has developed the recommended designs using what was heard from public and stakeholder engagement in the fall of 2021, along with a comprehensive technical analysis.

Map highlighting the existing Rotary Crosstown Greenway, further emphasizing the section of the Rotary Crosstown Greenway between Eighth Street and Fifth Street where upgrades will be implemented. It also shows the RCG connecting to the chosen route for the NWSS Cycling Connector from Seventh Avenue up Sixth Street directly to the school.

Input from round two of engagement will be used to help the project team further refine the designs as the team works toward construction in the summer and fall of 2022. Ultimately, your feedback will help contribute to reimagining some streets to make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to cycle, wheel, or walk comfortably and safely in Uptown.

To learn more about some of the key design features CLICK HERE for a visual summary of the recommended design for the NWSS Cycling Corridor and CLICK HERE for a visual summary of the recommended design for the RCG Upgrades.

The video below is a presentation by the project team on the recommended designs for the Rotary Crosstown Greenway upgrades and New Westminster Secondary School Cycling Connector.


Project Update: November 15, 2021 - Round 1 Engagement Reports

The What We Heard Public Engagement Summary Report is now available. Check out the report for what participants chose as their preferred design options for the Rotary Crosstown Greenway Improvements and preferred routing options for the NWSS Cycling Connector, as well as key priorities for each corridor, as heard from the public and stakeholder groups. A shorter, visual summary is also available here.

The full survey report as well as all participants’ verbatim comments are also available. Find the reports in the Documents section on the right of this page (scroll down on mobile).


The City of New Westminster is launching the design process for the Uptown Active Transportation Improvements. This includes two exciting projects that together will reimagine some of our streets to enable people of all ages and abilities to move comfortably and safely on foot, bicycle, and other non-motorized wheels in Uptown.

  1. The Rotary Crosstown Greenway (RCG) Upgrades will improve safety, comfort, and accessibility on the section of the existing Rotary Crosstown Greenway along Seventh Avenue, between Eighth Street and Fifth Street. These upgrades will replace the interim bike lanes installed on Seventh Avenue in 2017.
  2. The new New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS) Cycling Connector project will link the Rotary Crosstown Greenway on Seventh Avenue to the east entrance of the new school on Sixth Street, enabling students, staff and visitors to conveniently and safely cycle, wheel or walk to the school from the east and south.

Both projects take direction from the vision set in the City of New Westminster’s Council-approved Uptown Streetscape Vision, to create “a vibrant commercial district with a distinct identity, accessible and sustainable transportation, and inviting and engaging public spaces that are welcoming to all people." Related to this project, engagement on the Uptown Sixth Street Public Realm Improvements will launch later this fall.

These projects align with the City’s Master Transportation Plan goals and 7 Bold Steps for Climate Action - specifically, Car-light Community and Quality People-Centred Public Realm.

Another key goal of this project is to provide a crosstown greenway and connection to NWSS that is safer and more comfortable for people of all ages and abilities, improves the cycling and walking experiences, as well as improves accessibility.

Additional goals include enhancing the public realm and tree canopy, seeking opportunities for green infrastructure, and reducing the impacts of motor vehicles and through traffic in this neighbourhood, while limiting the impacts to people who rely on on-street parking.

To learn more about the Rotary Crosstown Greenway Upgrades and the New Westminster Secondary School Cycling Connector, watch the project video below:



Project Update, June 2023: Construction of the Rotary Crosstown Greenway upgrades along Seventh Avenue between Eighth Street and Fifth Street is now planned to begin in mid-2024, immediately following Metro Vancouver’s water main work along Seventh Avenue as part of their Central Park Main No. 2 project. 

The water main replacement project will be completed prior to the greenway upgrades project to ensure that any necessary work is done before the new active transportation features are installed. By coordinating the two projects, we can minimize disruptions. 

We understand the importance of this project to the community, and we are committed to ensuring the construction process is as smooth and efficient as possible. We will provide regular updates on the project’s progress, and we encourage you to stay informed by checking our Projects on the Go page and social media channels. For ongoing updates regarding Metro Vancouver’s project, visit their Construction Projects page.


Project Update – August 2022: Construction of the New Westminster Secondary School Cycling Connector along Sixth Street will begin the week of August 22, 2022. Construction is expected to be completed in October 2022. For ongoing construction updates, visit the Projects on the Go page on the City's main website.

The new NWSS Cycling Connector design is based on what the City heard from the community and neighbourhood users through two rounds of public engagement. Protected on-street bicycle lanes will be installed on Sixth Street, as well as street enhancements such as a new crosswalk at Hamilton, intersection improvements, and new “floating” bus stops that provide safe waiting areas for transit users that work in conjunction with the new bicycle lanes. The NWSS Cycling Connector will run along Sixth Street from Seventh Avenue to the southeast corner of New Westminster Secondary School.

Based on the preferences and priorities we heard from the public, the final design includes:

  • A revised bus stop design to retain street trees at the gas station
  • A raised bicycle lane at the northeast corner of Sixth Street and Eighth Avenue to provide more space for refuge

Meanwhile, construction of the Rotary Crosstown Greenway upgrades along Seventh Avenue between Eighth Street and Fifth Street has now been postponed until next year (2023). This is to coordinate with the planned water main work by Metro Vancouver along Seventh Avenue next year. Our goal is to minimize the overall impacts from both construction projects. Again, more details will be shared as they are available.


Project Update: April 21, 2022 - Round 2 Engagement Reports

The What We Heard Public Engagement Summary Report for the second round of engagement is now available. From February 3-22, 2022, we heard from more than 300 participants across a variety of engagement activities: a survey, a pop-up, stakeholder meetings, and school-based engagement. Check out the report to learn about participants' level of support for the recommended designs for upgrades to the Rotary Crosstown Greenway on Seventh Avenue, and the new active transportation connector to New Westminster Secondary School. We also heard about how well the designs achieve goals such as safety, what participants like about the recommended designs, suggestions for improvement, and more.

A shorter, visual summary is also available here. All participants’ verbatim comments are also available. Find the reports in the Documents section on the right of this page (scroll down on mobile).

Project Update: February 3, 2022 - Round 2 Engagement on Recommended Designs

During the first round of public and stakeholder engagement last fall, we heard your priorities and preferences for upgrades to the Rotary Crosstown Greenway, and a new cycling connection to New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS). The project team has developed the recommended designs using what was heard from public and stakeholder engagement in the fall of 2021, along with a comprehensive technical analysis.

Map highlighting the existing Rotary Crosstown Greenway, further emphasizing the section of the Rotary Crosstown Greenway between Eighth Street and Fifth Street where upgrades will be implemented. It also shows the RCG connecting to the chosen route for the NWSS Cycling Connector from Seventh Avenue up Sixth Street directly to the school.

Input from round two of engagement will be used to help the project team further refine the designs as the team works toward construction in the summer and fall of 2022. Ultimately, your feedback will help contribute to reimagining some streets to make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to cycle, wheel, or walk comfortably and safely in Uptown.

To learn more about some of the key design features CLICK HERE for a visual summary of the recommended design for the NWSS Cycling Corridor and CLICK HERE for a visual summary of the recommended design for the RCG Upgrades.

The video below is a presentation by the project team on the recommended designs for the Rotary Crosstown Greenway upgrades and New Westminster Secondary School Cycling Connector.


Project Update: November 15, 2021 - Round 1 Engagement Reports

The What We Heard Public Engagement Summary Report is now available. Check out the report for what participants chose as their preferred design options for the Rotary Crosstown Greenway Improvements and preferred routing options for the NWSS Cycling Connector, as well as key priorities for each corridor, as heard from the public and stakeholder groups. A shorter, visual summary is also available here.

The full survey report as well as all participants’ verbatim comments are also available. Find the reports in the Documents section on the right of this page (scroll down on mobile).


The City of New Westminster is launching the design process for the Uptown Active Transportation Improvements. This includes two exciting projects that together will reimagine some of our streets to enable people of all ages and abilities to move comfortably and safely on foot, bicycle, and other non-motorized wheels in Uptown.

  1. The Rotary Crosstown Greenway (RCG) Upgrades will improve safety, comfort, and accessibility on the section of the existing Rotary Crosstown Greenway along Seventh Avenue, between Eighth Street and Fifth Street. These upgrades will replace the interim bike lanes installed on Seventh Avenue in 2017.
  2. The new New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS) Cycling Connector project will link the Rotary Crosstown Greenway on Seventh Avenue to the east entrance of the new school on Sixth Street, enabling students, staff and visitors to conveniently and safely cycle, wheel or walk to the school from the east and south.

Both projects take direction from the vision set in the City of New Westminster’s Council-approved Uptown Streetscape Vision, to create “a vibrant commercial district with a distinct identity, accessible and sustainable transportation, and inviting and engaging public spaces that are welcoming to all people." Related to this project, engagement on the Uptown Sixth Street Public Realm Improvements will launch later this fall.

These projects align with the City’s Master Transportation Plan goals and 7 Bold Steps for Climate Action - specifically, Car-light Community and Quality People-Centred Public Realm.

Another key goal of this project is to provide a crosstown greenway and connection to NWSS that is safer and more comfortable for people of all ages and abilities, improves the cycling and walking experiences, as well as improves accessibility.

Additional goals include enhancing the public realm and tree canopy, seeking opportunities for green infrastructure, and reducing the impacts of motor vehicles and through traffic in this neighbourhood, while limiting the impacts to people who rely on on-street parking.

To learn more about the Rotary Crosstown Greenway Upgrades and the New Westminster Secondary School Cycling Connector, watch the project video below:



Consultation has concluded

  • Round 2 Engagement Snapshot

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  • Recommended Designs Details

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    Note: Click the title above to display/open all of the graphics and images included in this post.


    We heard your priorities and preferences for upgrades to the Rotary Crosstown Greenway, and a new cycling connection to New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS), during the first round of engagement last fall.

    The project team has now developed the recommended designs using what was heard from public and stakeholder engagement in the fall of 2021, along with a comprehensive technical analysis.


    Rotary Crosstown Greenway

    The greenway upgrades project is designed to improve safety, comfort, and accessibility on the section of the existing Rotary Crosstown Greenway along Seventh Avenue between Eighth Street and Fifth Street. These upgrades will replace the interim bike lanes installed on Seventh Avenue in 2017.


    Map highlighting the existing Rotary Crosstown Greenway, further emphasizing the section of the Rotary Crosstown Greenway between Eighth Street and Fifth Street where upgrades will be implemented.

    A street with two-way vehicle traffic on it and parking on the right-hand side of the street. To the right of the parked cars is a curb, strip of grass with trees planted on it, one-way bike lane with pavement markings on it and cyclists depicted cycling on it. To the right of the bicycle lane is a sidewalk which is at the same level as the bicycle path. There are people walking and rolling in a wheel chair on it. To the left of the road there is a one-way bicycle lane that is at the same grade as the road. There are striped pavement markings between the bicycle path and the roadway as well as on the path depicting bicycles. To the left of the bicycle lane is a curb. Raised above the curb is a narrow strip of grass (no trees on it) and to the left of the grass is a sidewalk with people walking on it

    The recommended design is based on option 2 from the first round of engagement, which involves providing one-way protected bicycle lanes on each side of the street that are physically separated from vehicle traffic. The recommended design includes the following key design features:

    A. A reconstructed sidewalk along the south side of Seventh Avenue to improve walking and accessibility
    B. Wider and realigned protected bicycle lanes with physical protection from vehicles that avoid the jogs in the current bicycle lanes due to the existing utility poles
    C. Safety improvements at driveways along the corridor, including green conflict-zone markings, continuous raised sidewalk and bicycle lane across driveways on the south side of Seventh Avenue, and curb extensions on the south side to improve visibility
    D. Landscaping and seating at several locations on this section of the greenway
    E. Intersection improvements on Seventh Avenue at Fifth Street, Sixth Street and Eighth
    F. On-street parking maintained along the south side of Seventh Avenue (parking removed on north side)
    G. Two loading zones maintained on the north side of Seventh Avenue
    H. Mid-Block Crosswalk on Seventh Avenue with raised crossing to provide safe crossing opportunity

    Graphic of Full Recommended Design

    This graphic shows a section of the Rotary Crosstown Greenway design on Seventh Avenue from Eighth Street and Fifth Street. It lists the 8 design features as described above and shows where they are located on the map. The reconstructed sidewalk is shown on the design along the south side of Seventh Avenue from Eighth Street to Fifth Street. The Wider and realigned protected bicycle lanes are shown on the design on either side of the road from Seventh Avenue from Eighth Street to Fifth Street. The safety improvements at driveways are shown on the design at two example locations on the South side of Seventh Avenue - one between Eighth Street and Sixth Street and one between Seventh Street and Sixth Street. The landscaping and seating are shown on the design at three example locations all on the south side of Seventh Avenue, one immediately to the east of Eighth Street one mid-block between Eighth Street and Sixth Street and one mid-block between Sixth Street and Fifth Street. Three intersections on Seventh Avenue, at Eighth, Sixth and Fifth are highlighted on the design as areas for improvements. On-street parking is shown on the design along the south side of Seventh Avenue between Eighth Street and Fifth Street. Two loading zones are shown on the design on the north side of Seventh Avenue both between Eighth Street and Sixth Street. A raised crosswalk is shown on the design mid-block on Seventh Avenue between Eighth Street and Seventh Avenue.

    Graphics of Recommended Design Enlarged Section by Section

    This graphic shows a section of the Rotary Crosstown Greenway design on Seventh Avenue Immediately East of Eighth Street. It shows 7 of the design features and where they are located on the map. The reconstructed sidewalk is shown on the design along the south side of Seventh Avenue on this section of the map. The Wider and realigned protected bicycle lanes are shown on the design on either side of the road on this section of the map. One safety improvement at a driveway is shown on the design on the South side of Seventh Avenue - mid-block between Eighth Street and Sixth Street. The landscaping and seating are shown on one location on the design on the south side of Seventh Avenue, immediately to the east of Eighth Street. The intersection on Seventh Avenue at Eighth is highlighted on the design as area for improvements. On-street parking is shown on the design along the south side of Seventh Avenue on this section. One loading zones is shown on the design on the north side of Seventh Avenue between Eighth Street and Sixth Street.

    This graphic shows a section of the recommended Rotary Crosstown Greenway design on Seventh Avenue mid-block between Eighth Street and Sixth Street. It shows 7 of the design features and where they are located on the map. The reconstructed sidewalk is shown on the design along the south side of Seventh Avenue on this section of the map. The wider and realigned protected bicycle lanes are shown on the design on either side of the road on this section of the map. One safety improvement at a driveway is shown on the design on the South side of Seventh Avenue - mid-block between Eighth Street and Sixth Street. The landscaping and seating are shown on one location on the design on the south side of Seventh Avenue mid-block between Eighth and Sixth Street. On-street parking is shown on the design along the south side of Seventh Avenue on this section. One loading zones is shown on the design on the north side of Seventh Avenue between Eighth Street and Sixth Street. The mid-block crosswalk on Seventh Avenue between Eighth Street and Sixth Street is shown on the map.

    This graphic shows a section of the recommended Rotary Crosstown Greenway design on Seventh Avenue immediately west of Sixth Street and between Sixth Street and Fifth Street. It shows 6 of the design features and where they are located on the map. The reconstructed sidewalk is shown on the design along the south side of Seventh Avenue on this section of the map. The wider and realigned protected bicycle lanes are shown on the design on either side of the road on this section of the map. One safety improvement at a driveway is shown on the design on the South side of Seventh Avenue - mid-block between Sixth Street and Fifth Street. The landscaping and seating are shown on one location on the design on the south side of Seventh Avenue mid-block between Sixth Street and Fifth Street. The intersections at Sixth Street and Seventh Avenue and Fifth Street and Seventh Avenue are highlighted as intersections that will see improvements. On-street parking is shown on the design along the south side of Seventh Avenue on this section.


    New Westminster Secondary School Cycling Connector

    The New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS) Cycling Connector project will link Seventh Avenue to the east entrance of the new school on Sixth Street, enabling students, staff, and visitors to conveniently and safely cycle, wheel or walk to the school from the east and the south.

    The recommended design is based on a route along Sixth Street, with on-street protected bicycle lanes. This connection will be constructed primarily with lower cost, durable, and flexible materials.


    This map shows the recommended route for the New Westminster Secondary School Cycling Connector on Sixth Street from Seventh Avenue to the east corner of the New Westminster Secondary School

    This image depicts a skateboarder and cyclists using a cycling lane that is protected by a concrete barrier and well marked with green and white markings. Each side of the street depicts a one way protected lane. Pedestrians are walking next to the protected lanes, and are separated from the lanes through greenery or a concrete curb.

    Key features of the design include:

    A. Protected bicycle lanes with physical protection from vehicles using low-cost, durable, and adjustable materials
    B. New bus stop designs to provide a safe waiting area for transit users
    C. Addition of new curb extension and crosswalk at Hamilton Street and Sixth Street
    D. Intersection improvements on Sixth Street at Eighth Avenue and at Seventh Avenue
    E. Removal of the bus stop on Sixth Street approximately 15 meters north of Seventh Avenue

    Graphic of Full Recommended Design

    This graphic shows the full recommended route for New Westminster Secondary School Cycling Connector, along Sixth Street from Seventh Avenue to the east entrance of the New Westminster Secondary School. It lists the 5 design features as described above and shows where they are located on the map. The protected bicycle lanes are shown on the design on either side of the road throughout the entire area. New bus stop designs are indicated on the map mid-block on Sixth Street above Eighth Avenue on the east side, and mid-block between Eighth Avenue and Hamilton Street on the west side. A new curb extension and crosswalk is show on Sixth Street at Hamilton Street. Two intersections on Sixth Street, at Eighth Avenue and Seventh Avenue are highlighted on the design as areas for improvements. It shows a Removal of the bus stop on Sixth Street approximately 15 meters north of Seventh Avenue.

    Graphics of Recommended Design Enlarged Version Section by Section

    This graphic shows a section of the NWSS Cycling Connector design on Sixth Street North of Eighth Street o the New Westminster Secondary School east entrance It shows 2 of the design features and where they are located on the map, including: The protected bicycle lanes are shown on the design on either side of the road throughout the entire area. A location where there will be a new bus stop design is indicated on the map mid-block on Sixth Street above Eighth Avenue on the east side

    his graphic shows a section of the NWSS Cycling Connector design on Sixth Street from North of Eighth Street to South of Hamilton Street. It shows 4 of the design features and where they are located on the map, including: The protected bicycle lanes are shown on the design on either side of the road throughout the entire area. A location where there will be a new bus stop design is indicated on the map mid-block on Sixth Street above Hamilton Street on the west side. A new curb extension and crosswalk is show on Sixth Street at Hamilton Street. One intersection on Sixth Street, at Eighth Avenue is highlighted on the design as areas for improvements.

    This graphic shows a section of the NWSS Cycling Connector design on South of Hamilton Street and Eighth Avenue to South of Seventh Avenue. It shows 4 of the design features and where they are located on the map, including: The protected bicycle lanes are shown on the design on either side of the road throughout the entire area. One intersection on Sixth Street, at Eighth Avenue is highlighted on the design as areas for improvements. It shows a Removal of the bus stop on Sixth Street approximately 15 meters north of Seventh Avenue.


  • Round 1 Engagement Snapshot

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    From September 22 to October 20, community members and stakeholders were invited to participate in several engagement activities about the Uptown Active Transportation Improvements.

    The following is a snapshot of the promotion and engagement activities, as well as what we heard in the online survey, and at the pop-ups from participants on their preferred design options for the Rotary Crosstown Greenway Improvements and preferred routing options for the NWSS Cycling Connector, as well as key priorities for each corridor.

    A detailed Engagement summary report can be found in the Documents section of this project page or by CLICKING HERE.