A major shift is coming to Burnaby’s active transportation network as construction progresses on the Burnaby Lake Overpass — a much-anticipated pedestrian and cycling bridge spanning Highway 1. Designed to connect key parks and trail networks, the overpass will offer a safe, seamless route for residents, commuters, and visitors alike.

Bridging Communities: Burnaby Lake to Deer Lake

Set between Glencarin Drive and Claude Avenue, the Burnaby Lake Overpass will finally eliminate a major barrier created by Highway 1, linking Burnaby Lake Park, Deer Lake Park, and Robert Burnaby Park. After extensive community consultation and technical evaluation in 2022, the City Council selected this strategic location, recognizing it offered the greatest benefit for residents and the environment.

Once complete, this critical infrastructure will weave together regional greenways like the Central Valley Greenway and the BC Parkway, ensuring a smooth north-south connection for walkers, cyclists, and wheelchair users.

Designed for Durability, Safety, and Comfort

Every element of the Burnaby Lake Overpass has been carefully considered to enhance safety and accessibility. The design takes advantage of the area’s natural raised terrain, minimizing the need for long ramps and creating gentle, accessible grades in line with the BC Active Transportation Design Guide.

Durability is also top of mind. Instead of paint, the structure will feature weathering steel — a material chosen for its impressive 120-year lifespan and resistance to corrosion. For security and comfort, the bridge will be equipped with enhanced lighting under handrails to prevent light spillover, glass barriers to dampen highway noise, CCTV cameras, and design strategies rooted in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

Nearby trails on Sperling Avenue, Glencarin Drive, and the Freeway Trail will also see safety upgrades, creating a ripple effect of improvements throughout the community.

Construction Timeline and Budget Updates

Construction began with site preparation in fall 2023, following years of careful planning and community engagement. Major excavation work is set for fall 2024, with the project expected to wrap up by late 2025 — a three-year journey from groundbreaking to completion.

Initially estimated at $16 million to $18.9 million, the project’s final budget has been recalibrated to $25.4 million. This adjustment stems from the transition from early indicative costing to finalized construction contracts with Jacob Bros. Construction Inc. Fortunately, federal and provincial funding of $6.87 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program helps offset costs, with the remainder covered by Burnaby’s capital budget and third-party contributions.

Environmental Stewardship and Community Sensitivity

From day one, minimizing environmental disruption has been a top priority. Only 43 trees will be removed, with 69 new trees planted in their place, following the City’s tree bylaw. Construction activities will also follow strict environmental regulations, with proactive noise and traffic management strategies in place to limit disruption for nearby residents.

Burnaby’s commitment to thoughtful urban development extends beyond the bridge itself. Future plans include new public washrooms near both landings, public seating, water fountains, bike repair stations, and public art installations — all inspired by community feedback gathered in 2022.

A Vision for the Future

The Burnaby Lake Overpass is more than just a bridge; it represents the city’s broader goals under Connecting Burnaby: Burnaby’s Transportation Plan — Vision Zero, Mode Split, and Zero Emissions. It’s a major step forward in making Burnaby a greener, safer, and more connected city.

The project’s thoughtful design even anticipates future transportation needs, leaving room for potential Highway 1 expansions and a second crossing in the years to come.

*Photos by City of Burnaby

Curious how projects like the Burnaby Lake Overpass are shaping the future of Burnaby’s neighborhoods? We’re keeping a close watch to help you stay informed about opportunities and changes across the city. Want to be one of the first to know? Let’s connect.

The City of Burnaby is taking a major step toward its climate action goals with the development of the Burnaby District Energy Utility (BDEU). This transformative project will deliver sustainable, resilient, and cost-competitive heating solutions to buildings in key Burnaby neighbourhoods, using waste heat from Metro Vancouver’s Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Facility. By targeting high-growth areas like Metrotown and Edmonds, BDEU represents a new chapter in Burnaby’s vision of a greener, more resilient future.

How the Burnaby District Energy Utility Works

District energy is not a new idea—it’s a proven technology adopted worldwide. Instead of each building relying on its own furnace or boiler, district energy systems supply thermal energy to multiple buildings through a network of underground, insulated pipes. Hot water produced at a central energy plant is circulated to buildings, providing efficient space heating and domestic hot water.

For Burnaby, the BDEU’s primary energy source will be waste heat captured from the Metro Vancouver WTE facility in south Burnaby’s Big Bend area. Operating since 1988, the WTE facility already powers 16,000 homes with electricity, but still releases significant waste heat—heat that BDEU will harness three times more efficiently for direct heating.

The flexibility of this system also opens the door to future low-carbon energy sources, making it a cornerstone for long-term climate resilience.

*Photo by City of Burnaby

Where and Who: Service Areas and Requirements

BDEU will initially serve Metrotown and Edmonds, two neighbourhoods projected to absorb almost half of Burnaby’s residential growth over the next two decades. Connection rules are clearly mapped out:

• Mandatory connection for new buildings within the Metrotown and Edmonds core service areas.

• DE-ready design required for new buildings in expansion corridors (Willingdon Avenue south of Highway 1, Kingsway between Metrotown and Edmonds).

• Optional connection for new buildings south of Highway 1 outside the core zones.

• Voluntary retrofits for existing buildings where feasible and cost-effective.

A Metro Vancouver study confirmed the WTE plant produces enough energy to serve these areas, plus Vancouver’s River District, with room for future expansion into more Burnaby neighbourhoods.

Why It Matters: Big Benefits for Burnaby

For the Community

• Major GHG Reductions: BDEU could slash emissions by 82%, equivalent to 22,400 tonnes of CO2e annually, supporting Burnaby’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

• Climate Resilience: By diversifying energy sources and reducing grid reliance, the system enhances Burnaby’s ability to adapt to climate extremes.

• Economic Growth: The project promises the creation of local green jobs in construction, operations, and maintenance.

• Public Education and Amenities: A new energy centre beside Fraser Foreshore Park will include environmental education facilities and public washrooms, further enriching the community.

For Customers

• Affordable Energy: Energy rates will be competitively priced, similar to water and sewer utilities.

• Simplified Operations: Buildings will replace complex rooftop heating systems with compact Energy Transfer Stations (ETSs) in their basements.

• Fuel Flexibility: Future adaptability to different energy sources means buildings can benefit from innovations in low-cost, low-carbon heating.

For Developers

• Lower Construction Costs: No need for rooftop boilers or domestic hot water tanks saves upfront capital.

• More Usable Space: Roofs can be freed up for amenities, additional housing, or communal areas.

• Sustainability Marketing: DE-connected developments can appeal to environmentally conscious buyers and renters.

*Photos by City of Burnaby

Project Timeline and What’s Next

BDEU is moving quickly through its development stages:

• September 2023: Council approved the DE policy and guidelines.

• April 2024: Council awarded a $7.6 million contract for detailed design work.

• September 2024 (anticipated): Construction could begin on Phase 1 infrastructure.

• By 2026: First operations expected to begin.

Phase 1 (2025–2030) will focus on Metrotown and Edmonds, aiming to reduce emissions by 13,400 tonnes CO2 per year. Phases 2 and 3 will expand services through 2040 and 2050.

Meanwhile, agreements are being finalized with Metro Vancouver for heat supply and street access, and the City is preparing to seek provincial approval to formally incorporate the BDEU entity.

A Natural Step in Burnaby’s Green Journey

Burnaby’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis has been steadfast since its 2019 Climate Emergency Declaration, with targets to cut community emissions by 45% by 2030. As nearly 38% of Burnaby’s emissions come from building heating—mostly from natural gas—the BDEU directly addresses one of the city's largest carbon challenges.

Burnaby’s experience with other district energy systems, like those at SFU, BCIT, and Solo District, shows a proven track record of success. Now, the BDEU looks set to become a model for sustainable urban development across the region.

Curious how Burnaby’s new district energy system could shape the future of Metrotown and Edmonds? We’re keeping a close eye on projects like this to keep our clients informed. Want to be one of them?