A major transformation is on the horizon for New Westminster's Uptown neighbourhood, as the City moves forward with the next phase of its Rotary Crosstown Greenway improvements. Slated to begin construction in mid-2024, the project focuses on a key corridor—Seventh Avenue between Fifth Street and Eighth Street—aiming to make it safer, greener, and more welcoming for everyone, from school kids on bikes to seniors out for a stroll.
This upgrade is part of a broader effort to foster active transportation in the city’s Uptown area, aligning with goals outlined in New Westminster’s Uptown Streetscape Vision and the ambitious 7 Bold Steps for Climate Action.
A People-Centred Vision for Uptown Mobility
At its heart, the Rotary Crosstown Greenway 5th - 8th Street project is about reimagining how people move through their neighbourhoods. The City’s goal? Enable residents of all ages and abilities to travel safely and comfortably on foot, by bike, and using other non-motorized wheels.
This segment of the Greenway project plays a critical role in expanding New Westminster’s cycling network and offers improved connections for everyday activities—whether you're commuting to work, heading to class at New Westminster Secondary, or simply enjoying a weekend ride.
The project also fits seamlessly into larger city-building goals: reducing reliance on cars, promoting green infrastructure, and enhancing the overall public realm. More than just a mobility project, it’s a public space initiative.
What to Expect: Protected Lanes, Green Features, and More
Community input was central to shaping the final design, which emerged through two rounds of public engagement. Here’s what residents can look forward to once construction is complete:
Protected bicycle lanes along Seventh Avenue from Fifth Street to Eighth Street, creating a much-needed safe cycling connection in Uptown.
New landscaping and seating areas to support an enjoyable and accessible public realm.
A mid-block raised crosswalk between Eighth and Sixth Streets, improving pedestrian safety.
Beyond these physical improvements, the project will also explore ways to enhance the street’s tree canopy and introduce green infrastructure where feasible, contributing to climate resilience and urban livability.
Coordinated Construction Timeline
Construction of the Greenway upgrades is scheduled to begin in mid-2024, following the completion of Metro Vancouver’s water main work—part of the Central Park Main No. 2 project—along the same corridor. This strategic coordination is designed to minimize disruption for residents and businesses alike.
In the meantime, interim upgrades are being considered for summer 2024. These include temporary measures like flexible bollards to signal upcoming changes and support safer biking in advance of full implementation.
A Long-Term Vision Rooted in Community Input
The journey toward this “ultimate design” has been in motion for several years. Back in 2017, the City implemented temporary improvements between Fifth and Eighth Streets as part of the 2016 Engineering Services Work Plan. These early enhancements were guided by input from an Advisory Committee on active transportation and set the stage for New Westminster’s first All Ages and Abilities cycling facility.
Since then, public consultation efforts in 2018 and again in 2020 shaped the more permanent changes now moving forward. The City’s commitment to meaningful community engagement has ensured that the final plan reflects local needs and aspirations.
What’s Next for Uptown?
As New Westminster continues to prioritize sustainable transportation and climate-friendly development, projects like the Rotary Crosstown Greenway signal a shift toward more inclusive and environmentally conscious urban design.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the City’s official channels and project pages. Construction updates for both the Greenway and the Metro Vancouver water main work are being shared regularly.
Curious how these upgrades could reshape everyday life in Uptown? We’re keeping a close watch on projects like this so our clients are always in the know. Want to be one of them?
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