A Burnaby city councillor wants to see major streets become car-free on Sundays in the summer.
Coun. Pietro Calendino wants staff to study once-a-month car-free Sundays from mid-May to mid-September, according to a notice of motion he submitted for next Monday's council meeting.
He suggested streets be picked on a rotating basis on the following commercial corridors:
- Hastings Street from Boundary Road to Gamma Avenue (may coincide with Hats Off Day)
- Kingsway from Patterson Avenue to Royal Oak Avenue
- Edmonds Street between Kingsway and Canada Way
- Sixth Street between Edmonds Street and 10th Avenue
- Central Boulevard (may coincide with July 1 StreetFest)
The streets would be for the use of pedestrians, alternate mobility users, roller skaters, vendors, entertainers, food trucks and local businesses to expand their business on the sidewalk or curbside.
He added car-free days would "create a stronger sense of community" by inviting Burnaby residents to come out of their houses and congregate without the danger of traffic and encouraging them to walk, cycle, roll and dance on the street.
Calendino said "most major world-class cities" dedicate streets in historical or commercial centres to pedestrians.
It would also "positively contribute to climate change action by reducing the use of the auto and thus reduction of (greenhouse gases)."
Calendino's motion also requests staff to canvass businesses in affected corridors for their input.
Council may consider the motion at its meeting Monday, Jan. 29 or refer it to the following meeting Feb. 12.
