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Letter: Our Burnaby street is like walking on a goat track

Smith Avenue residents are arguing over if they need sidewalks
burnaby sidewalk sidewalks smith
A section of Smith Avenue in Burnaby. Photo: Karin Alzner/contributed

Editor:

Re: Burnaby wants to add sidewalks in some wrong places, NOW Letters

With regards to Smith Avenue sidewalks, the writer did not mention where on Smith he and his neighbours are opposed to.

He does not speak for all of us who live along Smith. I assure you that I am thrilled to see sidewalks on the west side of Smith Avenue from Canada Way to Kingsway in the plans. I’d go a step further and would like to see a dedicated bike path along Smith Avenue.

I've attached some pictures I've taken of the goat tracks that people have to navigate to get to the bus stops on the west side of Smith between Canada Way and Sunset.

South of Moscrop towards Central Park also is similar and in need of sidewalks on the west side.

I get it that the sidewalk in front of the writer's house now means shovelling snow; however, Burnaby has many people trying to walk or use mobility devices to get where they need to go.

It's frustrating to have to cross Smith back and forth to access sidewalks or worry about slipping on wet grass and mud. Sidewalks will make it so much better in supporting the benefits of walking, using public transport and aligns with the city's strategic plan of fulfilling the goal of a healthy community and a safe community.

Karin Alzner, Burnaby