February 2023

In attendance

Andrew, Colin, Vince, Leon, Dragana, Colleen

Report of the Co-Chair (Andrew)

• Andrew noted the letter for United Boulevard is in progress. Hopes to send the letter to get to know Thomas Thivener at Coquitlam, understand plans for United, and hopefully spur the city into action.
• Andrew has registered to be part of the OCP update process for Port Moody. Andrew attended a session in his personal capacity to support cycling.
• Andrew has inquired with Port Moody regarding the Transportation Committee. He has not received a followup.

Action Item: Andrew to send out United Boulevard letter.

Report of the Co-Chair (Colin)

• Colin notes the Sumiqwuelu signage and chain removal has occurred. Membership appears to be very pleased with this change as per the Facebook group. Notes significant work of committee to get this achieved, but need for continued gratitude for the KFN and BC Housing for making this happen.

Action Item: Colleen to reach out to the Tri-City News regarding the signage.

Report of the Infrastructure Lead (Vince)

• Vince met with Jeff Leigh to take over the gap map and gap tracking sheet. Vince has learned how to mark items and track them. Vine reports that three gaps are now officially closed:
  • Gap 907 - Lougheed Highway pathway between Holly Drive and Colony Farm Road, following the completion of the signage
  • Gap 959 - Lougheed Highway, south side, between Christmas Way and the Pinetree/Barnet intersection, following the completion of the MUP
  • Gap 1431, Gatensbury Road from the Port Moody border to Regan, following the completion of the MUP
• Vince further notes that the trail connecting Harvsersley Avenue and Austin Avenue via Mundy Park is almost completed.

Following discussion, the committee decided not to formalize a rating system to prioritize gaps given this would be time-consuming and subjective.

Action Item: Vince to inform Jeff Leigh of the gaps to be changed to "completed".

Report of the Trails & Greenways Representative (Leon)

• Leon continues to work on Experience the Fraser, Great Blue Heron Way, and the Trans Canada Trail.
  • The goal of Great Blue Heron Way is to build greenways to connect first nation routes. KM 0 is Tswwassen at the ferry terminal. Leon will meet with Destination BC soon to discuss the Experience the Fraser routes. Current work includes mapping (consultant has been hired).
  • Work is underway with Destination BC to build loop trails. Destination BC is supporting Metro Vancouver Parks and other greenways to encourage use & tourism. There are a large number of stakeholders and most want to see more greenways.

2023 Action Plan

• Andrew generally maintained the same Action Plan due to its success, but wants to ensure each of the Top 10 Gaps receives either a news article or a letter. Additionally, new people joining meetings should receive "onboarding" packages with information about the committee and our work.

Action Items:

• Colin to build "matrix" for gaps, news article, and letter option
• Colin to build onboarding package for new members
• Colin to reach out to MOTI to set up a meeting
• Dragana to send emails to TORCA, Tri-Cities Cycling, and Force of Nature

Advocacy updates

1. Oakdale letter

• Dragana has not heard back from Coquitlam regarding the Oakdale letter. She has sent a copy to the Tri-Cities Dispatch, the Oakdale Neighbourhood Association, and HUB's Burnaby Committee.

Other items brought up by members

• Dragana has begun liaising with the HUB Cycling Burnaby Committee Discord group and can provide a connection between the two committees. In addition, she is working with the BC Cycling Coalition on their Safe Routes Now project and supporting data collection on routes.