Burnaby Open Data: Smart Traffic Data & Bylaws

Technology and Data British Columbia 4 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Burnaby, British Columbia provides open datasets and APIs that cover traffic counts, signal timings, parking occupancy and related transportation information. This guide explains where to find smart traffic data on the City of Burnaby open data portal, how municipal bylaws and bylaw enforcement can affect the use of that data, and the practical steps to query APIs or report field issues.

Where to find traffic datasets and APIs

The City of Burnaby publishes an Open Data Catalogue with searchable traffic and transportation datasets and API endpoints. Use the portal to download CSV/GeoJSON, view metadata and obtain API tokens or query examples City of Burnaby Open Data[1]. For the legal texts that govern municipal powers and data disclosures, consult the City bylaws index Burnaby bylaws[2]. Operational enforcement and complaints about parking or other on-street rules are handled by By-law Enforcement, City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement[3].

Open data portal pages list dataset names and metadata but may not reproduce full bylaw text on the same page.

Access, formats and common datasets

  • Traffic counts: automated counts by location, usually available as time-series CSV or GeoJSON.
  • Signal and intersection data: signal schedules, controller IDs and mapping layers where published.
  • Parking occupancy and meter data where provided under open data licences.
  • API endpoints and query examples included in dataset metadata for developers.

Penalties & Enforcement

Municipal bylaws and enforcement affect on-street parking, loading zones and some traffic-related prohibitions within Burnaby. Specific fine amounts, escalation rules and statutory references are set out in the controlling bylaws and enforcement notices; when a fine or section is not shown directly on an open data page, it is noted as such and the controlling bylaw should be consulted for details.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the bylaws index or the applicable bylaw for precise amounts and schedules.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page and must be verified in the relevant bylaw.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove obstructions, towing or seizure of goods where authorised by bylaw; details depend on the specific bylaw.
  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement, City of Burnaby handles municipal bylaw tickets and compliance actions; some traffic enforcement is provincial and handled by RCMP/ICBC for vehicle code offences.
  • Inspection and complaints: report parking or bylaw issues through By-law Enforcement complaint pathways; see the By-law Enforcement service page.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits vary by bylaw; specific appeal periods and procedures are not specified on the cited open data page and should be confirmed in the controlling bylaw or enforcement notice.
If a specific penalty amount or appeal timeframe is required, check the controlling bylaw text rather than the open data metadata.

Applications & Forms

  • Ticket disputes / appeals: procedures and any required forms are defined by the issuing authority; not specified on the open data catalogue page.
  • Permit or variance requests for on-street changes: apply through the City of Burnaby engineering or permitting office; consult the city website for current forms and fees.

How to use the data while respecting bylaws

Follow these practical steps to use Burnaby traffic open data and remain compliant with municipal requirements: verify dataset license and attribution, check the controlling bylaw for actions that require permits, and coordinate physical works or signage changes with the City engineering or traffic section.

FAQ

Where can I download Burnaby traffic datasets and APIs?
The City of Burnaby Open Data portal lists traffic, signal and parking datasets with download and API options; see the Open Data Catalogue link above.[1]
Do I need permission to use the data commercially?
Check the dataset licence in the open data metadata; licence terms are shown on each dataset record on the portal.[1]
Who enforces parking and on-street rules in Burnaby?
By-law Enforcement, City of Burnaby handles municipal bylaw enforcement for parking and related issues; provincial bodies enforce vehicle code offences.[3]

How-To

  1. Find the relevant dataset on the City of Burnaby Open Data portal and open its metadata to confirm fields and licence.
  2. Use the provided API endpoint or download CSV/GeoJSON for offline analysis, following the dataset's usage examples.
  3. If you plan fieldwork or changes to signage, consult City engineering and apply for permits as required.
  4. Report data errors or on-street bylaw issues to By-law Enforcement with location details and supporting evidence.

Key Takeaways

  • Burnaby publishes traffic datasets and APIs via its Open Data Catalogue; check dataset metadata first.
  • Bylaws govern enforcement, fines and appeals; specific amounts or time limits may not appear on dataset pages.
  • Contact By-law Enforcement for complaints and the City engineering office for permits or street changes.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby Open Data Catalogue
  2. [2] Burnaby bylaws index
  3. [3] By-law Enforcement, City of Burnaby

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data