Request a Council Hearing on Traffic - Burnaby Bylaws

Transportation British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia · By Daniel Roy

In Burnaby, British Columbia, residents and businesses can ask city council to hear traffic concerns ranging from neighbourhood speeding and traffic calming to parking restrictions and temporary road changes. This guide explains who manages traffic-related bylaws, how to request a council hearing or delegation, what enforcement and penalties exist, and the practical steps to prepare an application, submit evidence, and follow up with the city. Use the steps below to escalate urgent safety issues or to seek changes to local traffic controls through the municipal process.

Penalties & Enforcement

Responsibility for traffic-related enforcement in Burnaby is split between municipal bylaw officers and police for moving violations. The city enforces municipal bylaws (parking, municipal traffic controls, permits) while policing agencies handle criminal and motor-vehicle-act offences. Exact fine amounts, escalation rules, and statutory sections vary by instrument and are not specified on the cited page; consult the enforcing office for ticket details. Current as of May 2026.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; amounts appear on the ticket or the specific bylaw schedule.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence handling not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, remedial work orders, seizure or towing for hazards, and court actions where applicable; specifics not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcers: City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement for municipal matters; police/RCMP for moving violations and criminal offences.
  • Appeals & review: time limits and appeal routes vary by enforcement instrument; contest procedures are described on tickets or bylaw notices and are not specified on the cited page.
If you receive a bylaw ticket, read the ticket for appeal deadlines; many require prompt action.

Applications & Forms

Requests to have traffic matters heard by council typically begin as a delegation request or a petition to the city department responsible for transportation and traffic calming. The city also accepts written requests and supporting evidence for consideration at council or by staff review. Where the city publishes a specific traffic-calming or delegation form, use that form and follow submission instructions on the city site; if no form is published, submit a clear written request with contacts and evidence.

  • Common form name: Traffic calming request or delegation to council form - fee: not specified on the cited page.
  • How to submit: usually by email to the responsible department or by using the council delegations process; check the city website for the current submission address.
  • Deadlines: delegation submission deadlines depend on council agenda timelines and are not specified on the cited page.

Preparing a Request for Council

Prepare a concise request that explains the traffic problem, location, times, and safety impact. Include photographs, video, witness statements, speed or count data if available, and suggested remedies (signage, speed cushions, no-parking zones, intersection improvements). Provide a local contact and indicate whether you seek a public delegation at a council meeting or a staff-led review.

  • Evidence: photos, videos, and clear location descriptions strengthen your request.
  • Remedies to propose: traffic calming, revised parking, crossing improvements, or temporary trials.
  • Timeline expectations: staff review and council scheduling can take weeks to months depending on complexity.
If the issue is an immediate safety hazard, contact emergency services and the city’s 24-hour service line first.

Action steps

  1. Identify the correct submission route: delegation to council or traffic-calming request to engineering/transportation.
  2. Gather evidence: photos, witness names, dates, times, and any prior complaints.
  3. Submit the request using the published form or by email to the department; request a delegation if you want to speak live to council.
  4. Attend the meeting or follow up with staff; track the item through council agendas and minutes.

FAQ

Can I speak at a Burnaby council meeting about a traffic issue?
Yes; request to be a delegation through the council delegations process and follow the submission deadlines posted by the city.
Will the city always install physical traffic calming after a request?
No; staff assess safety, cost, and city standards before recommending measures, and installation depends on budget and approvals.

How-To

  1. Find the city’s current delegation and traffic-calming request instructions on the official City of Burnaby website.
  2. Complete the delegation or traffic-calming form, attach evidence, and submit by the published deadline.
  3. Confirm receipt with the city and note the council agenda date if scheduled as a delegation.
  4. If denied, request written reasons and follow the appeals or re-application guidance from the department.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the city’s delegation or traffic-calming form and supply clear evidence.
  • Deadlines and timelines vary; early submission improves chances of placement on an agenda.
  • By-law Enforcement and transportation staff are the main contacts for municipal traffic matters.

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Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.