Pedestrian accessibility

The Engineering Department is committed to providing a continuous and seamless pedestrian environment to all citizens. We provide opportunities for staff to learn from the public and engage the public to better advance the pedestrian experience. This includes sidewalks and curb ramps through out Vancouver.

Each year we install upwards of 200 pedestrian ramps adjacent “accessible” bus stops, arterial streets, pedestrian collector routes, higher zoned streets and local residential streets. Curb ramps assist not only people that use mobility aides, but also people pushing baby strollers and shopping trolleys. Currently, the City has completed approximately 19,200 corners and is working to complete curb ramps for the entire city.

Requests for new curb ramps

Curb ramps are installed by request through an annual program. Requests can be made directly to Eileen Curran in the Streets Design Branch at 604.871.6131 or by email at eileen.curran@vancouver.ca. Please note that curb ramps are installed for pedestrians at intersections and does not include installing ramps in front of your house. Ramps are installed as budget and workloads permit. Download the City's Curb Ramp Standards ( PDF 769kb)to learn more about the specifications and design.

Audible signals

Audible signals are designed to assist the visually impaired in crossing an intersection by transmitting a sound that indicates a break in the traffic light pattern. The sounds are standardized throughout the region so that the ‘cuckoo’ sound is for the north-south direction and a ‘chirp’ sound is for the east-west direction. Audible signals are installed at all new pedestrian signalized intersection and to date, the City has approximately 397 audible signal intersections. .