The goal of this project is to improve community safety and reduce traffic-related risks on Musqueam Indian Reserve #2 (IR2). This community is home to nearly half of Musqueam’s population, as well as the administrative, cultural and community buildings used by the whole community. IR2 is located off Marine Drive, a significant roadway which provides access to the University of British Columbia, as well as Richmond and Vancouver International Airport. This brings considerable outside traffic onto our roads which, compounded by othe rchallenges like lack of streetlamp coverage and sidewalks, puts our community at risk.
To support better visibility for drivers, and to deter unsafe behaviour, our project will refresh and enhance critical road markings on roads, speed bumps, stop lines, and curbs with thermal plastic. Thermal plastic is a longer term, and more reflective solution than paint. New signage will be installed at the entrance off Marine Drive to prevent non-residents from using reserve roads as a shortcut to bypass traffic. Additional signs will also be placed in designated areas to alert drivers to zones where children are playing and have high pedestrian usage. Collectively, these activities will support safer traffic flow, protect community members, and reinforce respect for residential areas.
One of the biggest road safety challenges that we face, is the increasing number of non-resident drivers entering the reserve to bypass congestion on Marine Drive. Marine Drive is one of the busiest corridors in the region, serving as a main route to UBC and connecting to major arteries that lead to Dunbar, Richmond, and the Vancouver International Airport. During peak hours, traffic backup can extend for long distances, and some drivers cut through the Musqueam community to save time. These motorists are often rushing, unfamiliar with the residential setting, and unaware of local contexts like playing children and areas without sidewalks. Their presence introduces additional safety risks that the current roadmarkings and worn signs are not adequate to mitigate. Musqueam’s security team is currently taking time away from their regular patrols to be present at the Marine Drive entrance during peak traffic hours, to deter non-residents from using community roads.
Inconsistent or lacking infrastructure exacerbate risks to pedestrians on our roadways. Many of our residential streets do not have sidewalks, causing community members to walk directly on the roads. Other areas do not have streetlamp coverage, which causes poor visibility. During the winter months, the sun is already set when non-resident drivers begin to pass through IR2 at rush hour. Issues with infrastructure are compounded by fading road paint, and a lack of signage. Lines that once marked speed bumps, crosswalks, and curbs near intersections are no longer clearly visible. Existing signage throughout the community is also in need of improvement,with few signs warning drivers to slow down, watch for children, or acknowledge community boundaries. Drivers thus have limited visual prompts to slow down or prepare to stop. Without these cues, motorists, and particularly those unfamiliar with local traffic patterns, are more likely to speed, roll through intersections,or overlook pedestrian activity.
Together, these factors create an urgent need for enhanced road safety measures on Musqueam IR2. Redoing road markings with thermal plastic, and installing new, visible signage will directly address the safety gaps identified by community members. These improvements will remind drivers to slow down, be alert, and respect the shared nature of Musqueam’s roads. The project will support a more secure environment for families, children, Elders and all pedestrians that travel by foot on IR2.
Photo source: Unsplash. Photo is shown for illustration purposes only and may not be an accurate representation of the project.
