After more than two years of determined advocacy, Kitsilano residents are celebrating a new safety milestone with the installation of a flashing beacon crosswalk at 12th Avenue and Yew Street—thanks in large part to the efforts of local resident Sue Parker.
Parker, a resident at Seasons Arbutus Retirement Community and Chair of its Residents Advisory Committee, led the push for a safer crossing in response to growing concerns about traffic speed and pedestrian safety in the area.
On May 15th, 2025, the new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) was officially activated. To mark the occasion, Parker was joined by City of Vancouver Councillor Lisa Dominato and a performance by the Willy Blizzard band added a celebratory note to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“This crosswalk will help keep our residents, staff team members, and neighbours safer,” said Parker. “Seeing it operational is very exciting. From vision to reality, it’s about more than traffic – it’s about creating a safer neighbourhood for everyone.”
The initiative gained momentum as congestion on Broadway increasingly pushed vehicle traffic onto 12th Avenue, alarming residents—especially seniors—about the rising risks. Parker formed a community group focused on walkability and began working with the City of Vancouver after reaching out through 311.
Following a series of discussions with the City’s Traffic & Data Management team, the project was approved in early 2023. Installation began in January 2025 and was completed this spring.
The new crosswalk is expected to benefit not just Seasons Arbutus residents, but also families, children, and dog walkers in the broader Kitsilano community.
Parker’s grassroots effort is a reminder of the power of local advocacy. “It’s been a long journey,” she said, “but it was all worth it.”
Last modified: May 30, 2025
