City taking steps to make Burnaby’s Central Park safer

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to remove the victim’s name, which is now covered by a publication ban.

BURNABY (NEWS 1130) – The City of Burnaby is taking action to improve safety in Central Park, following concerns in the wake of the murder of a 13-year-old girl.

A four-person bike patrol was introduced in the spring, while work is already underway to complete the park’s perimeter trail, a lit path for commuters looking to get around the park quickly.

“The first phase is being completed and we’re going to start working on the second phase by the end of the summer,” said Dave Ellenwood, director of parks, recreation and cultural services with the City of Burnaby.

Plans are also in motion to install five security cameras around the park.

“We have to draw power from the light fixtures on the road and do our due diligence in construction, but we’re moving forward and we hope to get those security cameras, at least a couple of them, in before the end of the summer,” Ellenwood said.

The city also plans to install two call boxes, one at the Patterson Station entrance and one on the west side of the park, at a later date. The lit and video-recorded boxes would provide a direct line to police for anyone who feels unsafe in the park.

Robert Burnaby Park also has a bike patrol.

Calls for changes to the park came following the death of a 13-year-old. The girl’s body was found in a wooded area of the park on Jul. 19, 2017. Ibrahim Ali, 28, was arrested on Friday and charged with first-degree murder in relation to the girl’s death.

“Although the incidents of crime have not risen sharply, we’re interested in keeping the park safe,” Ellenwood said, adding the city is happy to see progress on the case. “It’s unfortunate that these incidents occur, but the crime rate has not spiked.”