Park Board approves paid parking at key sites as part of new parking strategy

At last night's Board meeting, commissioners approved a new Park Board Parking Strategy aimed at improving the user experience, reducing congestion and better managing parking at lots within the Park Board’s jurisdiction. 

As part of their decision, commissioners approved the implementation of paid parking at additional community centres via a one-year pilot program beginning early next year. Starting in 2026, staff will implement the pilot at Hillcrest, Kerrisdale and Trout Lake community centres, where parking demand is consistently high and where there is good access to nearby options for transit, walking and rolling.

"As Vancouver grows, demand for parking at our facilities is increasing," said Park Board Chair Laura Christensen. "Paid parking, where it makes sense, can improve access and increase investments in the maintenance and renewal of our parks and recreation facilities."

The first three hours of parking will be free for community centre patrons with a rate of $3.50 per hour thereafter. Parking for people not visiting the community centre starts at $3.50 per hour.  

"The costs of 'free' parking are paid for by all taxpayers. Paid parking connects some of that cost directly to those who benefit while generating funds to reinvest in services that benefit everyone," said John Brodie, Director of Business Services. "This strategy provides a thoughtful framework for managing our parking assets. Expanding paid parking to high-demand lots creates a sustainable funding source that captures revenue from users of parks and facilities, including visitors from outside Vancouver who enjoy our recreational amenities.”

Commissioners also approved implementation of a 12-month paid parking pilot at Langara Golf Course and a one-month paid parking pilot at VanDusen Botanical Garden, beginning next year during the 2026 Festival of Lights period.

Staff developed the Park Board Parking Strategy in consultation with Community Centre Associations. It builds on several foundational pieces including the "Think Big" Revenue Strategy: PDF file (2.7 MB) approved in July 2023 and the Fee-setting Framework approved in April 2025.  

The strategy includes provisions for staff, volunteers, and vulnerable users through parking exemptions and discounted passes. It also provides parking exemptions for Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations members in Stanley Park to support access to their traditional territories.

The Park Board operates 180 parking lots across Vancouver, with more than a dozen currently managed with paid parking. Data indicates paid lots typically have better accessibility, infrastructure, and user experience. Paid parking also helps alleviate traffic safety risks and parking congestion.

For more information on parking in Vancouver, visit vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/parking.