Parks and Recreation Parking Strategy

Parking lots managed by the Vancouver Park Board help people get to community centres, recreation facilities, parks, and beaches.

They also support community and economic activities like filming, events, and businesses.

On October 20, 2025, the Park Board approved the Park Board Parking Strategy (17.5 MB) to:

Improve park user experience and access
Achieve financial sustainability
Support operations and management of parking infrastructure

The strategy builds on several foundational pieces including the "Think Big" Revenue Strategy (2.7 MB) approved in July 2023 and the Fee-setting Framework (1.6 MB) approved in April 2025.

Paid parking pilot

Hillcrest, Kerrisdale, and Trout Lake community centres

In support of the Park Board’s Parking Strategy, a year long paid parking pilot will come into effect at Hillcrest, Kerrisdale, and Trout Lake community centres in mid-February 2026. These sites were selected because of consistently high demand for parking and good access to nearby options for transportation.

The first 3 hours of parking will be free for community centre patrons (including for activities at pools, arenas, and libraries) with a rate of $3.50 per hour thereafter. Parking for people not visiting the community centre starts at $3.50 per hour.

Patrons can access free parking through sign-in at a kiosk inside the community centre, with additional parking available for purchase from a text message reminder. On-site signage will provide further information on the new parking rates for visitors and patrons.

Langara Golf Course and VanDusen Botanical Garden

Starting mid-February 2026, a $4.25 per hour paid parking rate will also come into effect at Langara Golf Course, however, complimentary parking will be provided for golfers and 3 hours of free parking will be provided for clubhouse patrons.

Late in 2026, event rate pricing of $25 for a maximum of 3 hours parking will apply at VanDusen Botanical Garden for the Festival of Lights period only, between 4pm to 10pm.

Timeline

Sep 2023 to Jan 2024

Phase 1

Data and research collection
Jan to Apr 2024

Phase 2

Analysis and stakeholder engagement
May to Aug 2024

Phase 3

Draft policy options with follow-up engagement with key stakeholders

Begin implementation framework
Sep 2024 to Apr 2025

Phase 4

Final policy recommendations and implementation framework shared with the Board in April 2025 report (7.3 MB) and referred back to staff (100 KB) for additional engagement and development.
May 2025 to Oct 2025

Additional Engagement and Development

Following direction from the Board, staff consulted with Community Centre Association partners and explored options to retain revenue. October 2025 report approved with amended implementation plan (17.5 MB) .
We are here
Oct 2025 to Dec 2026

Paid Parking Pilot

Implementing paid parking pilot at Hillcrest, Kerrisdale, and Trout Lake community centres and adjacent public facilities and park spaces, Langara Golf Course, and VanDusen Botanical Garden (for Festival of Lights period only).

Background
- April 16, 2018 Board Motion 100 KB to develop a comprehensive parking policy
- 2020 VanPlay Implementation Playbook 3.9 MB highlighted the need for parking policy and parking fees
- 2022 Service Plan (1.8 MB) cited the need to advance a new parking policy framework
- January 16, 2023 “Think Big” Revenue Strategy Board Motion 236 KB to apply a revenue-generating strategy lens when developing the parking strategy
- 2024-2028 Budget Outlook Council report 482 KB identifying the Parks Parking Strategy as a short-term opportunity to generate revenue to balance City budgets

Contact us

[email protected]

City of Vancouver virtual assistant

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