Beginning February 12th, drivers must pay $3.75 per hour plus taxes and fees to park at Lighthouse Park, Nelson Canyon Park, and Whytecliff Park, or risk a $98 fine.
In May 2023, the District of West Vancouver council approved a two-year pilot project for a pay-parking model to generate revenue and cover maintenance costs at the municipality's popular destination parks, which have experienced significant increases in visitor numbers.
To park, visitors can either scan a QR code displayed on signs in the parking lot and pay online, or utilize the hangTag or PayByPhone apps.
The district has entered a two-year contract with Imperial Parking, also known as Impark, which will handle signage, revenue collection, and enforcement. Under this agreement, the district will pay Impark a monthly fee, with the company receiving a percentage share of parking and violation ticket revenues, though the exact figures are confidential.
District staff estimate the program will generate around $255,000 annually from the 253 available parking stalls.
Current West Vancouver residents may qualify for exemptions from hourly rates but must pay $20 per vehicle per year and register their vehicle information with Impark by submitting a copy of the vehicle registration indicating a local address.
The council decided to exempt local residents from pay parking requirements due to property taxes already comprising the majority of the parks' maintenance budget.
Impark employees will install signs informing of the rule changes in the upcoming week. District staff anticipate a brief grace period during which Impark employees will issue warnings before ticketing begins. Staff will provide a report to the council on the program's implementation, including any impact on street parking, within six months.
Brent Richter, 2024 | North Shore News