A new paid parking initiative will be implemented for individuals not using three Vancouver community centers and during the 2026 VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights, where a $25 parking rate will be enforced. This pilot program is part of the Vancouver Park Board’s efforts to increase revenue under the Think Big strategy adopted in 2023, aiming to generate an estimated $1.5 million.
Hourly parking charges for non-users of Hillcrest, Kerrisdale, and Trout Lake community centers will be $3.50 per hour, while non-golfers at Langara Golf Course will pay $4.25 per hour during the yearlong pilot. Additionally, visitors to the 2026 Festival of Lights will be required to pay $25 for a three-hour parking spot.
Despite reservations expressed by park board commissioners and staff, the paid parking program was narrowly approved as a measure to regulate traffic and avoid service reductions elsewhere. Commissioner Scott Jensen reluctantly supported the program, acknowledging its controversial nature but emphasizing the need to free up parking spaces occupied by day parkers.
Park board officials consulted with community center associations, and the pilot program is scheduled to launch in early 2026. Park board staff member Jordan Lypkie highlighted the program’s aim to manage high-demand parking effectively while funding public services and enhancing existing parking facilities.
Users of community centers are expected to register their vehicle’s license plate at a kiosk or via smartphone, specifying their program usage and receiving notifications when nearing the three-hour limit.
Following a successful 12-month pilot program, paid parking was permanently introduced at Spanish Banks Beach earlier this year. It has already been implemented at Roundhouse, West End, and Creekside community centers.
Some Express Concern Over Pricing
The $25 parking fee for the VanDusen Festival of Lights received mixed reactions, with Commissioners Tom Digby and Brennan Bastyovanszky expressing reservations due to the high cost. Bastyovanszky suggested a reduction in fees to garner more support for the program, drawing a comparison to a spoonful of sugar with bitter medicine, while Commissioner Laura Christensen advocated for the program as a means to prevent further budget cuts.
Ultimately, the motion passed with the support of Commissioners Jensen and Christensen, despite three abstentions and two opposing votes.