Paid parking will be implemented at Spanish Banks Beach Park this July.

This 12-month pilot program, priced at $1 per hour during peak season (May through September), will be introduced in an effort to lessen Vancouver’s car-centric mindset. 

Currently, Spanish Banks is the only destination beach or park in the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation’s network without paid parking. Research supports the idea that parking fees help increase parking turnover and encourage green transportation modes, including public transit, biking, and carpooling.

It is worth noting that Spanish Banks is one of the beaches with the most limited transit options. Most major bus stops nearby still require approximately a 20-minute walk if you’re coming from downtown or East Vancouver.