Paid Parking at Vancouver Community Centres Starts Next Month
Starting next month, Vancouver will implement paid parking at several community centres and attractions. The plan, confirmed by the Vancouver Park Board, will take effect in mid-February 2026.
Locations Affected by Paid Parking
The following sites will introduce pay parking:
- Hillcrest Community Centre
- Kerrisdale Community Centre
- Trout Lake Community Centre
- Langara Golf Course
Implementation Details
The target start date is Monday, February 16, 2026. Community centre and golf course staff, as well as patrons, will soon receive notifications regarding the new parking regulations.
The decision is part of the Park Board’s Parking Strategy, which was approved in October 2025. These venues were chosen due to high parking demand and accessibility to various transportation options.
Parking Rates and Free Hours
According to the Park Board:
- The first three hours of parking will be complimentary for community centre visitors.
- After three hours, the rate will be $3.50 per hour.
- Visitors not utilizing community centre facilities will pay $3.50 per hour from the start.
To access free parking, patrons must sign in at a designated kiosk inside the centres. Additionally, parking reminders can be purchased via text message. New signage in the parking lots will also explain these changes.
Langara Golf Course Paid Parking
At Langara Golf Course, a new rate of $4.50 per hour will be implemented. Golfers and clubhouse patrons will enjoy three hours of complimentary parking.
Rationale Behind Paid Parking
Park Board Chair Laura Christensen stated that paid parking is aimed at improving user experience and traffic management. The initiative aims to address the growing demand for parking within Vancouver’s parks and recreational facilities.
Moreover, it is expected to generate additional revenue to support the maintenance and renewal of these facilities, with estimated yearly revenue reaching up to $1.5 million.
Community Response
While the plan has support, it has also sparked opposition. A petition was launched last fall, urging the city to halt the expansion of paid parking. Organizers claim that the new charges unfairly burden residents.
Future Plans
Later this year, a parking pilot program will introduce paid parking at the VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights. Access to parking exemptions and discounted passes will be offered to staff, volunteers, and vulnerable populations, including members of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
As the city moves forward with the paid parking initiative at community centres, it will be crucial to monitor community feedback and adapt strategies as necessary.
