The District of West Vancouver is considering a 15-minute loading zone near the Bellabee childcare centre at Ambleside Park after a parent raised concerns about the impact of new pay parking rules.
In a letter to the council, a parent requested a short-term drop-off and pick-up area, pointing out that three spots directly in front of the centre are already used regularly by families. The parent suggested a special permit system for childcare users, adding that otherwise parents could pay $25–$50 each month just to drop off and pick up children.
The letter also raised concerns about affordability, saying daycare and education costs are already high, and that even government subsidies do not meet families’ needs. The parent argued that parking fees would also unfairly affect daycare workers with low wages.
Safety was another concern. The parent said parking further from the centre forces families onto roads where cars often speed, and called for speed bumps or barriers instead of more paid parking. They warned that a lack of nearby spaces could make parents late, leaving teachers with unpaid extra work.
The parent noted that childcare centres in North Vancouver provide marked drop-off areas for families and designated parking for staff, and questioned why West Vancouver could not do the same.
“I’m not asking for the entire Ambleside Park to be omitted from pay parking,” the letter said. “I’m simply asking for a 15-minute drop-off/pick-up zone for parents who use the centre.”
In a written response, the District said it cannot enforce parent-only or daycare-only parking but confirmed that staff are working with the childcare operator to establish a 15-minute loading zone. “Your suggestion of a short-term drop-off/pick-up area is noted and will be taken into consideration,” the response said.
The District added that its pay parking program is designed to manage parking availability, maintain park infrastructure, and fund services for all users. A no-cost resident pass is available, and staff said they will continue to monitor feedback as the program rolls out.
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