The District of North Vancouver is considering new measures to address a growing number of large and recreational vehicles parked long-term on its streets—many of which, staff say, are being used as homes. At a council meeting today, the council will discuss different enforcement strategies to manage the issue. Staff would then return with a detailed implementation plan once the council approves the plan.
According to a staff report, residents and businesses have complained to the District, especially where clusters of RVs and large vehicles have limited on-street parking availability and hindered traffic flow. In February, District bylaw officers counted 76 large and recreational vehicles parked on streets, in parking lots, or on provincial lands. All vehicles were licensed, but some appeared to be used as living accommodations.
“People use their vehicles as an alternative form of shelter and housing for many reasons—a personal choice, an affordable housing option, or out of necessity to avoid being unsheltered,” the staff report noted.
According to the report, the District currently takes a discretionary approach to enforcement, especially when vehicles are parked safely and don’t create conflicts.
Four Options on the Table
Staff has outlined four possible responses:
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Approach A: Maintain Current Practice – Continue the District’s lenient enforcement, focusing on cleanliness and safety while responding to complaints.
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Approach B: Improve Public Awareness – Expand education around parking rules, increase dialogue with vehicle owners, and potentially advocate for a regional outreach coordinator to help address homelessness.
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Approach C: Strengthen Compliance Measures – Step up enforcement through more ticketing, towing, and staffing, while working with RCMP and ICBC on unlicensed vehicles.
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Approach D: Introduce More Parking Restrictions – Identify areas with high parking demand and impose stricter time limits to increase turnover. This could include expanding regulations, such as those introduced last April on Lloyd Avenue and West 3rd Street in Lower Mackay Creek, where 2-hour limits reportedly improved access for businesses and residents.
While increased enforcement and restrictions may ease local parking pressures, staff caution that displaced vehicles could simply shift to other neighbourhoods or even nearby municipalities. Under current bylaws, the District prohibits parking large vehicles—those over 6.4 metres in length or 4,500 kilograms—overnight unless they’re actively loading or unloading. Trailers must be attached to a motor vehicle, and vehicles can’t be used as living accommodations while parked.
Any shift in policy would likely require changes to District bylaws and new budget allocations, particularly for options involving more staff or stricter enforcement. Council is expected to provide direction at a meeting today.
Another option would be to have a supervised campsite where they can be parked safely. Find a solution to these people who are homeless. Give them a safe place to stay.
This just goes to show what a cruel society we are. Do people realize there is NO long term residents for those with mental health issues so what are they supposed to do? There needs to be a place for those people to stay on a long term basis so that they are not only safe but so are the people they may be around as it can be assured that they get their meds. Many of those people are quite capable of working as long as they stay on their meds. We treat stray animals better then those with mental health issues
Yet you all continue to vote Liberal. Reap what you sow.
I live in my van – not in N. Vancouver due to poverty.
I’ll just say I’m in the Greater Vancouver area.
No drugs, alcohol, tobacco, etc.
I won’t stay in a “shelter” because I am a Man of Peace, and a homeless shelter is definitely not a place of peace.
I’m a disabled veteran with very low income, after 4 surgeries.
Being homeless doesn’t mean a person is a threat to a community or neighborhood.
Quite the opposite I have called 911 and a criminal was arrested when I saw a crime in progress.
California had “Sanitary Camps” back in the great depression which had a full staff and shower and laundry facilities which worked perfectly well , it’s high time municipal governments got on board with this solution instead of trying to outlaw poverty , we need to take care of our own , some of these folks dig your ditches , cook your food and clean your houses
These people don’t need fines. They need a sanctioned place to park their homes.
Actually I believe California tried a setup like a safe enclave for people living in vehicles. Guard or maybe staff to keep tabs on the occupants with vehicle inspection and servicing if required.
It’s terrible what it has come to for some people. Let them stay until government finds an actual solution. As long as they are tidy, for them, living in their camper is a safe home. They are not doing it by choice, they have run out of options. They need our sympathy.