Pay parking planned for Argyle Ave, Dundarave area

West Vancouver is preparing to introduce pay parking at three waterfront parks near commercial districts, and it could be launched in the second quarter of 2026

A council report from Senior Manager of Engineering Services Emily Willobee outlines a plan for Argyle Avenue between 14th and 16th streets, John Lawson Park, and Dundarave Park. Together, these areas contain 228 stalls with a projected annual revenue of $427,000.

The plan calls for a six-month preparation period before any launch. During this time, staff would create a “spillover parking policy” and begin a traffic count program to track parking behaviour. Both measures are intended to prevent visitors from shifting into nearby residential and business areas to avoid fees.

“Spillover parking impacts could be significant and negative for nearby residents and businesses,” the report says.

Rates would remain at $3.75 per hour plus taxes and transaction fees. Pay parking would operate year-round from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. through the PayByPhone system, with no physical pay stations.

Residents of West Vancouver would continue to qualify for free annual passes. Exemptions would also apply to vehicles with veterans’ licence plates (ICBC Veteran Licence Plates) or accessible parking placards, under a policy adopted in April 2025.

Critical elements of the plan

Staff identified five core steps that need to be in place before launching pay parking:

1. On-street parking count program – A year-long data collection effort to monitor spillover parking in nearby neighbourhoods. The setup would take about eight weeks.

2. Spillover Parking Policy – A council-approved policy to guide when and how tools like time limits or residential permits would be applied. Drafting could take another eight weeks.

3. Supporting procedures – Administrative rules and potential bylaw amendments to carry out the policy, estimated to take eight months.

4. Review of enforcement capacity – An assessment of whether more bylaw staff or resources will be needed, likely affecting future budgets.

5. Prepare for launch – At least eight weeks would be required to work with the District’s contractor to activate new pay parking zones.

The Ambleside Dundarave Business Improvement Area has consistently raised concerns about customer access. Representatives warn that paid stalls could push drivers into commercial streets already facing parking shortages.

To respond, staff propose that the council adopt a spillover parking policy by the end of 2025. The policy would set out regulatory tools such as time-limited zones and potential residential permits.

In addition, a parking count program would collect baseline data and continue for 12 to 24 months to monitor long-term trends. This work is expected to be contracted out and funded with parking revenue.

Council would receive an update in early 2026 and could then decide whether to launch pay parking at one or all of the proposed locations.

The report cautions that other financial impacts are difficult to predict. Paid parking could affect attendance at events such as the Harmony Arts Festival, arts programming, and rentals at waterfront parks. Increased demand for enforcement and administration may also create new costs.

Local businesses have warned that reduced customer access could affect sales. “This is a key concern for local businesses, as expressed consistently by representatives of the ADBIA,” the report says.

The report notes that pay parking can encourage reduced vehicle use and lower greenhouse gas emissions. However, spillover effects could cause drivers to spend more time circling neighbourhoods looking for free spaces.

Enforcement capacity is another concern. Staff are reviewing whether additional bylaw resources will be needed, particularly if spillover parking increases demand for on-street monitoring. Future budgets may have to cover these costs, though parking revenue could offset them.

The proposed framework sets the stage for a council decision in 2026. Staff say the plan would provide the “minimum necessary tools to identify and respond to spillover parking challenges should they arise.”

Council will consider the report at its September 15 meeting.