A visitor to West Vancouver parks has written to council, urging the District to make parking payment systems more accessible after a frustrating experience at Lighthouse Park. Last year, a family from Ontario also wrote to the council after they were ticketed $98 when they could not pay for parking at Lighthouse Park.
In a letter to West Vancouver, the visitor (name blanked out by the District) recounted a recent visit with his son, where they could not pay for parking because the lot allowed only mobile-app payments, and their phone lacked data.
“We attempted to download and open the app, but the phone indicated no internet connection. Payment was thus not possible,” the visitor wrote, noting that others in the lot faced similar challenges.
“This situation is unacceptable for a public facility,” the letter states. The park visitor pointed to Lynn Canyon Park and Stanley Park as examples where multiple payment options — including physical meters or credit card kiosks — are available, and urged West Vancouver to adopt a similar approach. In response, the District’s Parks Administration initially noted that, besides mobile apps, users can pay by calling a phone number listed on the parking signs. However, the visitor said he did try calling but was met with a recorded message stating payment could not be made through that number.
In a follow-up letter, West Vancouver official Natalie Roizman said Impark had been informed about the issue. “The operator will ensure that the phone numbers listed on parking lot signage are correct and that the PayByPhone number listed allows for a park visitor to pay for parking,” she said.
She also clarified that scanning the QR code on site does not require downloading an app and can be used to pay directly with a credit card or mobile wallet.
That’s rubbish! I already sent an email to Indigo for the same issues in Lynn Canyon. Scanning the code does NOT allow you to go ahead and pay! It keeps prompting to download their app. I even did that and it still prompted me to make an account with password. Thankfully another frustrated guest pointed me towards a physical pay machine 100 m away. These lazy parking operators’ systems DON’T WORK!
This is why i don’t go to parks that require apps to pay for parking. My cell phone is so old that i’ve given up trying to load apps on it. Got tired of being told that the app doesn’t support my old phone. But it works as a phone and instant message system so i’m not into going out for another thoisand dollars just to get an app to pay for parking.
completely missing the point
And what would you say that is?
I am frustrated with all the paid parking at parks. It is difficult for liw income families to enjoy these facilities that we all pay taxes for.
I agree with 4 hour limits, as this allows access to the parks for more folks, not just those that arrive early and stay all day.
Maybe have a small percentage of spots at each park that you pay if you want to stay all day. $15 or $20 for the full day. Otherwise it should be free.
I also have an old phone and on a limited budget. Thanks tothe greed of many BC cities,I am limited to enjoying the parks.
100% agreed, Wendy!
Make a formal request via email or letter?
💖
If they want us to use Internet to pay, they need to provide Wi-Fi. Out of town visitors don’t always have data. I never have data’s when I used to visit the states
Same thing in the Indigo lot in Deep Cove.
Are they still only allowing apps that connect ONLY to a credit card? Some ppl can’t get credit cards and the machines certainly don’t allow cash payments.
So download the app and pay. What’s the big deal. It’s super easy. Once you have the app it’s actually easier then going up to a keosk. Lazy ppl can’t take 30 seconds to download an app. It’s actually awsome and can save you tickets and money as the app will send you a notification before your time runs out so you can add more time or leave thus you don’t have to pay for any more time then you need because if you end up taking longer you can just pay on the app and avoid a ticket .
You’re an idiot! I shouldn’t have to give my personal information to some untrustworthy parking company just so I can park my car. Even if I have the app, maybe there is no internet connection available, or my phone battery died, or a host of other problems that others have mentioned. I have encountered numerous problems in different areas where I needed to park but was unable to pay. In my opinion, you should keep your unhelpful comments to yourself.
West van residents should just stay in west van and not use parks in other areas. Or if they do, they need to pay to use. License plate scanner, bill automatically upon park entrance. They also should not use the Lions Gate bridge, or access any part of/drive through Stanley Park. They also need to stop using the same air i breathe. Self righteous, and set up so those less privilaged cannot use park. Two tier system.
Many people don’t get data signals in that park, read the article. You can’t download an app or use a QR code if you don’t have internet. Out of town visitors, even locals, may not realize they won’t get data there until they arrive. It’s easy to be judgemental an righteous, until it’s you in that situation…
I also tried to download the app, but the park has no cell service. I had to drive away. The parks should be free . We pay enough in taxes.
You clearly missed the part about not having cell service. I had the same issue last time I tried to go to Lighthouse park. It really wouldn’t be that hard for them to set up a machine that took physical payment as an option.
I know people have phones glued to their hands. Some of us don’t and never will so until we are dead there should be a real option to pay – even with actual money
People aren’t lazy.These things fuck up.Not everyone wants a bunch of shit on their phone.I don’t.oh it’s easy they say,just down load this they say.Piss the hell off,I don’t want all this shit on my phone.Here is my money or Visa,like it was forever.Just cause we have all this tech shit doesn’t mean it always works or that we effin want it.Spate me your fude remark.
Please do not refer to people as Lazy people. You are probably a young person, who does not understand the difficulty older people have with this modern technology Remember this, when we were your age there was none of this.
The point is that you can’t download the app without data or a wifi connection. Not every one has a data plan!
The parks could offer free wifi, but even that won’t help people with older phones or phones that are out of storage space.
You are missing the point. It’s not that easy for some folks; some people have older phones not compatible with the apps; what if your battery dies. It’s frustrating! I sat outside City Hall in Vancouver trying to download their parking app…what a nightmare! I have the latest Apple IPhone and it could not find their App. And to have to download multiple parking apps is just annoying – which I seem to have to do.
They’re clearly saying ‘it’s NOT easy’ so your arrogance is disrespectful. THESE types of systems are how we lose control and more people will be disenfranchised!
Just break the frickin things! Sooner or later they’ll get it right. If a No. Van. Cop, or whatever Leo they have overseeing this bs, gives you any guff, jump into your vehicle. They cannot tow or otherwise confiscate a vehicle with a live human in it.
Trust me…..this works.
Also…..do not be afraid to get sassy or nasty or whatever! They really don’t have much power in situations like this. They’re only feeling strong cuz they think you’re anxious to get on your way.
Please….. don’t feed the bears, tease the cats, or otherwise fuck with the wildlife.
These fake ass cops, however, are fair game and will be totally intimidated by your knowing and disdainful state.
Puzzzies. 😆
People don’t realize that u don’t have to pay an impark ticket..it’s a private company and in order for them to collect, they have to take u to court..I have never paid ..ever..lol
Agree
My name is Dave also. I think I may have written the above. If not, I wish I did.
Oh yes… please remember to have as much fun as possible with these clowns, esp in front of others, and don’t forget to totally disrespect them, their heritage, and their families.
WV is out of touch!
I have internet and I was at Lynn Canyon Park and could not pay for parking. I had to scan the QR code, set up an account and it literally would not take my payment bevause it said it would text me a verification code to complete my payment for security reasons and it literally would not send the code. I have a US phone number and so perhaps it doesn’t send to foreign numbers. I tried for 20 minutes. Was an extremely frustrating experience. The only other way I could pay was with Apple Pay and I have an android. A kiosk would have solved this problem. These independent parking businesses have made it impossible. You do have to set up an account and a QR code isn’t the solution necessarily. I shouldn’t have to set up an account and have this level of difficulty to go for a walk.
What if you Don’t have a phone or your phone battery is dead. The distinct doesn’t care obviously. Probly some 30 year old running the system and they think everyone operated like they do. Some people don’t even have credit cards and use cash for all transactions.
Elect a new counsel. Only recourse.
Cash is still legal tender. Pay for parking should take cash as well. Most people don’t have internet on their phone or even phones to begin with. If we need phones to function in Canadian society they should be a legal right and given out for free.
Most people don’t have phones or internet on their phones? Seriously?
Huh, yeah right, most people have data on their phone, comes with your plan, it’s so affordable now days. To have no data or internet on your phone would be horrible, always looking for wifi, no way.
“Most people don’t have internet on their phone or even phones to begin with?” What decade are you living in? Estimates are that over 85% of Canadian adults have cell phones with data.
It might be time to refresh the screen on your statistics page. It’s no longer the 90s.
What if your battery died; some older phones are not compatible with certain apps; what if you are a tourist; and I hate having to download all these different parking apps. It’s okay but they should provide an option. It’s so frustrating running late for an appt and you have to download some other parking app.
And the 15% has no more right anymore?
“Most people don’t have internet on their phones or even phones.”
False.
Read the article, it’s not completely false but that’s not the issue. The issue is that for some reason, there are signal dead zones in that parking lot. My phone also dropped my signal. You can use the app or a QR code without a signal.
Many don’t though.
So what about the “Not” most people? What are they supposed to do? Totally stupid comment.
Most people don’t have internet on their phones or phones to begin with? Unless you’re under 10 or over 80, this is completely false. I’m not saying the system in place is good at all and personally I don’t think parking at a park should cost anyone a dime, but let’s be a little more realistic when tossing out reasons like that.
Cash is legal tender but there is federal or provincial law in Canada that mandates businesses to accept cash payments. As a contractor myself I do not accept cash, e-payments only.
However this seems really odd that a parking meter would restrict to e-payments only, and it almost sounds like this is done to increase monies received from parking tickets. It also sounds like there is a lot of conflicting information here. City says a QR code is available, yet people say it forces you to download the app and people also say there is not strong enough signal there.
All in all this sounds like the city or impark (whoever controls the lot) has set up a tourist trap. Someone needs to video the QR code forcing download and record the call where the number says you cannot pay.
1000 % thank you
I agree, maybe 85% do have cell ‘phone’s, and maybe that 85% are part of the haves, definitely more limited for the have nots.
How do you pay for the parking anyway? With a cc? Allow all people to enjoy our parks, not just the ones that have a cc and cell ‘phone. Inclusion means allowing the opportunity for all to partake.
Fix this problem, do better for visitors and residents alike.
100% Chris!! Exactly – the digital divide continues to grow & alienate a substantial portion of the community. Not ok!!
When will these clowns understand? West Vancouver doesn’t want you riff raff in our city
I’m gonna come even more now. Xo see you soon
I always make it a part of my visit to take a long winding piss in a public place, eg. a stairwell, elevator, etc.
Well loads of punks with loud ass cars will be in your neighborhood soon! West Van lol, you materialistic clowns are doomed to your possessions.
That part is understood.
Canadians citizens still have to share their parks with eachother and visitors. How awful! What a bizarre country! Who does that?
YOUR city? You West Vancouverites actually think you own the city? And that you can keep “riff raff” out of YOUR parks?
Pull your head out of your ass.
Someone should hire a bus and go to the downtown Eastside and tell the people living on the streets that there is free lunch in Dundarave and offer them a ride over!
You can pay by QR code? That solves everything. Scan a QR code and enter your credit card details in whatever site it may lead to—a QR code stuck somewhere unmonitored where everyone can print out, laminate, and glue their own QR code on top of the existing one—is an ideal system with no vulnerabilities whatsoever and a zero risk of getting ripped off.
If there is not internet then that won’t work
I think ‘miserable’ was being sarcastic. There are actually some scammers printing out their own QR codes and sticking them to overlay the real parking payment signs. These QR codes take the payment elsewhere, so people might think they paid but then get a ticket because they didn’t actually pay for parking. I think even a tech savvy person with all the data in their phone can fall for something like this under the right circumstances.
I have been scammed via QR code recently. They are not secure.
I knew it was totally safe, and it was just my rampant ego fed paranoia that made me second guess myself
Not just in west vancouver but in kitsilano
As a visitor from Europe, the app did not allow payment rather recognized the phonenumber and did not see the code … same
Also as some people are older and not as familiar with apps, would be a nice option to tap the card directly
It is soooo simple
That just makes to much common sense…… Also to easy
Agree
I’m lucky. As a senior male I can piss wherever and whenever I want.
Many do not have data though and should not be forced to pay for it just to park at a public park.
I cannot download the app because there is no internet signal but just use the QR code you say… Perfect, let’s just scan this QR and… It opens my browser and directs me to a webpage… But… Oh no I still need internet to access that.
I am sure the honorable council member is aware of this issue otherwise they wouldn’t have suggested the QR as a work around. Though I am confused as to how they thought that would resolve the issue for people who cannot pay by app when there is no internet.
Just get internet, same as a landline back in the day, common sense, worth the convenience. Some people will never change, stubborn..
👍 agree
Those parking owners are scammers .they try to suck your money with “reasons “.
Yes Sir Ree Bob!
I think it’s evil charging for parking at a public park if that money is not going directly to the park for improvements and upkeep. Is Impark relaying that money back to the park or just lining their pockets? Also it’s not super easy to get to these parks without a car so it’s not like you’re encouraging transit or deterring driving when you’re charging for parking. Unethical. Parks should be accessible.
True!!
Seconded. Half the times these parks are veing used by filming crews that pay a ton of money to use them. The least they can do is.let the general public park for free.
Thank you!
Agreed 100% How much if the $ is going to the park?
Like!
If you get a parking ticket from Impark, don’t pay it! Don’t give that corrupt company any money. If you have more than three parking tickets with them, don’t park in their lots because they might tow your car. They will say they’re sending your information to a collection company but they can’t do anything. Need to park in their lots and you don’t have a choice? Simply change your license plate which is cheaper than paying the parking tickets.
If you get a parking ticket from Impark, don’t pay it! Don’t give that corrupt company any money. If you have more than three parking tickets with them, don’t park in their lots because they might tow your car. They will say they’re sending your information to a collection company but they can’t do anything. Need to park in their lots and you don’t have a choice? Simply change your license plate which is cheaper than paying the parking tickets.
“This new parking system in Lighthouse Park is ridiculous. It seems like a lazy solution that excludes people without reliable internet or smartphones. The claim that scanning a QR code allows for payment without an app is misleading – it still requires internet access. It’s unacceptable that public facilities are being designed to cater only to those with modern technology, while ignoring those who don’t have it or can’t afford it. Cash should still be accepted as a form of payment. It’s time to reconsider this approach and provide more inclusive options. HELL… JUST AXE THE METERS ALL TOGETHER
Well that’s West Van
1. What about people that don’t have a credit card?
2. What about people that don’t have a cell phone
3. What about people who only pay cash
4. How about West Van stop being so stuck up
5. How about West Van suck it up and offer free PARK PARKING.. After all they brag about the wealth they have.
6. Get rid of impark (why is it contracted out??)
Here’s a great idea…. Approaching local malls and stores (LONDON DRUGS, SHOPPERS, grocery stores ETC) and ask if they would facilitate parking passes for all PUBLIC PARKS after all CPC is in shoppers… Oh wait that’s to simple..
why is the parking payed all of a sudden? it should be free!
The privileged class has succeeded in turning Lighthouse park in to their own personal playground. They will continue to squeeze out the working class from all green spaces if we let them have their way. #riseresistcleanse
Cities are ridiculous. I remember being a kid and wanting to live in Vancouver as a grown up. Now I get off the ferry and I’m there for 20 minutes and I’m already wanting to leave. I don’t envy anybody living there. Too crowded too expensive and some really stupid rules.
I would prefer to walk a mile than use Impark. They don’t care.
I share everyone’s frustrations, the main issue is that at some of these parks, there’s no cell service, it’s quite frustrating that the local government brushes off such concerns without doing a proper investigation. A 5 inspection of the cell signal levels in the area can tell them all they need to know that using mobile payments in this park is quite foolish.
I have one of the latest phones, and with Rogers. Plus I work as an engineer in a company that makes cellular modems. It seems to me that whatever engineer that made the decision to do this at lighthouse park did not do a proper assessment of the site. Which is fine, we all make mistakes, but for the local government to double down is quite frustratingly shameful.
Plus, we shouldn’t really be depending on mobile payments alone, did anyone involved with this project hear about contingencies?
This seems to be an ill thought out rush job, and the city is happier with people getting tickets since they can rake in more cash.
Usually, I take note of the code, and use mobile payment before getting to this park to avoid getting robbed by west Vancouver
I agree, public parks should be free. Where does the money go to? Who benefits from it?
Staff and council should be ashamed of themselves for being sold one of these joey-bag-of-donuts systems. They often don’t work. There are too many to keep track of. They’re clunky. And above all, they turn people away from the very attractions of the North Shore.
You can just toss away the tickets from Impark or any third party parking operations. They’ll send it to collection and you can just ignore it. Don’t pay a dime. I never did and they can’t do anything. Now, if it’s the city that regulates or gives you a fine, that you’ll have to pay.
Totally frickin awesome facts.
Wah wah wah, their phone doesn’t have data but they parked anyway. Believing they should be exempt as tourists is ridiculous. Imagine me wanting to see the Eiffel Tower but not paying for parking.
Eiffel tower is smack dab in the middle of one of the largest metro areas in the world. Why would you bring a vehicle there anyway, to torture yourself driving around those 30 Rings of despair?
I live in North Vancouver. I hadn’t been to Lighthouse Park for quite a while, so when a friend suggested it for a hike,I thought it was a great idea. We hadn’t seen each other for a while and we wanted to sit and the cliffs in the sun and get caught up. I selected 3 hours on the machine. It cost me $15. I will never go back. Well done, West Van. You figured out a way to keep a good portion of the population away from this beautiful park by making it too expensive. Shame on you.
Silly rabbits! Don’t you understand! The north shore is inhabited by South Carolinians or some otherwise hillbilly types. “Dems my trees and my parks and my parking lots, and all that”.
Laugh at them, take pictures of them, and then your vehicle will be left alone. Or even guarded like no other.
Vancouver is a failing city. We don’t deserve to have visitors from other countries.
I’ve had the same issue in Lynn headwaters. There’s no cell reception in some of the parking lots. It was impossible to even download an app or pay through it.
The old ways should be just the option for public parks parking, a machine that accept cash or credit card, they require apps to fish peoples information.
We are planning an annual Persian festival here with hundreds of people and large BBQ. Hope city can figure outs parkings problems.
What a BS. After scanning theQR code you still need a data to pay. Who are they hiring these days not to know basic stuff like this?!
All of these cities expecting everything to either have a phone callable of using data, are willing to add yet another app, and have a credit card. Need Flash! Not everyone has one of those. If they want us to pay for parking bring back machines that take cash. Otherwise, don’t be surprised when people don’t pay because you’ve made it impossible for us to
This needs to be cash payments. Have a cash and coin system for all the people. Not just the wealthy who have credit cards and ewallets or whatever. This discrimination is nothing but classism and needs to be fixed.
Take the bus. No parking required. Heap and easy
Scanning QR codes from signs that are public accessible is not recommended unless you can touch/feel the QR code.
Scammers are placing QR stickers over the original QR codes that direct you to a fake site to acquire credit-card and/or banking data.
I’m an old guy fairly tech savvy but have fallen fowl of modern parking payments.
Paying 15 bucks for parking at Lighthouse park is Obscene , a total scam, it’s so sad that the world has become so toxic.
I regard beautiful places like Lighthouse Park as my Church, I go there to feel better, luckily I live on Vancouver Island where we have many such Parks nearby , that , as yet are un abused by Corporate and Governmental agencies.But I know they will be.
What can I say other than “its West Vancouver?” Don’t bother going their if you’re classified as a foreigner, a non-resident of LaLaland, home of the uber wealthy who rarely reside there themselves let alone go to tawdry Lighthouse Park. The message is “Stay away, far away”. Its no wonder that many small businesses & restaurants are suffering while Money Exchanges flourish.
Forcing a person to have a bank account violates freedom of association under the Charter of Rights.
Well, I had a different experience using an app. Parked in lot304 lower Lonsdale and booked 90 minutes. Got an email confirming my booking. . Came back within an hour and there was a ticket for non-payment on the car. There was nothing wrong with the credit card I was using. The date on the receipt attached to my email was for some reason incorrect although the payment amount was noted. I appealed using the company internal appeal system and was told no money so denied. Now I’m going to sue based on misrepresentation. What a hassle!
We have the same issues in our Vancouver Island parks. The machines rely on the internet but you are in between mountains so they never work.
I have internet and I was at Lynn Canyon Park and could not pay for parking. I had to scan the QR code, set up an account and it literally would not take my payment bevause it said it would text me a verification code to complete my payment for security reasons and it literally would not send the code. I have a US phone number and so perhaps it doesn’t send to foreign numbers. The only other way I could pay was with Apple Pay and I have an android. A kiosk would have solved this problem. These independent parking businesses have made it impossible. You do have to set up an account and a QR code isn’t the solution necessarily. I shouldn’t have to set up an account and have this difficulty to go for a walk
There are a lot of people who do not have a credit card either. Not everyone has one for one reason or another. I know I avoided a lot of pay parking for a long time because I couldn’t pay at all. I find a similar issue though when I go to bed there cities that all have their own city parking apps that I have to sign up for, etc. In the interest of being tourist friendly, perhaps we need to find ways to making place reasonably accessible to the public.