The District of West Vancouver Council will soon review a new policy for street parking in neighbourhoods near paid park lots, following concerns about spillover parking since Ambleside Park introduced pay parking last fall.
According to the report, the policy aims to guide how parking on local streets will be managed as more drivers choose between paid park lots and free curbside spaces. The staff noted that residents and businesses have raised concerns about limited street parking near Ambleside and Dundarave villages, prompting Council to seek a consistent, District-wide approach.
Addressing spillover parking
Parking pressures are highest in areas where demand is already strong. Following the pay parking launch in September 2025, Council lowered the winter park rate to $2.50 an hour starting November 1, 2025, to make lots more affordable and reduce street parking demand.
The staff noted that early data show more drivers using the paid lots, though seasonal trends may affect street parking. A full update on Ambleside Park’s pay parking program will go to Council by the end of April 2026, helping guide decisions on expanding paid parking to John Lawson Park, Dundarave Park, or parts of Argyle Avenue.
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What the policy would do
According to the report, the proposed policy will formalize how the District manages street parking, especially near parks. It will allow time limits in busy areas and special permits for residents, while keeping streets open to visitors and service vehicles.
Paid on-street parking would only happen if the Council specifically approves it, the staff noted. Business representatives have supported stronger enforcement and turnover but oppose expanding paid parking onto streets or into additional parks.
Council will be asked to receive the report and decide whether to approve the new policy at an upcoming meeting.
Paid parking on the shore is ridiculous! I have zero problem parking 2-3-6 blocks away to avoid paying or worrying about my hour expiring and constantly having to check my phone or plan exactly how long I want to be at the beach for. I live off Lonsdale and all paid parking as done is push people onto the residential streets. Which I don’t blame them, but it also means at times there is no parking when I get home.
When it comes to Ambleside, I will just park at the mall and walk over. Like many people will do. So this will take up mall parking. Then what? Are you going to charge to park at at the mall? Park Royal isn’t so amazing that I’d be willing to pay to go there. I doubt I’m alone in that. So now the businesses suffer.
If West Vancouver needs this stream of revenue so desperately, why don’t you just plant a cop at the corner of Marine Drive and Taylor and have them hand out tickets for blocking the intersection. I can also recommend several lights that say “no turn on right” where north van can accrue a steady income from ticketing.