A pilot project is underway at Boundary Bay and Iona Beach regional parks that allows park users to look online and find out, in real time, if parking lots are full.
“As summer approaches, we are preparing for what will undoubtedly be a busy time at Metro Vancouver’s regional parks and beaches. We hope that helping visitors make informed decisions about how and when to access these two parks will improve their outdoor experience, minimize disruptions for park neighbours, and reduce traffic congestion,” said George V. Harvie, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors, on Monday.
During the pilot, pole-mounted video cameras located at the entrance to each park count vehicles as they enter and leave. The parking lot capacity information is displayed as a percentage on each park’s webpage and is constantly updated. These cameras do not collect or store any personal information, such as license plate numbers.
Park users can now see whether parking lots are full or approaching capacity before they leave home, and use the information to better plan their visit, including what time to go to the park, what method of transportation to use to travel there, or whether to consider visiting a different park.
“Metro Vancouver is always looking for ways to make it safer and easier for residents to connect with nature,” said John McEwen, Vice Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors and Chair of the Regional Parks Committee. “This new tool reduces the frustration of trying to find a parking spot in a full lot. It also contributes to our climate-action and sustainability goals by reducing emissions from idling and extra driving time.”
Park visitors are encouraged to carpool, take transit, cycle, or use alternative ways of getting to parks during the busy season. Boundary Bay Regional Park is accessible by bus, by bicycle, and on foot. Iona Beach Regional Park is accessible by bicycle, and work is underway to create a new multi-use pathway to the park for both cyclists and pedestrians. Metro Vancouver is also piloting a summer shuttle bus at Iona Beach Regional Park. Please check the park webpage, under the “Transit” section, for the latest information.
Once the project is complete, Metro Vancouver will look at whether other regional parks could benefit from this technology. Project results will also be used to inform how Metro Vancouver manages demand across the regional parks system.
Parking information for Boundary Bay Regional Park can be found here: metrovancouver.org/services/
Parking information for Iona Beach Regional Park can be found here: metrovancouver.org/services/
