Vancouver to end free parking at city meters with return of enforcement
Enforcement already in West End and Kitsilano; mayor says staff will decide where to return it next
The City of Vancouver plans to bring back enforcement of parking meter fees after relaxing the rules in March.
The city announced it would temporarily stop enforcement at the end of March to support health-care and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a call with reporters Wednesday, Stewart said council voted Tuesday to bring back enforcement.
The relaxed rules led to many drivers taking advantage of the opportunity, Stewart said, and attracted many out-of-town drivers downtown.
Stewart also said the collection of parking fees will help the city with its financial woes.
"That's one of the major losses we've had," Stewart said of the lost revenue but added, "It won't come close to filling the gap we have in terms of our finances."
Stewart said parking enforcement has already returned to the West End and Kitsilano neighbourhoods.
Staff will look into which areas of the city should get enforcement back next. Stewart said decisions of where and when enforcement is returning will be communicated to residents.
He said staff would also try to strike a balance between enforcement and supporting essential workers.
With files from Justin McElroy