Squamish is considering introducing paid parking at Darrell Bay, but it’s one of the several locations where people may have to pay for parking. The district says the goal with paid parking is to reduce congestion at busy sites while ensuring that parking is available and limiting overflow into residential areas.
While no final decisions have been made, several locations are under review. Here are the locations the district is considering for future paid parking locations.
Downtown Off-Street Parking Lots
The district owns several off-street parking lots serving businesses, residents, and visitors. Officials are considering paid parking but warn that implementing fees before an on-street parking strategy could push more cars onto free street spaces. “Charging for these lots before implementing paid street parking may push more vehicles onto free on-street spaces, reducing availability and affecting turnover,” the staff report notes. ” Potential pushback from locals who see it as a community resource, and potential concerns from businesses relying on free parking for customer access.”
Possible Plan: Keep lots free until a comprehensive downtown parking plan is developed. Introduce time limits and enforcement to prevent long-term vehicle storage.
Smoke Bluffs Park
A popular destination for rock climbing, hiking, and picnicking, Smoke Bluffs sees heavy use, especially during peak climbing season. Officials believe paid parking could help manage demand, but they recognize the need to maintain accessibility for both locals and tourists. “Paid parking could help manage peak-season demand, but it needs to balance accessibility for local climbers and fairness for tourist,” the district report says.
Possible Plan: A time-based pricing model, such as offering free first hour could balance accessibility and revenue generation. A resident pass system and reinvesting fees into park maintenance are also under consideration.
Squamish Adventure Centre
A key stop for visitors travelling the Sea to Sky Highway, the Adventure Centre is a hub for tourism, events, and local attractions. District staff sees a high potential for a tourism-focused parking pass system but acknowledge concerns from businesses that fees might deter visitors from exploring downtown.
Possible Plan: Short-term free parking, digital payment options, and validation programs with local businesses could be introduced.
Perth Drive Trailhead
This on-street parking area is a key access point for hikers and mountain bikers. High visitor numbers make paid parking an option, but staff is wary of parking overflowing into residential streets. Possible Plan: A resident-only permit system, carpooling and shuttle use incentives and designated enforcement zones.
Tantalus Road Trailhead
Similar to Perth Drive, this location relies on on-street parking. Paid parking could help ease peak-season congestion, but infrastructure updates may be necessary. Possible Plan: Time-based pricing and revenue reinvestment into trail maintenance, with clear communication to avoid confusion.
Mamquam River Trailhead
This scenic spot for hiking, fishing, and nature walks has historically offered free parking with minimal congestion. “There are challenges with land ownership in this area. If introduced, it could use low-fee, seasonal pricing to maintain accessibility. Possible Plan: If fees are introduced, they should directly support conservation efforts and on-site amenities like washrooms and waste bins.
Fisherman’s Park
A popular site for river access and wildlife viewing, this area sees a surge in visitors during peak fishing seasons. Possible plans include a seasonal permit system or a pay-and-display meter, with potential discounts for local anglers.
Grant Babin says
I can see the need to increase district revenue and that some areas get very crowded during peek seasons. I would suggest that council consider having an affordable parking for all the proposed locations for locals.