Metrotown street parking rates to increase in September

Starting Sept. 30, parking rates on the street in Metrotown will increase. According to a report submitted to council on July 22, parking will reach $6 per day in some parts of Metrotown where long-term parking is allowed, defined as 10-12 hours. 

The primary reason stated in the report for the increase is to generate extra revenue for the city. 

“Based on current usage, it is anticipated that $150,000 additional revenue could be generated per year. Overall, approximately 600 on-street parking meter spaces will be adjusted with the new rate,” the report said. 

During a meeting of Burnaby’s Financial Management Committee on July 16, several councillors spoke in favour of increasing parking rates, but in fact, they objected to the rate increase, saying it was too low. 

“It’s not that great, but it does bring a little more revenue for the city,” said Coun. Pietro Calendino. 

The current rate for long-term parking, defined as 10-12 hours, is $5 for the day. With the new increase, the rate will become $6 per day. At the same time, hourly parking rates will increase to about $3 per hour, depending on the location. 

“I have a bit of a concern about the long-term parking which will go only to six dollars now for the whole day. What incentive is there for people to park by the hour and not just take the whole day for six dollars? So maybe more thinking needs to be done about that,” Calendino said. “If I go there, I can pay for two hours at six dollars, and I have to move out, but if I pay for the whole day at six dollars, I can forget my car.” 

He added that the full-day rate should probably be higher than the proposed rate. However, Leon Gous, the city’s chief administrative officer, said that not all parking spaces are available for long-term parking and that the number of stalls that allow for parking for 10-12 hours is limited. 

“It’s still a great bargain at six dollars for the whole day,” Calendino said. 

Coun. Joe Keithley also supported the increase, saying it was minimal. 

“When you look at the parking rates in Vancouver, this is cheap,” Keithley said. “I think it will raise more money, which we could use.” 

According to the council report, there are 2,200 on-street pay parking spaces and 1,100 pay parking meters in Burnaby. 

“The Burnaby Consolidated Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 14485, Schedule C6 – Parking Meter and Electric Vehicle Charging Meter Bylaw outlines the range for maximum parking fee rates between $3.00 for 0.5 hours and $6.00 for 1.0 hours,” the report said. “Depending on the location, the public currently pays between $0.42 to $3.00 per hour or $5.00 per day to park in a metered space. The parking meter fee rate was last increased in 2020.”

This piece was made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

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