Granville Island ending day-long free parking starting next month

Apr 23 2021, 4:47 pm

The duration of pay parking at Granville Island will be significantly shortened starting on May 1, 2021, to help manage demand.

Granville Island’s operator, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, has indicated that the temporary free parking that began last year as a COVID-19 pandemic measure will be reduced to 6 pm to 11 am. Pay parking will return during the mid-day hours from 11 am to 6 pm.

Retaining the free parking periods in the morning and evening is intended to support retail businesses with regular clients who shop early and restaurant and hospitality businesses after the Granville Island Public Market has closed.

The island attraction operator says the parking capacity is increasingly being used by people making leisure trips in the area without supporting businesses in Granville Island.

“Where we would expect parking to be abundant due to the current travel restrictions, we are instead experiencing a high level of vehicles parking without supporting businesses on Granville Island,” reads a bulletin.

“From employees of surrounding neighbourhood businesses to multiple groups parking to only ride their bikes along the seawall, and boaters gone for days and weeks at a time. This, unfortunately, has resulted in a lack of parking near the Public Market for shoppers, the docks for kayak, paddleboard rentals and patios, and the artisans, restaurants and shops across the Island.”

Granville Island states its revenue loss from temporary free parking was only intended to support its businesses.

Kenneth ChanKenneth Chan

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