Pay parking during peak hours in effect at Granville Island starting June 1

May 22 2019, 11:55 pm

Free parking at Granville Island during the busy mid-day periods is coming to an end on June 1, 2019, as a new pay parking system is coming into effect.

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Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC), the federal crown corporation that manages the popular tourist destination, announced today it is moving forward with its plans to implement pay parking for all parking stalls during the busy mid-day period.

Parking will remain free during the mornings and evenings, when the island is less busy.

This is the new pay parking system effective at the start of next month:

  • Free Parking: 6 pm to 11 am
  • Pay Parking: 11 am to 6 pm
    • Pricing:
      • $3.00 per hour in summer: May 1 to September 30
      • $2.00 per hour in winter: October 1 to April 30

The longstanding parking system that will end soon provided both free and pay parking spaces, but CMHC says the changes will better manage high parking demand and ease traffic congestion, as drivers are known to circle the island searching for a free parking spot.

Drivers can purchase parking time for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or in one-hour increments. The use of pay parking apps by Honk, EasyPark, or PayByPhone will allow drivers to add time without having to return to their car.

“We are implementing this new system in order to improve parking availability, better manage demand, and improve the visitor experience,” said Sebastian Lippa, manager of planning and development at CMHC-Granville Island, in a statement. “We want to ensure that visitors who choose to travel to Granville Island by car can find a parking spot.”

Granville Island’s operators first announced the parking changes in October 2018, and it has already enacted an annual tour bus permit fee in an aim to reduce the congestion created by tour buses.

Moreover, both the parking and tour bus policy changes were a part of CMHC’s Granville Island 2040 master plan report of improving island attractions, public spaces, and transportation connections, which could potentially entail a new elevator and staircase to the proposed walkway for the Granville Street Bridge.

Artistic rendering of a potential elevator, staircase, and observation deck between Granville Island and the new Granville Bridge walkway. (CMHC)

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Kenneth ChanKenneth Chan

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