Paid parking doesn't deter majority of Granville Island visitors: poll

A new poll by Research Co. suggests a new paid parking plan at Granville Island doesn’t put off the majority of Metro Vancouverites from visiting.

Granville Island eliminated free parking during peak hours earlier this year, implementing a $3 per hour fee on all parking stalls in the summer between 11 am and 6 pm. The hourly rate decreases to $2 per hour in the winter.

“Two in five Metro Vancouverites who drive to Granville Island (40%) claim to be less likely to visit under the new parking regime,” Mario Canseco, president of Research Co., said in a news release.

“However, more than half of them (58%) say they will not be deterred by this new regulation.”

• See also:
  • Granville Island will no longer offer free parking during peak hours
  • Granville Island Kids Market retailers say sales, foot traffic are down this year
  • New council formed to oversee the regeneration of Granville Island

Store owners in the Granville Island Kids Market told Daily Hive earlier this month that their sales and foot traffic decreased after Granville Island implemented paid parking during peak hours.

“I think locals like to go to a place where you can park your car for free if you’re going to spend your money,” Robert Grossman, owner of Camelot Kids, said at the time.

Granville Island spokesperson Cate Simpson said they brought in paid parking since having some free stalls, and some stalls that cost $3.50 per hour (the plan before) was confusing for customers and led to drivers circling the island looking for a free spot.

Research Co.’s survey also suggested the most common way people get to Granville Island is by taking a private vehicle, especially when they live in the suburbs. However, public transit, walking, biking, and using a car-share service were also reported as alternatives.

Ways to arrive to Granville Island in Metro Vancouver:

Drove own vehicle – 45%
Took public transit – 35%
Used a car share service – 7%
Walked – 8%
Biked – 3%https://t.co/QQr6VAzsB8

— Mario Canseco (@mario_canseco) December 27, 2019

After Canseco shared his findings, several people chimed in on Twitter that they’d like to see Granville Island go entirely car-free.

Granville island should have been car free decades ago. There should have been a false creek tram or something. https://t.co/bwLNMEbfmw

— Martin Hoare (@MartinHoare9) December 27, 2019

Getting cars out of Granville Island is SO long overdue. There are many creative ways to make it a more accessible space for all. Count me in as someone who would go more often with fewer/no cars. https://t.co/t1Fvvg9qLA

— Mira Oreck (@miraoreck) December 27, 2019

If anyone was thinking “Hey, maybe driving over to Granville Island might be fun!” No. Bike there. Or take transit. pic.twitter.com/rdCmDpMSKg

— 🚴🏻‍♂️ 📷 Ian Alexander Martin 📸 🎸 (@IanAMartin) December 27, 2019

And one person shared their favourite way to access the island not mentioned in the survey.

The best way to Granville Island is by aqua taxi. pic.twitter.com/p5iAQliYDg

— Rob 🤠 (@leaningcowboy) December 27, 2019