Paid parking made permanent at Spanish Banks, rate increased to $1.50 an hour

The Vancouver Park Board has voted to make paid parking permanent at Spanish Banks, while increasing the rate by 50 cents.

The new rate of $1.50 per hour aligns with Vancouver’s updated minimum for on-street parking, which was increased in November.

According to a report presented at Monday’s board meeting, the paid parking pilot project at Spanish Banks brought in $168,000 between July 2024 and May 2025, surpassing the city’s revenue expectations by more than $45,000.

Staff anticipate the increased rate will bring in $225,000 in net revenue annually.

The decision to impose paid parking at the popular beach has been controversial, with a petition for free access gathering around 8,500 signatures, but Commissioner Tom Digby noted that maintaining the city’s public spaces comes at a significant cost.

“I have to emphasize, it’s so expensive to run any park,” Digby told CTV News ahead of Monday’s vote. “We have spent $1 million last year putting in a water pipeline so Spanish Banks west could have flush toilets and have showers.”

The motion passed, with an amendment that would allow for “seasonal pricing (to be) incorporated for the off-season.”

Only two commissioners, Jas Virdi and Angela Haer, voted against permanent parking fees at Spanish Banks.

“I feel like we’re charging for everything, and there just needs to be a balance,” Virdi said before the meeting. “People need activities to enjoy that don’t cost anything.”

Commissioners supporting the motion also pointed out there are still areas with free parking across the city, including Sunset Community Centre and Trout Lake Community Centre.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Martin MacMahon