Real-time parking updates for two Metro Vancouver parks

People planning to visit Delta’s Centennial Beach this summer will be able to see online — in real time — if they have a place to park.

Metro Vancouver has launched a pilot project at Boundary Bay Regional Park that allows park users to see if parking lots are full or nearing capacity before they leave home, information they can use to better plan when to visit the park, if he should take transit, rather. than to drive, or even if they should consider going elsewhere.

“As summer approaches, we’re gearing up for what will undoubtedly be a busy time at Metro Vancouver’s regional parks and beaches. We hope that helping visitors make informed decisions about how and when to access these two parks will enhance their outdoor experience, minimize disruption to park neighbors and reduce traffic congestion,” said George Harvie, chairman of the board of directors of Metro Vancouver, in a press release.

During the pilot, which is also taking place at Richmond’s Iona Beach Regional Park, video cameras mounted on poles at the entrance to each park count vehicles entering and leaving, and the resulting parking capacity information is displayed as a constantly updated percentage on each park’s website park (Boundary Bay: metrovancouver.org/services/regional-parks/park/boundary-bay-regional-park; Iona Beach: metrovancouver.org/services/regional-parks/park/iona-beach-regional-park) .

The regional authority stresses that the cameras do not collect or store license plate numbers or other personal information.

Once the project is complete, Metro Vancouver plans to look into whether other regional parks could benefit from the technology. The results of the project will also be used to inform how the regional authority manages demand in its parks system.

“Metro Vancouver is always looking for ways to make it safer and easier for residents to connect with nature,” John McEwen, vice-chair of Metro Vancouver’s board of directors and chair of its regional parks committee, said in a statement. the press. “This new tool reduces the frustration of trying to find a parking spot in a crowded lot. It also contributes to our climate action and sustainability goals by reducing idling emissions and additional driving time.”

Park visitors are encouraged to drive, take transit, bike, or use alternate routes to the parks during the busy season, noting that Boundary Bay Regional Park is accessible by bus, bike, and foot.

Meanwhile, Metro Vancouver is also launching another pilot program this month that will allow visitors to consume alcohol in designated areas of Boundary Bay and other regional parks.

Beginning Friday, June 28th, the Centennial Beach picnic area (the lawn between the beach, Centennial Parkway, and the north and south parking lots) and a portion of the beach immediately to the east (from approximately the north end of the pond to the middle of the south parking lot) will be for open alcohol consumption during regular park hours, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. until September 2.

Alcohol consumption zones will also be created at Iona Beach, Campbell Valley and Derby Reach Regional Parks in Langley, Capilano River Regional Park in North Vancouver and a portion of the Brunette-Fraser Regional Road in New Westminster.

The pilot locations will remain in place until Monday, Oct. 14, after which Metro Vancouver staff will review the project and report back to the regional parks committee and board in early 2025.

A public feedback form will be available on Metro Vancouver’s website beginning June 28. Before then, members of the public can provide comments by emailing [email protected].​​​​