Downtown Vancouver street parking could no longer be free on weekends. Here's why
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Soon, the City of Vancouver could stop offering free parking to drivers who visit the downtown area through the weekend.
On-street hourly parking is currently enforced from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., but Vancouver City Council voted to advance their proposed plan during a meeting on Monday. If the related ordinance is approved after its second reading and public hearing next week, officials will enforce fees for weekend street parking on and south of Evergreen Boulevard starting June 1.
Portions of downtown north of the boulevard, like Uptown Village, would require paid parking daily starting next year. Vancouver’s Downtown Access, Mobility And Parking Plan claims the changes would help boost the number of spaces available.
“On weekends, on-street parking turnover is infrequent in high-demand areas of downtown, including the Waterfront creating access challenges for customers and visitors in one of the city’s busiest shopping and restaurant districts,” the plan reads. “By extending paid parking and enforcement to include Saturday and Sunday, the City will encourage increased turnover and create more opportunities for customers to find parking at their desired destination.”
Weekend fees would cost the same as what is charged during the week.
Street pay stations currently charge $2.50 per hour in the Waterfront District and $1.75 hourly in other neighborhoods, according to the City of Vancouver’s Economic Prosperity and Housing Department. But Parking District Manager Gabe Montez told councilors the city plans to increase the maximum hourly fee by $1 for more flexibility.
“We don't raise rates to address revenue issues," Economic Development Director Patrick Quinton added. "We raise rates to better utilize our existing parking assets and make sure that they match market."
For downtown workers who will be impacted, officials plan to launch a program that offers more “affordable” parking fees in the city’s low-demand areas.