As the District of Squamish’s paid parking survey gets ready to come to a close, local organizations have shared their thoughts on how the changes could impact both residents and tourists this summer.
Squamish Access Society
The Squamish Access Society is a non-profit advocacy group for rock climbers. Their major concerns are around the proposed paid parking locations being in key climbing areas.
“The proposed locations include key climbing areas like the Smoke Bluffs, and the crags accessed from Darrell Bay including the Papoose and Shannon Falls,” SAS chair Alex Ryan Tucker wrote in a letter to the District of Squamish that was shared with The Squamish Chief.
“These places are cherished by climbers and many other Squamish residents who enjoy spending time outdoors. Access to outdoor recreation is an intrinsic part of Squamish’s identity and a key value for many residents,” Tucker said.
“Climbers were instrumental in the preservation of the Smoke Bluffs and its designation as a municipal park and it is important to us that all residents are able to freely enjoy it.”
Tucker said that the framing of the paid parking proposal as being in “tourist based locations” raises significant issues due to the places being more than just a hotspot for visitors.
“Climbing areas such as the Smoke Bluffs are not merely tourist attractions—they are our local parks,” he said.
“One of the stated aims of paid parking is to generate revenue from visitors to the community. As proposed, much of this revenue will be taken from Squamish residents who already contribute through municipal taxes.
“The Smoke Bluffs, in particular, exist because climbers dedicated time, effort and expense to purchase and protect this urban outdoor area, making it accessible for all residents to enjoy. Implementing paid parking at such sites disregards this history and underestimates the essential role these areas play in our local outdoor culture.”
For climbers, finding access to the proposed locations via public transport is an already difficult task, leaving many people forced to drive to be able to transport all of their gear.
This leads to another concern for the SAS that climbers will be the ones generating most of the paid parking revenue.
“Currently, there are limited transportation options, and climbers and outdoor enthusiasts often have little choice but to drive. A climber travelling from Brackendale or Valleycliffe to the Smoke Bluffs could face a journey of over an hour, involving a bus ride and a lengthy walk, or multiple bus transfers,” Tucker said.
“Climbing areas near Darrell Bay are even less accessible by transit, with limited summer bus service and no straightforward cycling routes.”
Tucker is encouraging the District to reconsider prioritizing paid parking in downtown Squamish as opposed to the tourist locations.
“Visitor behaviour differs significantly between downtown areas and climbing destinations. Climbers often park for several hours, whereas downtown visitors may stay for less than an hour while running errands or attending appointments, so climbers will be disproportionately affected,” he said.
“As it stands, the implementation of paid parking will disproportionately impact residents and limit access to the outdoors.”
Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association
Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association executive director Kerry Neil said while the group is in the process of gathering feedback from members, there is “significant concern about long-term parking for those who live and work in the downtown area.”
“Many members are advocating for a solution that addresses the ongoing need for convenient and affordable parking for employees, residents, and local business owners,” Neil said.
“Any parking initiatives must consider the balance between supporting our tourism industry while also accommodating the needs of those who contribute to the vitality of the area year-round.”
The BIA is encouraging the community to participate in the survey to ensure everyone’s perspectives are taken into account.
“Once more data is collected and analyzed, we will be better positioned to provide a more informed perspective on paid parking. In the meantime, the BIA remains committed to collaborating with the District and all stakeholders to ensure a fair and effective solution for everyone.”
Tourism Squamish
Key concerns from Tourism Squamish are around ensuring accessible options for everyone to be able to access the key proposed locations.
“Tourism Squamish is concerned about the potential for unintended consequences from implementing paid parking without addressing foundational issues,” executive director Lesley Weeks said.
“Key gaps, such as the lack of free parking infrastructure and limited public transit options, must be resolved first to avoid displacing parking challenges into surrounding neighbourhoods and negatively impacting local businesses.”
Weeks told The Squamish Chief that delaying implementation of the paid parking program is “critical” until free parking infrastructure and public transport are improved.
“A paid parking program must be carefully balanced to support sustainability goals without deterring visitors, overburdening residents, or compromising accessibility. If moving forward is necessary, a pilot program at one or two key locations would provide valuable insights and allow for adjustments before wider rollout,” she said.
Introducing a resident pass or maintaining free parking at critical locations such as the Adventure Centre were also suggestions from Tourism Squamish as ways to “ensure fairness and strengthen community support” around paid parking.
Background on the paid parking pilot program
At the Dec. 17 regular council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to support prioritizing a paid-parking pilot project being implemented at a number of tourism-based locations as opposed to downtown Squamish.
These locations include Darrell Bay, the Squamish Adventure Centre, Smoke Bluffs parking lot, Perth Drive trailhead area, the north end of Tantalus Road, Mamquam Dike access west of Government Road near the Public Works Yard and Fisherman's Park.
No official council decision will be made until after the community survey launched by the District wraps on Jan 22.
Should the muni opt to move forward with implementing paid parking at tourism hot spots this summer, it would mean that paid parking downtown would be pushed back until 2027.
District staff will come back to council early this year to present the community input and seek direction on the next steps for paid parking in Squamish.
For more information on the paid parking plan, visit the District of Squamish website.
