Pricier parking could be coming to peak areas in Vancouver

Parking rates at some meters in Vancouver could go up by as much as a $1 per hour if council approves a new report by city staff.

The report makes a number of recommendations that staff say would modernize management of the city's parking meter system.

City staff call the current parking meter management approach "ad hoc," and they are recommending the city move to a "policy and data-driven program."

Part of that program involves changing rates annually based on data collected on usage and demand.

Some hikes, some decreases

The report is proposing to hike rates in locations where demand for parking is high and spots are few and far between during peak times.

Staff are recommending an increase of $1 per hour for locations that have what the report calls "peak curbside occupancy" that exceeds 85 per cent.

The report also recommends rounding rates up to the nearest whole dollar to, "facilitate better communication and wayfinding."

For example, a meter that currently has a rate of $2.50 per hour would be rounded up to $3 per hour.

But it's not just increases staff are recommending.

For areas that have lower occupancy, which the report defines as less than 60 per cent, they are suggesting rates should decrease by $1 per hour.

The report is also proposing different rates for evening and daytime hours depending on demand.

Goal to free up more spaces

City staff say the goal is to make it easier for drivers to find parking spaces, and to support the city's transportation and public space objectives.

The proposed changes would involve amending a number of city bylaws.

There are approximately 10,000 metered parking spaces in Vancouver.

Currently, rates range from $1 per hour to $6 per hour.

The report will be presented to council on Tuesday Nov. 15.