Several Vancouver community centres are making changes to pay parking at their facilities, and the move has upset some regular visitors.
The lots at Hillcrest, Kerrisdale, and Trout Lake Community Centre (TLCC), as well as Langara Golf Course, began pay parking in mid-February 2026.
Less than a year later, the three Community Centres are changing how guests are able to access free parking during their visit.
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“Beginning Oct. 26, 2026, the iPad kiosks used to register for three hours of complimentary parking will be removed from Hillcrest, Kerrisdale, and Trout Lake Community Centres, pools, and arenas,” announced TLCC on social media.
“Community centre users will continue to receive three hours of complimentary parking by registering at a parking meter in the lot or through a third-party parking app.”
While registering at a parking meter in the lot is free of additional fees, those using a third-party parking app for the complimentary parking will be charged a $0.45 convenience fee per transaction.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
According to the community centre, the change was in response to user feedback about challenges with the kiosks. It was also done to allow guests to complete one single transaction to register for complimentary parking as well as pay for any additional time.
However, followers of TLCC shared their disapproval of the announcement online.
“You have GOT to be kidding me,” said one person. “You made this ‘easier,’ but now it’s no longer actually complimentary parking unless we use the less convenient, and in the winter, wetter option?”
“All you had to do at the iPad was enter your license plate number,” said another. “If you wanted a receipt, you typed in your email address on the next screen. It takes less than a minute. How is that even remotely challenging?”
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
TCCC added that any feedback the public has about the parking strategy can be directed to 3-1-1 via phone or online.
Year-round pay parking took effect at several Vancouver community centres and attractions on Monday, Feb. 16
“In support of the Park Board’s Parking Strategy, approved by the Board in October 2025, a one-year paid parking pilot will come into effect at Hillcrest, Kerrisdale, and Trout Lake community centres,” a Park Board spokesperson previously told Daily Hive Urbanized.
“These sites were selected due to a consistently high demand for parking and good access to nearby options for transportation.”
“The first three hours of parking will be free for community centre patrons (including for activities at pools, arenas, and libraries) with a rate of $3.50 per hour thereafter,” explained the Park Board. “Parking for people not visiting the community centre starts at $3.50 per hour.”
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
A $4.50 per hour paid parking rate also came into effect at Langara Golf Course in mid-February. Complimentary parking will be provided for golfers, and clubhouse patrons will also receive three hours of free parking.
According to the Park Board at the time of the vote on pay parking last fall, the strategy will improve user experience, help reduce congestion, and lead to better management of parking at lots within their jurisdiction.
“As Vancouver grows, demand for parking at our facilities is increasing,” said Park Board Chair Laura Christensen in a release. “Paid parking, where it makes sense, can improve access and increase investments in the maintenance and renewal of our parks and recreation facilities.”
A parking pilot for VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights is also expected to come into effect later this year, at a rate of $25 between 4 and 10 p.m. for the event.