What are the goals of the project?

    The Climate Emergency Parking Program is designed to:

    1. Encourage people to purchase cleaner vehicles
      for people buying new ones
    2. Reduce air and carbon pollution
      Rates being considered would achieve about 10% of the climate emission reductions being we are targeting from the switch to clean vehicles
    3. Fund climate emergency actions
      Rates being considered would fund about 25% of Climate Emergency Action plan needs, generating about $60M by 2025


    It would also allow us to respond more effectively to localized parking issues as Vancouver grows over time.

    Why are you considering a pollution charge on parking permits?

    Burning gas and diesel in vehicles is a major contributor to climate change—accounting for 40% of carbon pollution in Vancouver. 

    The pollution charge would:

    • Encourage people buying new vehicles to choose efficient ones, without impacting affordability for people who have older vehicles
    • Help fund key climate actions such as making our sidewalks safer and more accessible, improving bus speed and reliability, expanding our public charging network for electric vehicles, and switching buildings from natural gas to renewable energy

    How would the pollution charge work? How much would it cost?

    The pollution charge would be added to the base permit fee of residential parking permits. It would:

    • Apply to all existing and future permit zones        
    • Only apply to vehicles with model year 2023 or newer
    • Not apply to specialized vehicles for people with disabilities


    The rates being considered are listed in the table below. Most types of vehicles found in Tier 2 and 3 would also be available as Tier 1 low-polluting options. Click here to learn more about fuel consumption ratings for existing vehicles.


    CategoryAnnual pollution chargeVehicle typesExamples
    Exempt$0All 2022 & older vehicles
    Specialized vehicles for wheelchairs
    • All vehicles that people already own today
    Tier 1
    < 200g C02/km
    $0Electric & low polluting new vehicles
    • Electric vehicles, hybrids, most economy vehicles (model year 2023 or newer)
    Tier 2
    200g to 225g C02/km
    $500Moderately polluting new vehicles
    • Most gas-powered sporty sedans, more efficient small SUVs (model year 2023 or newer)
    Tier 3
    > 225g C02/km
    $1,000High-polluting new vehicles
    • Most gas-powered luxury sports cars, large SUVs, full-size pickup trucks (model year 2023 or newer)


    Why are you considering a new overnight permit zone?

    Since motor vehicles are responsible for 40% of carbon pollution in Vancouver, a user fee on vehicles parking on the street is an important part of funding the City’s Climate Emergency Response. The new overnight permit zone would be a stable new source of funding for climate emergency initiatives.  

    The new permit zone is also required to implement the pollution charge  across the entire city, since the charge is implemented through parking permits. Without the new zone, the pollution charge would only apply to small parts of the city and not be effective. 

    The new permit zone would also enable us to better manage localized parking issues as neighbourhoods change over time. For example, there might be pockets within the new zone where people have difficulty finding parking during the day. These problem areas could be converted into new 24 hour permit zones, making it easier for residents and visitors to find parking.

    Where would the new overnight permit zone be?

    The new overnight permit zones would apply to residential areas that don't already require parking permits.

    The table below provides general guidelines on where the new overnight permit system would apply.

    Where would the new overnight permit be required?

    Do people live on the block?

    Yes

    What are the posted parking regulations?

    None

    Overnight permit required

    No parking except residents of this block

    Overnight permit required

    No parking except with permit

    No overnight permit required, existing permit only

    Any other regulation

    No overnight permit required

    No

    No overnight permit required

    How would the new overnight permit zone work for residents? What would it cost?

    The new overnight residential permit zone would only apply to residential parts of the city that do not already require parking permits. It would not replace existing 24-hour permit zones.

    Residents living in the new overnight permit zone:

    • Would not need a permit if they only park on the street between 7am and midnight
    • Would need a permit if they park on the street overnight between midnight and 7am


    Permits would include an annual base fee, plus the pollution charge if applicable.

    We are proposing a base fee of about $45 per year (equal to $3.75 per month), which is the same as the cheapest existing permit zones in the city. Residents in low income households would be eligible for a discounted base fee of $5 per year.

    How would the discounted rate for low income households work?

    Residents in low-income households would be eligible for a reduced base permit rate of $5 per year. 

    Eligibility would be the same as with low-income rates currently available in the West End permit area, e.g.

    • You are enrolled in an eligible income assistance program
      (e.g. Vancouver Park Board Leisure Access Program, BC Bus Pass Program, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters from BC Housing, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction programs)
    • You have low income, but don’t receive income assistance
    • You have a child with a disability up to 17 years old


    Residents would be able to apply for the discounted rate online, by phone or in person through a simple self-declaration process that the City may audit should the need arise in the future.

    What about people who can't afford electric vehicles?

    The pollution charge would not apply to existing vehicles. It is intended to encourage people who are already planning to buy a new car in the future to choose a more efficient one, and would only apply to future vehicles staring with model year 2023.

    In addition, the pollution tiers have been set so that most economy vehicles and many vehicles suitable for families would fall under Tier 1 ($0 fee).


    Most economy vehicles and many vehicles suitable for families would fall under the $0 pollution tier.

     


    How would the new overnight permit zone work for visitors and service providers? How much would it cost?

    During the day (7am to midnight)

    There would be no change from today for people visiting the new overnight permit zone between 7am and midnight. Visitors and service providers would generally be able to park anywhere in the new zone, free of charge.

    Overnight (midnight to 7am)

    Visitors parking on the street in the new zone overnight would:

    • Park anywhere
    • Pay an overnight fee of $3 per night
    • Pay online using the PaybyPhone app or in person at a neighbourhood pay station

    Health care workers who provide overnight services in residential areas would be eligible for an annual permit at the same rate as residents, even if they don't live in the area.

    Existing 24-hour permit zones

    In existing permit zones, there would be no change from today. 

    How would revenue be used?

    The program would generate between $44M and $72M by 2025. Revenue would be used to fund initiatives outlined in the Climate Emergency Action Plan, e.g.:

    • Improving green, low-cost transportation options like walking, cycling, and transit
    • Expanding the electric vehicle charging network
    • Helping buildings switch to renewable energy

    Future budget consultations would provide the public an opportunity to inform more detailed spending. The list of items below costs about $60M in total, providing a sense of what could be funded by the program.

    • Develop 20 km of bus priority projects to improve transit speed and reliability
    • Construct street improvements around two transit stations to facilitate safer, easier, and more pleasant transfers and movement
    • Install 25 new pedestrian signals to provide safer crossing opportunities and encourage walking
    • Infill 100 missing curb ramps to improve accessibility and the walking experience for all
    • Plant over 1,000 street trees in underserved neighbourhoods to provide tree canopy for improved air quality and temperature regulation
    • Construct 4km of green rainwater infrastructure to reduce flooding, clean rainwater, and prevent pollutants from getting into our waterways
    • Install 15 fast charging stations to provide easy public charging opportunities for hybrid and electric vehicles
    • Install 500 Level II charging stations with an emphasis on rental buildings

    When would the new program come into effect?

    If approved by Council, the program would launch in 2022.


    Has this been done anywhere else?

    A number of cities around the world have implemented citywide parking permits and/or pollution surcharges for residential parking, including Sydney Australia and Montreal Canada.


    How much do permits cost in Vancouver today?

    Permits in Vancouver’s existing residential zones cost between about $45 and $400 annually, depending on location, which is equal to about $3.75 to $33 per month. Fees are generally higher in more dense parts of the city where parking issues are more significant. 

    In the West End (the most expensive zone at ~$400 per year), a lower cost non-market rate of ~$90 per year is available to low-income households. To help manage demand, permit sales are limited to two per household in some locations.

    Visit vancouver.ca/parking to learn more about the City’s existing residential permit program.

    Permits in Vancouver's existing residential zones cost between about $45 and $400 annually, depending on location. 

     

    How much do permits cost in other cities?

    Permit rates vary from one city to another. See the table below for some examples.

    CityAnnual permit costFactors impacting cost

    Toronto

    $233 to $1,019

    • Number of permits bought
    • Household access to off-street parking

    Montreal

    $11.50 (Anjou)

    $164 to $264 (Le Plateau-Mont Royal)

    $70 to $160 (Le Sud-Ouest)

    $75 (Saint-Laurent)

    $100 to $250 (Ville Marie)

    • Vehicle emissions
    • Location

      Calgary

    $0 to $57

    • Number of permits bought
    • Location

     Sydney Australia

    $41 to $242

    • Number of permits bought
    • Vehicle emissions
    • Household access to off-street parking
    • Location

    Has this already been approved?

    Council endorsed the idea in principle as part of the Climate Emergency Action Plan

    Staff will bring forward detailed recommendations to Council on October 5, 2021. If approved, the program would be implemented in 2022.


    What are the related policies and Council decisions?

    Climate Emergency Action Plan (2020)

    In November 2020, Vancouver City Council approved the Climate Emergency Action Plan to reduce carbon pollution 50% by 2030. 

    The plan includes transportation targets that by 2030:

    • 90% of people will live within an easy walk or roll of their daily needs
    • two-thirds of all trips in the city will be by active transportation and transit
    • 50% of distance driven in the city will be by zero emissions vehicles


    The plan includes many actions to support these targets, including a two-part motion on parking that staff bring forward recommendations in 2021 to:

    • Eliminate off-street motor vehicle parking requirement minimums (except for spaces required for accessibility), implement parking maximums, and support sustainable transportation choices in new developments 
    • Transition toward managing all curbside space, including an on-street parking permit system citywide to support the elimination of parking requirements in buildings, better manage parking within neighbourhoods, and support the introduction of carbon pollution surcharges for vehicles 


    Transportation 2040 (2012)

    In October 2012, Council approved Transportation 2040, the City’s long-range transportation strategy. It includes a number of parking policies (section M.2) that informed the Climate Emergency Action Plan directions.



    How can I have my say?

    The final recommendations have been modified based on public and stakeholder feedback earlier this year and are now online.

    Visit this page to learn more, including how to speak to Council.

    How do the draft directions respond to feedback received to date?

    The table below highlights how the directions respond to common issues raised during Phase 1 and Phase 2 engagement.

    FeedbackProposal

    1 . Climate change concerns
    Almost 90% of respondents are somewhat
     to very concerned about climate change

    • Would achieve about 7-14% of targeted emissions reductions 
    • Would fund about 19-31% of Climate Emergency Action Plan needs-about $44M-72M by 2025
    2. Affordability
    How will program impact overall affordability in the city?
    • Low base fee for new permit zone: $45 per year (equivalent to $3.75 per month)
    • Discounted base fee for low income households: $5 per year
    • Pollution charge would not apply to vehicles people already own or vehicles specialized for people with disabilities
    • Most economy vehicles and many vehicles suitable for families would fall under Tier 1 ($0 pollution charge)
    • Most other vehicle types would also have Tier 1 ($0 pollution charge) options—would be a choice
    • Climate Emergency Action Plan would improve low cost transportation options—supporting the many households that do not own a car or wish to drive less 
    3. Use of Revenue
    How will revenue be used?
    • Revenue would support Climate Emergency Action Plan initiatives
    • Improved walking/rolling/cycling/transit, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, green buildings
    4. Ease of use | visitor parking
    Some concerns that the system would be complicated, and/or that visitors and service provider wouldn’t be able to park
    • Permits not required during the day
    • Residents may purchase permit online or in person
    • Visitors may purchase overnight permit through PaybyPhone or pay stations
    • Streamline process for new 24 hour permit zones
    5. Lack of parking issues in some areas
    Why introduce a new permit zone in locations where people don’t have parking issues?
    • Overnight permit would have minimal impact while allowing for pollution charge to be implemented citywide
    • New system would help City manage local parking issues

    How did you respond to feedback from Phase 2 engagement this summer?

    The recommendations have been modified based on feedback from public and stakeholders this summer. Changes to the recommendations include:

    • Introducing a reduced permit base rate for residents in low-income households ($5 per year for residents living in the new overnight permit zone)
    • Reducing the time the new overnight permit zone would be in effect (midnight to 7am instead of 10pm to 7am)
    • Allowing overnight care workers who work in the new overnight zone to purchase an annual residential permit, even if they live outside the area