All-day free parking at Granville Island is coming to an end.
Beginning May 1, mid-day visitors will once again be required to pay to park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free day parking was first implemented as a temporary measure last year to help support Granville Island businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will remain in effect until April 30.
"Revenue loss from temporary free parking was intended to support those businesses, artists and makers working on Granville Island," explained a notice posted to Granville Island's website.
Re-introducing pay parking will help ensure spaces are available for Island customers, the notice added.
"Where we would expect parking to be abundant due to the current travel restrictions, we are instead experiencing a high level of vehicles parking without supporting businesses on Granville Island. From employees of surrounding neighborhood businesses, to multiple groups parking to only ride their bikes along the seawall, and boaters gone for days and weeks at a time. This, unfortunately, has resulted in a lack of parking near the Public Market for shoppers, the docks for kayak, paddle board rentals and patios, and the artisans, restaurants and shops across the Island."
Keeping parking free until 11 a.m. also offers regular visitors the option to shop earlier in the day, while free parking from 6 p.m. onwards serves restaurant guests visiting the Island after the Public Market has closed for the day. The decision was made in consultation with Island merchants and business owners, Granville Island management said.
Pay parking will be enforced by EasyPark. Rates will be set at $1 per hour from Monday to Friday, and $2 per hour on weekends and holidays.
