The City of Vancouver has released plans to reduce carbon emissions by charging specific vehicle owners up to $1,000 a year for street parking, on top of their insurance..Called the “Climate Emergency Parking Program,” Vancouver says owners of a 2023 or newer “high-polluting” vehicles – such as a gas-powered sports car, large SUV, or full-sized pickup truck – will have to pay $1,000 per year for a residential parking permit..Owners of 2023 or newer vehicles considered to be “moderately-polluting” – such as gas-powered sporty sedans or higher efficiency small SUV’s – will pay $500 for the permit..Electric and “low-polluting” vehicles – such as electric cars, hybrids, and most economy vehicles modelled 2023 or newer – will not be charged..Wheelchair modified vehicles would be exempt..In addition to the three-tiered annual fee, the City proposes new overnight permits which will cost $45 per year for vehicle owners to park between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on all residential streets in the city that don’t already require a permit, including in front of their own house..Visitors will pay $3 for a night, which will be paid through their phone or a neighbourhood pay station..“With this proposed program, Vancouver would be joining a number of cities around the world that have implemented pollution charges for residential parking, including Sydney, Australia and Montreal,” said Paul Storer, Director of Transportation in a news release..“Not only would this program substantially reduce emissions and help us reach our Climate Emergency targets approved by Council in November 2020, it can help us better manage our curb space to serve residential areas.”.The city says the revenue gained from these initiatives would be used to support Climate Emergency Action Plan initiatives..City Coun. Lisa Dominato agreed Vancouverites need to do their part to reduce carbon emissions, but does not support the proposal..“This proposal makes the city less affordable for both renters and homeowners who have been struggling through the current pandemic,” wrote Dominato on her website..“Now is not the time to add more taxes and fees to already beleaguered residents, particularly in neighbourhoods where parking is not a problem..“This proposal is also inequitable. It imposes a base permit fee on 50% of vehicle owners in the city (if you are lucky enough to have a driveway, parking pad or underground parkade, guess what – you don’t pay because the city can only manage and charge for street use). If you’re not lucky enough to have private parking and need a vehicle for work or family reasons, then you may be a resident who can least afford the new base permit fee.”.The City will be accepting feedback on the Climate Emergency Parking Program until July 5 and residents can take the survey here..Reid Small is a BC correspondent for the Western Standard.,.rsmall@westernstandardonline.com
The City of Vancouver has released plans to reduce carbon emissions by charging specific vehicle owners up to $1,000 a year for street parking, on top of their insurance..Called the “Climate Emergency Parking Program,” Vancouver says owners of a 2023 or newer “high-polluting” vehicles – such as a gas-powered sports car, large SUV, or full-sized pickup truck – will have to pay $1,000 per year for a residential parking permit..Owners of 2023 or newer vehicles considered to be “moderately-polluting” – such as gas-powered sporty sedans or higher efficiency small SUV’s – will pay $500 for the permit..Electric and “low-polluting” vehicles – such as electric cars, hybrids, and most economy vehicles modelled 2023 or newer – will not be charged..Wheelchair modified vehicles would be exempt..In addition to the three-tiered annual fee, the City proposes new overnight permits which will cost $45 per year for vehicle owners to park between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on all residential streets in the city that don’t already require a permit, including in front of their own house..Visitors will pay $3 for a night, which will be paid through their phone or a neighbourhood pay station..“With this proposed program, Vancouver would be joining a number of cities around the world that have implemented pollution charges for residential parking, including Sydney, Australia and Montreal,” said Paul Storer, Director of Transportation in a news release..“Not only would this program substantially reduce emissions and help us reach our Climate Emergency targets approved by Council in November 2020, it can help us better manage our curb space to serve residential areas.”.The city says the revenue gained from these initiatives would be used to support Climate Emergency Action Plan initiatives..City Coun. Lisa Dominato agreed Vancouverites need to do their part to reduce carbon emissions, but does not support the proposal..“This proposal makes the city less affordable for both renters and homeowners who have been struggling through the current pandemic,” wrote Dominato on her website..“Now is not the time to add more taxes and fees to already beleaguered residents, particularly in neighbourhoods where parking is not a problem..“This proposal is also inequitable. It imposes a base permit fee on 50% of vehicle owners in the city (if you are lucky enough to have a driveway, parking pad or underground parkade, guess what – you don’t pay because the city can only manage and charge for street use). If you’re not lucky enough to have private parking and need a vehicle for work or family reasons, then you may be a resident who can least afford the new base permit fee.”.The City will be accepting feedback on the Climate Emergency Parking Program until July 5 and residents can take the survey here..Reid Small is a BC correspondent for the Western Standard.,.rsmall@westernstandardonline.com
