The City of North Vancouver is moving forward with a comprehensive new approach to curb space and parking management with the launch of its Curb Access and Parking Plan, approved by City Council on April 14, 2025.
The plan addresses long-standing parking challenges and reflects how community needs have changed since previous policies were developed in the 1990s. With demand for curb space consistently exceeding supply—particularly in busy areas like Lower and Central Lonsdale—residents, employees, customers, and visitors are often left circling blocks looking for parking or navigating safety hazards like double-parked vehicles.
“Curb space is one of our most valuable public assets,” said Jennifer Draper, Deputy Director, Transportation, City of North Vancouver. “It’s how we move, how we connect to local businesses and services, and how we access our homes. This new plan will help make parking and curb access fairer and more reliable for everyone in our city.”
The Curb Access and Parking Plan includes a series of policy changes designed to improve parking reliability and access, and support businesses by increasing turnover and better managing space for goods movement. The plan is grounded in community feedback, regional best practices, and a commitment to equity and accessibility.
Key components of the plan include:
- Improved Parking Reliability: Paid parking will be introduced in high-demand, commercial areas with an aim to encourage turnover and improve availability. The first 30 minutes will be free, and the next 30 minutes will be $1. Parking longer than one hour will be $3.00/hr during the daytime (9am-6pm) and $2.00/hr during the evening (6pm-9pm).
- Equitable Residential Permit Policy: Parking permit eligibility will be expanded to include more housing types, reflecting the City’s current housing makeup. The base permit rate will be $8.33/month ($0.27/day)—the first rate increase in over a decade. Each household will be eligible for two permits, with the second permit costing $12.50/month. The City is also expanding eligibility for short-term and visitor parking permits, with options for homecare support workers, contractors and low-income households.
- More Loading Zones: The availability of short-term loading spaces will be increased to improve the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, in busy residential and commercial areas.
- Expanded Accessible Parking: More on-street accessible parking for people with disabilities will be available near key destinations, so that people that need it most have prime access.
Rates will be in place until 2027, at which point the City will adjust pricing based on curb space demand.
Significant community input contributed to this plan
The plan was developed through two phases of community engagement, including feedback from residents, businesses, and service providers. The result is a forward-looking strategy that aligns with the City’s transportation goals and addresses curb space challenges.
“We heard clearly from our community—parking needs to work better,” said Draper. “Whether it’s parents picking up their kids, delivery drivers doing their jobs, customers accessing businesses, or residents trying to park close to their homes, this plan is about making curb space work for everyone.”
Next Steps
Parking changes will begin in September in Lower and Central Lonsdale. Following initial implementation, the City will continue to monitor parking demand and adjust rates and policies as needed so there continues to be a space or two free on every block.
Additional information about the Curb Access and Parking Plan may be found at cnv.org/Curb.