Vancouver mulls Chinatown parking fee changes

Visiting one of Vancouver’s most iconic neighbourhoods could become a little cheaper soon.

City council is looking at reducing street parking fees to just $2 an hour in the Chinatown area as part of a pilot project.

“I think it’s a reasonable price. You know, if you’re coming down for lunch and paying $2 for parking, I think it’s good value and better than being downtown or other areas of the city,” Jordan Eng with the Chinatown Business Improvement Association told OMNI News.

He says the change in price could make a big difference to businesses from Pender to Union streets, and Gore Avenue to Tinseltown.

“It’s six small blocks but [there are] very good restaurants and stores. And then, of course, we’re hoping that the parkade will be attractive as well, because, right now, it’s not being used very much.”

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Eng admits the area has seen its struggles over the past few years, with reports of crime and vandalism. Earlier this year, the federal government committed almost $2 million in funding to revitalize the Chinatown neighbourhood, with the money earmarked for the modernization of infrastructure and to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The federal funding came after the city promised $2.1 million in its “Uplifting Chinatown” project, which included cleaning and sanitation plans.

Eng is hopeful the proposed cut in street parking fees will also provide a boost to the area.

“I think this is part of many initiatives that we’re working on, and parking has definitely been one of them. The big complaint is, even though there’s a variation in pricing, everyone talks about the $5 parking. Now, to keep it consistent, it makes it more favourable. You know, the seniors can come down and find parking,” he said.

“We’ve been working on this for four years, we’ve been asking city council. And it’s not until the new council has come in that they’ve actually working on it and implementing it.”

Lunar New Year celebrations in Vancouver on Jan. 22, 2023. (Credit: OMNI News)

With safety still top of mind for many around Vancouver, Eng points to increased police presence in the neighbourhood as one of the steps taken in an effort to “restore Chinatown to make it feel safe for people to come down.”

He says in addition to the parking fee initiative, the BIA has also been working to increase lighting, is putting together a safe walk program, and is undertaking graffiti removal in the area.

“And then we have the Storytelling Centre for people to come take a look, we have the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden with a lot of programming, and then soon, in July, the Chinatown Museum will be with a lot of programming, and then soon, in July, the Chinatown Museum will be opening as well,” Eng said. “All these little parts make a big exciting summer that we’re looking forward to.”