‘Cash grab’: North Vancouver business owner describes clients’ distress over new paid parking rules

Nearly one month since the City of North Vancouver rolled out paid parking along Lonsdale Avenue, some small business owners are still simmering with frustration.

On Sept. 17, the city implemented the first phase of its ‘Curb Access & Parking Plan,’ introducing paid parking in the high-demand area of Lower Lonsdale.

Hedy Sadaghiani, a hairdresser who runs her own shop in Lower Lonsdale, says the change has caused “sheer and utter panic” among some of her elderly clients.

“The issue is a lot of these people don’t even have smartphones to put the app on. They have little flip phones for emergencies only. So it seems to be only friendly to the people that have data, a smartphone, and are tech-savvy,” said Sadaghiani.

She says she’s developed a system to prepare her customers to identify and use the parking app.

“I have to tell every single client before they come, send them a picture of the app to download, let them know there’s not another option if they don’t want the app. I have to go through this whole rigmarole for every single client that’s coming in now, just to keep them aware and informed.”

But in some cases, Sadaghini will pay for parking on their behalf.

“So, in order to not lose clients, that’s been my compromise. That’s basically my solution to not losing my client.”

Meanwhile, the city’s transportation director, Jennifer Draper, says the switch has been generally smooth, but acknowledges there has been a learning curve.

“People are just getting used to technology, and using the pay stations — and the app, that takes a little bit of getting used to,” said Draper.

She says the city has hired “parking ambassadors” to help those struggling with the change. 

“They’ve had over a thousand connections at this point. They’re doing their best to be as approachable and supportive to the community as possible.”

The city’s decision to go cashless — not accepting coins — she explains, was made to reduce theft and the cost of collecting and processing.

The city says it will continue monitoring feedback from businesses and residents, and is open to making adjustments if needed.

While the initiative was designed to ease parking woes in the area, Sadaghiani says it feels like “just a money grab.”