Change in pay parking at Spanish Banks not good enough: Vancouver park commissioner Erin Shum

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      Vancouver park commissioner Erin Shum says parking at Spanish Banks Beach should remain free.

      The independent commissioner is not impressed with the adjustment made by the park board Monday (February 19) to the paid parking scheme.

      The pay period was shortened, but according to Shum, there are ways to keep parking free at the popular beach destination.

      “I don’t think it’s good enough,” Shum told the Georgia Straight in a phone interview Tuesday (February 20).

      Shum was the only park commissioner who voted against paid parking at Spanish Banks and other fee increases at a board meeting on November 14, 2017.

      The original plan was to collect parking fees of $3.50 an hour starting April 1 to September 30 this year.

      On Tuesday, the board announced that the new seasonal parking will begin on the May long weekend and ends on Labour Day.

      The move came as an online petition against the parking scheme generated more than 10,000 signatures.

      “They’re trying to listen, but I know there are ways to find efficiencies to ensure that we can deliver still free parking to the community,” Shum said.

      Shum acknowledged that the adjustment is still "good news" for the community.

      According to Shum, the matter shouldn’t have taken more than 10,000 signatures on a petition.

      Recalling the November 14 meeting by park commissioners that decreed paid parking for Spanish Banks, Shum said: “It was a six-to-one vote, and it was very clear on the decision that they want it in the first place despite me saying, you know, we have to be considerate of families and people.”

      Parking will remain free from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. during the peak season. A peak season pass will cost $87.  

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