Granville Island holds a special place in many Vancouver residents’ hearts, and so there’s a lot of passion on display in conversations about how the food market and tourist attraction can best modernize and continue to please both locals and out-of-town guests.

Perhaps the most contentious of ideas receiving serious consideration is whether the island should do away with free parking.

A new Research Co. poll conducted through mid-December found a majority of Metro Vancouver respondents are warm to the idea.

Forty-two percent of those asked for their opinion said such a change would not affect their plans and another 19 percent said they would actually be more-likely to visit Granville Island if it were to eliminate free parking. Meanwhile, 33 percent of respondents said they would be less likely to visit.

Pollers also asked people how they travel to Granville Island.

Thirty-eight percent of respondents living within the city of Vancouver said they drive a vehicle, 38 percent said they take public transit, and 13 percent walk or cycle.