Vancouver Park Board Proposes $25 Parking for Festival of Lights

URGENT UPDATE: The Vancouver Park Board has just announced a proposal to introduce a $25 flat fee for parking at the VanDusen Botanical Garden during the highly anticipated 2026 Festival of Lights. This fee is part of a new parking strategy aimed at managing the overwhelming demand for the event, which is set to run from November 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026.

The proposal will be presented to commissioners on Monday, where they will decide whether to approve, reject, or amend the plan. The park board’s director of business services highlighted the need for paid parking by stating, “When access to recreation is limited by high parking demand, services are challenged for funding.” This move aims to alleviate congestion and enhance service delivery during peak times.

In addition to the VanDusen fee, the strategy includes charging $3.50 per hour for parking at Hillcrest, Kerrisdale, and Trout Lake community centres for non-centre users from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.. Similarly, non-golfers parking at Langara Golf Course may face a fee of $4.25 per hour. These initiatives will be trialed for a year, with feedback to be reported back to the commissioners.

The anticipated revenue from these new parking fees could generate an extra $1.5 million annually, which will help address ongoing funding challenges within the park board. The proposal comes as part of a broader strategy to modernize parking infrastructure and improve visitor experiences at city-operated events.

As the Festival of Lights draws near, this proposed parking fee is expected to spark discussions among community members and event-goers. The park board emphasizes that the goal is to manage high attendance levels while ensuring all visitors can enjoy this beloved seasonal celebration.

Stay tuned for updates as the Vancouver Park Board commissioners weigh in on this critical decision.