As of today, Monday July 17th, the District of Tofino will begin to charge for hourly parking along some of its downtown streets.
Tofino, a popular tourist destination on the west coast of Vancouver Island, has long been grappling with parking and traffic challenges in its downtown core.
To tackle these issues and provide a solution that benefits both residents and visitors, pay parking program will be in place daily between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from July to October and is intended to increase parking availability and parking turnover during the busy tourism season.
Enforcement will be carried out by dedicated parking ambassadors seven days a week.
Tofino residents, including those from Ahousaht, Opitsaht, Esowista, Hesquiaht, and Tyhistanis, will be able to register for a free annual parking permit.
This permit will be valid at all pay parking locations in Tofino’s downtown and beach areas, although timed restrictions will still apply to residents with the free parking permit.
Furthermore, eligible residents of neighboring communities, including Ucluelet and the ACRD (Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District), will also have the opportunity to benefit from the program.
They can obtain a discounted annual parking permit for $60, allowing them access to free parking in downtown Tofino, subject to the posted timed restrictions.
Residents living adjacent to streets with pay parking restrictions will be provided with one free downtown resident permit decal per unit residence.
This decal will enable them to park on their street overnight and for extended periods. To obtain the permit decal, downtown residents will need to register in person at the municipal office, providing proof of address and identification.
“We have heard clearly from our residents, visitors and business community about the increasing struggle with parking in Tofino’s downtown core. We are confident this parking model will ensure a healthier turnover of parking spaces to allow more people shared enjoyment and convenient access to downtown Tofino,” said Tofino Mayor, Dan Law.
“I’m very pleased to report that Council has decided to extend free and discounted annual parking permits to all West Coast residents.”
The District of Tofino has laid out its parking fee structure for the downtown pay parking program, for regular vehicles, the parking rate will be set at $2 per hour. For those with recreational vehicles, the fee will be slightly higher, at $4 per hour.
There will be some free spots along Campbell Street and the lower section of First Street.
