Ucluelet is considering following in Tofino’s footsteps and implementing paid parking for visitors.
The district is seeking feedback on a proposal to charge a flat rate to all visitors parking on the district’s streets and municipal parking lots. The survey, available at Ucluelet.ca/parking, is open until April 19.
Ucluelet residents would be exempt from parking fees and residents of neighbouring West Coast communities would either be exempt or subject to a small administrative fee.
Mayor Marilyn McEwen said the goal of charging for parking is to allow the resort municipality to generate revenue to maintain and upgrade the district’s water and sewer infrastructure, which are heavily used by tourists in the summer.
Tourism takes a toll on Ucluelet’s water and sewer infrastructure and paid parking for visitors would help to recoup some of the costs for the district, said McEwen, adding it’s an alternative to increasing property taxes for residents.
The district has put out a request for proposals to determine the cost of implementing paid parking.
Last summer, Tofino brought in seasonal paid parking, charging visitors and locals without a permit $2 an hour.
Households in Tofino, Tla-o-qui-aht, Ahousaht and Hesquiaht territories are eligible for one free annual parking permit and can buy a second for $150.
Ucluelet and Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District residents can buy a downtown annual parking pass for $60.
Tofino’s paid parking downtown is in effect from May 1 to Oct. 15.
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