Port Moody to examine resident parking passes for Rocky Point Park

Port Moody council has directed staff to develop two potential one-year resident parking-pass pilots for Rocky Point Park: one with discounted parking and another with free parking. No pass has been approved; staff will return with details, costs, a review of other municipalities’ practices and a recommended annual fee.

The city introduced paid parking in September 2024 at Rocky Point Park, Esplanade Avenue, Murray Street, Suter Brook Village and Ungless Way. Its target was about 85 per cent peak occupancy, leaving 15 per cent of spaces available while encouraging turnover and alternatives to driving. Residents account for about 10 per cent of paid users in season and 15 per cent off-season, generating an estimated $71,100 annually across paid areas, including roughly $50,000 at Rocky Point.

A November 2025 first-year review found turnover fell in Rocky Point’s main lot after paid parking began, but rose on adjacent Esplanade Avenue and Murray Street. The city increased Rocky Point rates by 50 per cent in March 2026, with no subsequent turnover report released.

Coun. Haven Lurbiecki advocated an annual pass permitting residents to park free for up to four hours, arguing families, seniors and others who need to drive should be able to access parkland without paying each visit. Staff recommended a discounted pass that retained time limits, estimating about $15 in administration per pass. A free pass was not recommended because it could increase driving and four-hour stays, reduce turnover and cost about $50,000 annually in Rocky Point revenue.

Coun. Kyla Knowles said the 85 per cent occupancy target and available spaces during all three days of Ribfest showed paid parking was working. Coun. Samantha Agtarap said fees support enforcement and encourage walking, cycling and other transportation. Mayor Meghan Lahti cautioned that a low-cost free pass could undermine the program; paid parking is projected to generate about $588,000 in annual gross revenue before expenses and taxes.

Coun. Diana Dilworth’s amendment requiring a one-year pilot and comparison with Coquitlam, West Vancouver, Vancouver, Surrey and Richmond passed unanimously. Engineering and operations general manager Jeff Moi said municipalities vary between administrative fees and free permits, and a $15 pass could prompt infrequent users to buy one. Council then voted 6-1, with Lurbiecki opposed, to develop a discounted-pass pilot, and unanimously to also develop a free-pass option.