Parking stalls add to the price of new developments, slow construction, and don’t always make sense these days: Councillor Linda Annis

Surrey, B.C. (November 20, 2023): Surrey First Councillor Linda Annis will introduce a notice of motion at today’s city council meeting to scrap minimum parking requirements for new housing developments along rapid transit routes and for any new not-for-profit housing developments.

“Building onsite vehicle parking can cost as much as $50,000 or more per stall,” said Annis. “At the same time, planning and excavation for an underground garage add to the time it takes to approve and build a project, something we all want to streamline and shorten. The fact is, when it comes to cars and transit, times are changing, and forcing minimum parking requirements on new development projects means unnecessary added costs for homeowners who are looking for more affordability.”

Annis said accessible spots for people with disabilities, visitor spaces, and loading zones should continue to be required, but when a project is on a transit route the minimum number of spots should no longer be required, which would reduce the number of spots and reduce the price of a home.

“It’s time to take a second look at these parking minimums, particularly along transit routes where changes in demand should dictate the number of parking spots,” noted Annis. “The whole idea of a transit-centred neighbourhood is to reduce the need for cars and encourage walkability.” 

Earlier this month Vancouver’s city council eliminated minimum parking requirements for new projects in the West End and around the Broadway rapid transit corridor, effective January 1, 2024.

“By getting rid of the minimum parking requirements, we can speed up development approvals for new housing, and make homes more affordable,” said Annis.