Parking reservation system pilot project planned for Buntzen Lake
ANMORE: BC Hydro will launch a new free parking online reservation system for Buntzen Lake next month to help reduce traffic congestion in the area.
“Buntzen Lake is an incredible place to visit throughout the year, but we know it’s especially busy during the summer months,” says Rick Glumac, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam. “My hope is that the new online reservation system being piloted by BC Hydro will help reduce frustration around parking so that families and visitors can fully enjoy the incredible outdoor experience that Buntzen Lake offers."
Residents have expressed concerns about the traffic congestion in the area in the summer months. Starting June 27, all drivers can visit bchydro.com/buntzen and make a vehicle reservation the day before their visit to Buntzen Lake.
“BC Hydro’s new registration program for Buntzen Lake is a game changer for our community as we believe this will help to alleviate the excessive traffic back-ups we’ve experienced in our community the last few years,” says John McEwen, Mayor of Anmore. “We appreciate the work BC Hydro has done to address our concerns so that we can all enjoy the amazing outdoor recreation area at Buntzen while also mitigating the significant safety concerns we’ve been experiencing due to blocked roads and property access.”
BC Hydro has been developing the system for several months. Similar parking reservation systems used by other agencies have significantly reduced vehicle traffic.
“BC Hydro delivers clean, reliable hydroelectricity throughout the province and this means we’re able to develop and maintain recreation areas at our facilities for our customers to enjoy through the year,” says Chris O’Riley, President and CEO, BC Hydro. “Buntzen Lake is a popular recreation area and we’re hopeful the new reservation system will ease impacts on the neighbouring communities while maintaining free access to the site.”
Users will have the option of booking a pass to access the parking lot for a morning or afternoon timeslot. Reservations are connected to vehicle license plates and are non-transferable. All-day passes will not be offered at this time. Visitors entering the park by transit or on foot do not require a pass.
More than 700,000 visitors access the hiking trails and swimming areas at Buntzen Lake each year. In July 2021, nearly 116,000 visitors used a vehicle to access Buntzen Lake. This is up from about 83,000 in July 2019.
The pilot project begins June 27 and will run until September 5. Visit bchydro.com/buntzen for more information.