News release

VANCOUVER: BC Hydro is bringing back a free parking online reservation system for Buntzen Lake next month with some new improvements to help visitors plan their trip and reduce traffic congestion in Anmore.

Last summer, BC Hydro introduced the free parking reservation system pilot project that successfully reduced peak traffic congestion to just 10 per cent of what it had been. This year, the system incorporates important learnings to improve the visitor experience. For example, visitors can now set up a user account accessed on their mobile device to book or modify reservations. Last year, no shows accounted for one-third of reservations so there may be penalties for drivers who repeatedly do not show up for their reservation to ensure more visitors can enjoy the lake and surrounding trails.

"Buntzen Lake is one of the most popular outdoor areas of the Lower Mainland with more than 200,000 visitors each year, most of those during the summer months," says Rick Glumac, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam. "The reservation system proved to be effective last year in eliminating long waits for parking spots. With some new improvements, people will once again be able to use the system to plan their visit to Buntzen Lake."

Starting May 15, drivers can visit bchydro.com/buntzen and make a vehicle reservation as of 7 a.m. the day before their visit to Buntzen Lake. Users will have the option of booking a pass to access the parking lot for a morning, afternoon or all-day timeslot. Reservations are connected to vehicle license plates and mobile phone numbers, and are non-transferable. Visitors entering the park by transit, bike or on foot do not require a pass.

For ease of access, visitors will now be required to set up user accounts for the reservation system, which will be validated through a QR code on each pass that will be scanned at the gate. Visitors who cannot make their reservations are expected to cancel, and no shows will now be tracked and may have their accounts temporarily suspended. In addition, vehicles that have not left the parking lot when their pass expires may be towed.

"The reservation system for Buntzen Lake was a game changer for our community as it helped alleviate some of the traffic congestion and safety issues our community has experienced in the last few years," says John McEwen, Mayor of the Village of Anmore. "We are grateful for the continued work of BC Hydro to improve this program to allow for more convenience and accountability from its users so we can all continue to enjoy this amazing outdoor recreation space."

BC Hydro has been working on enhancing the system using feedback from last year's pilot project. Similar parking reservation systems used by other agencies have significantly reduced vehicle traffic and improved safety.

"We are committed to safety at our public use sites so visitors can enjoy them throughout the year," says Chris O'Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. "We are confident these updates to the free reservation system will allow even more people to access the parking lot at Buntzen Lake this summer, while ensuring emergency vehicles and first responders are able to enter the site at all times."

The online parking reservation system opens May 15, and passes will be required to access the parking lot between May 16 and September 4. Visit bchydro.com/buntzen for more information.