Press Release

TOFINO, B.C. – Eligible Tofino, Ahousaht, Opitsaht, Esowista, Hesquiaht and Tyhistanis residents can register online now for a free annual parking permit, valid at all Tofino beach and downtown pay parking locations. Parking regulations, including timed limitations, still apply to residents with free parking permits.

The District of Tofino will be implementing downtown pay parking this summer to address long-standing parking and traffic challenges faced annually in Tofino’s downtown core.

The planned implementation of pay parking will begin on July 17, 2023, throughout downtown, including a mix of free, paid, and offshore parking spaces. In it’s first year, downtown pay parking will be in effect between 9:00AM and 6:00PM daily from June to October and will be enforced by dedicated parking ambassadors seven days a week.

Tofino’s downtown pay parking program is designed to increase turnover and parking availability, encourage a mobility shift to active transportation, and provide an important funding source for programs, services and facilities that will directly benefit the community.

Eligible Tofino, Ahousaht, Opitsaht, Esowista, Hesquiaht and Tyhistanis residents can register for a free annual beach parking permit online that will grant residents access to park downtown for free, in accordance with the posted timed restrictions. Residents of Ucluelet and the ACRD are also eligible for a discounted annual permit for $60.

Downtown residents living adjacent to streets with pay parking restrictions are eligible for one free downtown resident permit decal per unit residence, allowing them to park on their street overnight and long term. Downtown residents must register in person at the Municipal Office for their permit decal with proof of address and identification.

 

Tofino Mayor, Dan Law

"We have heard clearly from our residents, visitors and business community about the increasing struggle with parking in Tofino’s downtown core. We are confident this parking model will ensure a healthier turnover of parking spaces to allow more people shared enjoyment and convenient access to downtown Tofino.

“I'm very pleased to report that Council has decided to extend free and discounted annual parking permits to all West Coast residents. This is a practical way to tackle Tofino's acute parking issues, rising infrastructure costs, and community amenity requirements. I encourage all eligible residents to register for their free permit before July 17, 2023.”

 

To encourage a more sustainable mobility shift, the District of Tofino continues to prioritize and make long term investments in active transportation. Investments include extending, resurfacing, and widening sections of the Multi-Use Path, additional bike parking in Tofino’s downtown core, and a free shuttle service that, in 2023 for the first time, includes service from Long Beach to Tofino.

Staff are encouraging community feedback on the program throughout its inaugural year. Public input, data, and goal tracking will help shape the future of this program to ensure it benefits the community and program objectives. Learn more about the program and add your feedback at talktofino.ca/downtown-pay-parking.

BACKGROUND

• Register for a resident or west coast permit
• Tofino’s Public Engagement Downtown Pay Parking Talk Tofino Page
• Tofino’s Multi-Modal Transportation Plan
• Tofino’s Vision to Action Plan
• Tofino’s Strategic Plan

 

Contact

Keegan McColl

Communications Coordinator

District of Tofino

(T) 250 725 3229

(E) ac.onifot@snoitacinummoc