You'll have to reserve a parking spot once again if you wish to visit Buntzen Lake this summer.
BC Hydro is bringing back its free online reservation system for the popular Anmore site — considered to be the utility's busiest recreation area in the Lower Mainland — as part of efforts to reduce local traffic and chaos in the parking lot this summer
In a release, BC Hydro said there was a 10 per cent decrease in traffic congestion between June 27 and Sept. 5 with more than 82,000 reservations.
This year's system is set to take effect May 16 to Sept. 4, with registration opening on May 15.
However, there are some changes that Tri-Cities residents should know as the utility looks to eliminate, and potentially penalize, no-shows.
In 2022, roughly 33 per cent of participants who confirmed a reservation at Buntzen Lake through the online program didn't use them, much to the disappointment of those who wanted the time slot, and BC Hydro president and CEO Chris O'Riley.
"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," he said, noting safety is a top priority.
As part of the new system, visitors will soon be able to set up a user account on their smart phone to book or modify reservations.
While details are not known, BC Hydro is considering penalties for drivers who "repeatedly do not show up for their reservation," including having their accounts temporarily suspended.
No-shows would be tracked by the online system as each account requires a vehicle licence plate and a mobile phone number.
Confirmed parking reservations will also include a QR code on each pass that will be scanned at Buntzen Lake's gate, and who that can't make their time slot are strongly encouraged to cancel as soon as possible.
Those wishing to visit the outdoor site by transit, bike or foot don't need a pass.
"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," said Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Rick Glumac.
"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."
"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," added Anmore Mayor John McEwen in the same statement.
"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."
The Buntzen Lake online parking reservation system will go public May 15 at 7 a.m. on BC Hydro's website.
Visitors can book morning, afternoon or all-day spots, and arrive anytime during their reservation — up to 30 minutes before the end of the time slot.
Buntzen Lake's operating hours are currently 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Aug. 20, closing at 7:30 p.m. between then and Sept. 10.
