If you’re heading for an outdoor experience at Buntzen Lake recreation area in Anmore, you’ll have to go online first beginning May 15.
That’s when the free parking reservation system kicks in for the third consecutive summer season.
The booking requirement was implemented in 2022 by BC Hydro, which manages the 182-hectare park, as a way to reduce traffic congestion in the nearby village north of Port Moody.
“Public safety and maintaining access for emergency responders remains a top priority at Buntzen Lake,” said Chris O’Reilly, the utility’s president and CEO, in a news release, adding the online reservations also allow more people to visit the park.
“Our community is able to welcome visitors each summer while also maintaining safety standards and alleviating traffic congestion,” said Anmore Mayor John McEwen.
In its first year, more than 82,000 reservations were logged. But almost one-third of them were no-shows, resulting in a new requirement last year for visitors to set up a user account prior to claiming a parking spot.
Reservations for a morning, afternoon or all-day visit can be booked on the park’s website or through the Yodel app as of 7 a.m. the day prior to a planned visit. They’re linked to vehicle license plates and mobile phone numbers.
Each reservation comes with a unique QR code that can be downloaded to a mobile device or printed out for presentation at the park’s gate.
Vehicles that are still in the parking lot beyond their reserved time could be towed.
Visitors who enter the park by foot, bike or public transit aren’t required to make a reservation.
The system runs until Sept. 2.
