FAQs

By encouraging traffic turnover, pay parking is a proven way to increase parking availability in public spaces and provide more opportunities for shared access to public assets.

Pay parking relieves pressures on taxation by generating revenue for community programs, services and facilities, and parking management. In 2022 the Beach Pay Parking program generated $316,000 in net revenue. At this point in the 2023-2027 budget process staff estimate that downtown pay program will net about $230,000 in 2023.

Tofino Downtown Residents are citizens who have a permanent residence in the downtown core. Residents that may be eligible for a 'Downtown Resident Parking Pass' are those who have a permanent residence at an address adjacent to (on or accross from) the coloured lines (green, blue, red or maroon) on the map (see Downtown Pay Parking Locations).

The Pay Parking program is being introduced to the downtown core. Proposed areas include Gibson Street, Neill Street, Main Street First Street, Second Street, Third Street, Fourth Street and Arnet Road. Additional pay parking spaces are planned for the Telus lot adjacent the BC Liquor Store, the gravelled portion of Gibson Street, and potential areas adjacent to the Wickaninnish Community School (SD70). 

The downtown program will consist of approximately 401 paid spaces, based on the existing downtown timed parking system. In general, pay parking spaces will be along roadways with existing defined parking areas and/or curbs. A map of the proposed area is under the post: 'Downtown Pay Parking Locations'.

Campbell Street is a provincial highway under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI). The District is not permitted to include the highway within the pay parking program but may continue to enforce the existing timed parking regulations. Pay parking along Campbell Street may be explored in the future.

The Downtown Pay Parking program will run from May through October each year, for 8 hours per day (9AM-6PM) and is expected to be operational in the summer 2023.  Ideally, the May to October timeframe will encourage residents and visitors to choose alternative transportation options such as walking, cycling, and the Free Shuttle.  

An annual beach pay parking permit will grant you free access to downtown pay parking locations, within the timed restrictions. 

All other hour, day and month passes for beach parking locations do not grant access to downtown pay parking locations, and vice versa. 

Council has endorsed a model of fare-free annual parking passes for residents of Ahousaht, Opitsaht, Esowista, Hesquiaht and Ty-histanis. There are no proposed changes to the existing Offshore Permit Parking model.

Yes. Eligible Tofino, Ahousaht, Opitsaht, Esowista, Hesquiaht and Tyhistanis residents are now able to register online for a free annual permit. Register at https://tofino.robbinsparking.com/

Restrictions including timing in all parking zones still apply to permit holders. 

No guarantees. A downtown resident parking permit is intended to operate on a first come, first served basis. However, the paid parking spaces are expected to turn over every 2.5 hours, ensuring opportunities for spaces to become available.

• Each residential unit adjacent to a pay parking restricted zone is eligible for 2 Downtown Resident Permit decals.
  • First permit decal is free
  • Second permit decal is $150
• Downtown Resident Permit decals grant long term and overnight access for registered vehicles limited to the resident's block.
• To obtain a Downtown Resident Permit decal, applicants must register in person at the Municipal Hall with identification and proof of address that is adjacent to a pay parking restricted zone

Only residents with proof of address in downtown Tofino are eligible for a downtown resident decal permit. 

Parking in paid locations downtown is $2 per hour from 9AM - 6PM May - October

• Each residential unit adjacent to a pay parking restricted zone is eligible for 2 Downtown Resident Permit decals.
  • First permit decal is free
  • Second permit decal is $150
• Downtown Resident Permit decals grant long term and overnight access for registered vehicles limited to the resident's block.
• To obtain a Downtown Resident Permit decal, applicants must register in person at the Municipal Hall with identification and proof of address that is adjacent to a pay parking restricted zone

Only eligible Tofino, Ahousaht, Opitsaht, Esowista, Hesquiaht and Tyhistanis residents will be able to register online for a free annual permit. All other residents can purchase a beach parking permit online that will grant them free access to all downtown pay parking stalls. 

Timing restrictions still apply to all permit holders. 

All parking in the downtown core, with the exception of Offshore Parking, will be managed by the District’s parking service provider (Robbins), including monitoring and enforcement of timed areas.

Overnight parking will be available, but it is the responsibility of property owners to provide adequate parking for residents and visitors on their property. 

Overnight camping is not permitted at this time.

Trailers and RV’s will be subject to pay parking regulations. Staff are actively working with School District 70 on a few options related to the school and adjacent roads. At this time, it is expected that RV’s will continue to park along Gibson Street, with trailer parking along Fourth Street, although this parking will be affected by the development of the SD70 daycare

Customers can pay and manage their parking needs via the Honk Mobile App, Pay By Phone App or at any of the 10 physical pay stations located throughout the downtown area.

Other restrictions apply and will be signposted.  Please follow the rules and park responsibly. Tickets will be issued for all parking infractions.

Dedicated parking ambassadors are enforcing pay parking 7 days a week and are available to help and direct parkers and ensure the rules are followed.

The allocation of parking revenue is decided by Tofino’s Mayor and Council through the annual budget process. Some items that have been discussed include:

• Funding infrastructure and services to support sustainable transportation projects.
• Improvements and expansions to sidewalks and the multi-use path. 
• Development and maintenance of pay parking infrastructure, capital, and operating costs.
• Community projects such as the indoor recreation facility.

As part of the financial planning process, a public consultation period will provide residents an opportunity to engage with staff on ideas and priorities related to parking revenue.

No. The District is seeking feedback from interested residents and stakeholders to fine tune the parking program throughout 2023.

For more information visit tofino.ca/parking

If you have additional questions or concerns, please email office@tofino.ca