Free online parking reservation system returns to Buntzen Lake
VANCOUVER: For a third consecutive year, BC Hydro will use a free online parking reservation system for Buntzen Lake, which has successfully reduced traffic congestion in Anmore by 90 per cent. Improvements have been made to the system to ensure easy access for visitors and better traffic management in the area.
“Buntzen Lake remains our busiest public use area and has experienced a large increase in the number of visitors over the last several years, resulting in traffic congestion," says Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “Public safety and maintaining access for emergency responders remains a top priority at Buntzen Lake. The free reservation system helps ensure more people can visit the park, and emergency responders and their vehicles always have access to the site.”
Starting May 15, drivers can visit bchydro.com/buntzen or use the Yodel app to make a vehicle reservation as of 7 a.m. the day before their visit. Users will have the option of booking a morning, afternoon or an all-day pass. Reservations will need to be made prior to arrival at Buntzen Lake. They are linked to vehicle license plates and mobile phone numbers and are non-transferable.
Visitors will need user accounts for the reservation system, which will be validated through a QR code on each parking pass. To simplify access this year, drivers can present a snapshot or printout of their QR code to be scanned at the Buntzen Lake gate. Visitors who cannot make their reservations are asked to cancel, so others can reserve that spot. In addition, vehicles that have not left the parking lot when their pass expires, may be towed.
“Buntzen Lake continues to be one of the most popular outdoor recreation areas in Metro Vancouver during the busy summer months,” says Rick Glumac, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam. “With more than 200,000 visitors once again expected this summer, the reservation system allows people to effectively plan their visit to Buntzen Lake and leave home knowing a space is available for them in the parking lot.”
Similar parking reservation systems used by other agencies have significantly reduced vehicle traffic congestion and improved safety. BC Hydro introduced its free parking reservation system at Buntzen Lake in 2022.
“Thanks to the reservation system at Buntzen Lake, our community is able to welcome visitors each summer while also maintaining safety standards and alleviating traffic congestion,” says John McEwen, Mayor of Anmore. “We appreciate the work BC Hydro is doing to monitor and improve the program, so it’s used effectively and fairly for those who want to enjoy Buntzen Lake and the surrounding trails.”
The online parking reservation system opens May 15, and passes will be required to access the parking lot between May 16 and September 2. Visitors entering the park by foot, bike or public transit are not required to make reservations and don’t need a pass. Visit bchydro.com/buntzen for more information.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468