VANCOUVER: BC Hydro will reintroduce its free online parking reservation system at Buntzen Lake beginning May 14, marking the fifth summer the program has been in place. The reservation system continues to play a key role in significantly reducing vehicle congestion in the Village of Anmore by more than 90 per cent, and ensuring emergency responders maintain clear access to the site.
"Managing traffic at Buntzen Lake is essential to keep visitors, staff and the surrounding community safe," said Matt Wilson, BC Hydro's Senior Vice-President of Safety. "More than 125,000 online reservations were booked last summer. The system has proven to be an effective way to reduce congestion during peak season, support emergency access and help people enjoy one of the most beautiful destinations in the Lower Mainland."
Beginning May 13, visitors can book parking passes by visiting bchydro.com/buntzen or through the Yodel app. Passes are released daily at 7:00 a.m. for the following day, with options for morning, afternoon or full-day visits. Parking reservations are free but mandatory for vehicle access during the reservation period.
BC Hydro encourages drivers to cancel their booking if they are unable to attend so their spot can be made available for another visitor. Reservations are linked to a specific vehicle licence plate and mobile phone number and are non-transferrable.
A user account is required to make a reservation. Each pass includes a unique QR code that must be presented – either digitally or as a printed copy – for scanning at the entrance gate. Vehicles without a valid reservation will not be able to enter, and parking beyond the pass expiry time may result in towing.
"Buntzen Lake is a favourite summer destination for people from across Metro Vancouver and the province," said Rick Glumac, MLA for Port Moody-Burquitlam. "The reservation system gives people confidence they'll be able to access the site when they arrive, while helping manage growing visitor demand."
Introduced in 2022, the system uses dynamic pass management, meaning additional passes may become available throughout the day when cancellations occur. Visitors arriving by bicycle or by public transit are not required to make a parking reservation.
"The Village of Anmore appreciates the continued partnership with BC Hydro on the Buntzen Lake reservation system," said John McEwen, Mayor of Anmore. "It has greatly improved traffic flow and safety in our community, while still allowing visitors to enjoy one of the region's most popular outdoor spaces."
The online reservation system opens May 13. Parking reservations will be required for vehicle access to the Buntzen Lake parking lot from May 14 through September 7. More information is available at bchydro.com/buntzen.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
Email: media@bchydro.com
Phone: 604 928 6468