How community groups feel about paid parking at tourism hotspots in Squamish

Travel

As the District of Squamish’s paid parking survey gets ready to come to a close, local organizations have shared their thoughts on how the changes could impact both residents and tourists this summer. 

Squamish Access Society

The Squamish Access Society is a non-profit advocacy group for rock climbers. Their major concerns are around the proposed paid parking locations being in key climbing areas.

“The proposed locations include key climbing areas like the Smoke Bluffs, and the crags accessed from Darrell Bay including the Papoose and Shannon Falls,” SAS chair Alex Ryan Tucker wrote in a letter to the District of Squamish that was shared with The Squamish Chief. 

“These places are cherished by climbers and many other Squamish residents who enjoy spending time outdoors. Access to outdoor recreation is an intrinsic part of Squamish’s identity and a key value for many residents,” Tucker said.

“Climbers were instrumental in the preservation of the Smoke Bluffs and its designation as a municipal park and it is important to us that all residents are able to freely enjoy it.”

Tucker said that the framing of the paid parking proposal as being in “tourist based locations” raises significant issues due to the places being more than just a hotspot for visitors.

“Climbing areas such as the Smoke Bluffs are not merely tourist attractions—they are our local parks,” he said.

“One of the stated aims of paid parking is to generate revenue from visitors to the community. As proposed, much of this revenue will be taken from Squamish residents who already contribute through municipal taxes. 

“The Smoke Bluffs, in particular, exist because climbers dedicated time, effort and expense to purchase and protect this urban outdoor area, making it accessible for all residents to enjoy. Implementing paid parking at such sites disregards this history and underestimates the essential role these areas play in our local outdoor culture.”

For climbers, finding access to the proposed locations via public transport is an already difficult task, leaving many people forced to drive to be able to transport all of their gear. 

This leads to another concern for the SAS that climbers will be the ones generating most of the paid parking revenue.

“Currently, there are limited transportation options, and climbers and outdoor enthusiasts often have little choice but to drive. A climber travelling from Brackendale or Valleycliffe to the Smoke Bluffs could face a journey of over an hour, involving a bus ride and a lengthy walk, or multiple bus transfers,” Tucker said.

“Climbing areas near Darrell Bay are even less accessible by transit, with limited summer bus service and no straightforward cycling routes.”

Tucker is encouraging the District to reconsider prioritizing paid parking in downtown Squamish as opposed to the tourist locations. 

“Visitor behaviour differs significantly between downtown areas and climbing destinations. Climbers often park for several hours, whereas downtown visitors may stay for less than an hour while running errands or attending appointments, so climbers will be disproportionately affected,” he said.

“As it stands, the implementation of paid parking will disproportionately impact residents and limit access to the outdoors.”

Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association

Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association executive director Kerry Neil said while the group is in the process of gathering feedback from members, there is “significant concern about long-term parking for those who live and work in the downtown area.”

“Many members are advocating for a solution that addresses the ongoing need for convenient and affordable parking for employees, residents, and local business owners,” Neil said.

“Any parking initiatives must consider the balance between supporting our tourism industry while also accommodating the needs of those who contribute to the vitality of the area year-round.”

The BIA is encouraging the community to participate in the survey to ensure everyone’s perspectives are taken into account.

“Once more data is collected and analyzed, we will be better positioned to provide a more informed perspective on paid parking. In the meantime, the BIA remains committed to collaborating with the District and all stakeholders to ensure a fair and effective solution for everyone.”

Tourism Squamish

Key concerns from Tourism Squamish are around ensuring accessible options for everyone to be able to access the key proposed locations. 

“Tourism Squamish is concerned about the potential for unintended consequences from implementing paid parking without addressing foundational issues,” executive director Lesley Weeks said.

“Key gaps, such as the lack of free parking infrastructure and limited public transit options, must be resolved first to avoid displacing parking challenges into surrounding neighbourhoods and negatively impacting local businesses.”

Weeks told The Squamish Chief that delaying implementation of the paid parking program is “critical” until free parking infrastructure and public transport are improved. 

“A paid parking program must be carefully balanced to support sustainability goals without deterring visitors, overburdening residents, or compromising accessibility. If moving forward is necessary, a pilot program at one or two key locations would provide valuable insights and allow for adjustments before wider rollout,” she said.

Introducing a resident pass or maintaining free parking at critical locations such as the Adventure Centre were also suggestions from Tourism Squamish as ways to “ensure fairness and strengthen community support” around paid parking.

Background on the paid parking pilot program

At the Dec. 17 regular council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to support prioritizing a paid-parking pilot project being implemented at a number of tourism-based locations as opposed to downtown Squamish.

These locations include Darrell Bay, the Squamish Adventure Centre, Smoke Bluffs parking lot, Perth Drive trailhead area, the north end of Tantalus Road, Mamquam Dike access west of Government Road near the Public Works Yard and Fisherman’s Park.

No official council decision will be made until after the community survey launched by the District wraps on Jan 22.

Should the muni opt to move forward with implementing paid parking at tourism hot spots this summer, it would mean that paid parking downtown would be pushed back until 2027.

District staff will come back to council early this year to present the community input and seek direction on the next steps for paid parking in Squamish.

For more information on the paid parking plan, visit the District of Squamish website.

How community groups feel about paid parking at tourism hotspots in Squamish

Travel

As the District of Squamish’s paid parking survey gets ready to come to a close, local organizations have shared their thoughts on how the changes could impact both residents and tourists this summer. 

Squamish Access Society

The Squamish Access Society is a non-profit advocacy group for rock climbers. Their major concerns are around the proposed paid parking locations being in key climbing areas.

“The proposed locations include key climbing areas like the Smoke Bluffs, and the crags accessed from Darrell Bay including the Papoose and Shannon Falls,” SAS chair Alex Ryan Tucker wrote in a letter to the District of Squamish that was shared with The Squamish Chief. 

“These places are cherished by climbers and many other Squamish residents who enjoy spending time outdoors. Access to outdoor recreation is an intrinsic part of Squamish’s identity and a key value for many residents,” Tucker said.

“Climbers were instrumental in the preservation of the Smoke Bluffs and its designation as a municipal park and it is important to us that all residents are able to freely enjoy it.”

Tucker said that the framing of the paid parking proposal as being in “tourist based locations” raises significant issues due to the places being more than just a hotspot for visitors.

“Climbing areas such as the Smoke Bluffs are not merely tourist attractions—they are our local parks,” he said.

“One of the stated aims of paid parking is to generate revenue from visitors to the community. As proposed, much of this revenue will be taken from Squamish residents who already contribute through municipal taxes. 

“The Smoke Bluffs, in particular, exist because climbers dedicated time, effort and expense to purchase and protect this urban outdoor area, making it accessible for all residents to enjoy. Implementing paid parking at such sites disregards this history and underestimates the essential role these areas play in our local outdoor culture.”

For climbers, finding access to the proposed locations via public transport is an already difficult task, leaving many people forced to drive to be able to transport all of their gear. 

This leads to another concern for the SAS that climbers will be the ones generating most of the paid parking revenue.

“Currently, there are limited transportation options, and climbers and outdoor enthusiasts often have little choice but to drive. A climber travelling from Brackendale or Valleycliffe to the Smoke Bluffs could face a journey of over an hour, involving a bus ride and a lengthy walk, or multiple bus transfers,” Tucker said.

“Climbing areas near Darrell Bay are even less accessible by transit, with limited summer bus service and no straightforward cycling routes.”

Tucker is encouraging the District to reconsider prioritizing paid parking in downtown Squamish as opposed to the tourist locations. 

“Visitor behaviour differs significantly between downtown areas and climbing destinations. Climbers often park for several hours, whereas downtown visitors may stay for less than an hour while running errands or attending appointments, so climbers will be disproportionately affected,” he said.

“As it stands, the implementation of paid parking will disproportionately impact residents and limit access to the outdoors.”

Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association

Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association executive director Kerry Neil said while the group is in the process of gathering feedback from members, there is “significant concern about long-term parking for those who live and work in the downtown area.”

“Many members are advocating for a solution that addresses the ongoing need for convenient and affordable parking for employees, residents, and local business owners,” Neil said.

“Any parking initiatives must consider the balance between supporting our tourism industry while also accommodating the needs of those who contribute to the vitality of the area year-round.”

The BIA is encouraging the community to participate in the survey to ensure everyone’s perspectives are taken into account.

“Once more data is collected and analyzed, we will be better positioned to provide a more informed perspective on paid parking. In the meantime, the BIA remains committed to collaborating with the District and all stakeholders to ensure a fair and effective solution for everyone.”

Tourism Squamish

Key concerns from Tourism Squamish are around ensuring accessible options for everyone to be able to access the key proposed locations. 

“Tourism Squamish is concerned about the potential for unintended consequences from implementing paid parking without addressing foundational issues,” executive director Lesley Weeks said.

“Key gaps, such as the lack of free parking infrastructure and limited public transit options, must be resolved first to avoid displacing parking challenges into surrounding neighbourhoods and negatively impacting local businesses.”

Weeks told The Squamish Chief that delaying implementation of the paid parking program is “critical” until free parking infrastructure and public transport are improved. 

“A paid parking program must be carefully balanced to support sustainability goals without deterring visitors, overburdening residents, or compromising accessibility. If moving forward is necessary, a pilot program at one or two key locations would provide valuable insights and allow for adjustments before wider rollout,” she said.

Introducing a resident pass or maintaining free parking at critical locations such as the Adventure Centre were also suggestions from Tourism Squamish as ways to “ensure fairness and strengthen community support” around paid parking.

Background on the paid parking pilot program

At the Dec. 17 regular council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to support prioritizing a paid-parking pilot project being implemented at a number of tourism-based locations as opposed to downtown Squamish.

These locations include Darrell Bay, the Squamish Adventure Centre, Smoke Bluffs parking lot, Perth Drive trailhead area, the north end of Tantalus Road, Mamquam Dike access west of Government Road near the Public Works Yard and Fisherman’s Park.

No official council decision will be made until after the community survey launched by the District wraps on Jan 22.

Should the muni opt to move forward with implementing paid parking at tourism hot spots this summer, it would mean that paid parking downtown would be pushed back until 2027.

District staff will come back to council early this year to present the community input and seek direction on the next steps for paid parking in Squamish.

For more information on the paid parking plan, visit the District of Squamish website.

RCMP issue travel advisory due to poor driving conditions between Edmonton and Calgary

Travel

Alberta RCMP are advising drivers against travelling on Highway 2 between Edmonton and Calgary Tuesday night due to what they describe as “extreme weather conditions.”Environment Canada issued a blowing snow advisory on Tuesday for much of central Alberta, noting that strong winds and drifting snow will cause poor driving conditions and at times, near-zero visibility.Conditions should gradually improve overnight, the weather agency said, though narrow bands of snow may persist in the morning and localized accumulations of 5 to 10 centimetres of snow are possible. In a news release, RCMP said there is a travel advisory and tow ban in effect for the Highway 2 corridor between Edmonton and Blackfalds, north of Red Deer. “Due to deteriorating weather conditions, tow operations will be on hold,” reads the news release.Earlier Tuesday, RCMP said road conditions “are extremely bad, specifically in Leduc, Wetaskiwin, Camrose County, Maskwacis, Ponoka and areas around Edmonton.”Police said officers were responding to several collisions and rollovers. RCMP advised drivers to monitor Alberta 511 for updates to highway travel conditions. 

Red Stripe Experience projected to boost tourism with annual earnings of US$1.5m

Travel

WESTERN BUREAU:
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says the establishment of the Red Stripe Experience at Rick’s Café in Negril, Westmoreland, will generate an estimated US$1.5 million in earnings annually and provide approximately 150 new direct hospitality jobs.
Red Stripe Experience is said to be an iconic experience that will be offering an interactive audio-visual tour that captures the history of two world renowned brands, the awards winning Red Stripe Beer and and the world famous Rick’s Café.
“We are witnessing the coming together of two iconic Jamaican brands, Red Stripe, our beloved national beer, and Rick’s Café, one of our most famous attractions,” said Bartlett, who was speaking at the grand opening of the Red Stripe Experience, located on the Cliff at Rick’s Café, along West End Road in Negril.
“In fact, we could even say it is a celebration of three iconic brands, as Jamaica itself is a premier travel destination renowned worldwide,” the tourism minister noted. “You need not say very much, you just need to say hello, and everybody knows because we have a distinctive accent.”
Bartlett went on to state that the Red Stripe Experience at Rick’s Café represents what modern travellers seek in their vacations, which he described as intensity and meaningful connections.
“This remarkable venture is a wonderful collaboration of our culture, our history, and the unique experiences of our tourism industry,” said Bartlett, who projected that approximately 60,000 additional tourists will visit Negril and Jamaica, driven by the Red Stripe Experience.
He added that the new venture would create opportunities for local vendors, artists, and musicians to showcase their talents.
“The Red Stripe Experience will play a critical role in enhancing our tourism offerings. It will attract visitors from all over the globe,” Bartlett stated. “It will take the authentic flavours of Jamaica and engage with our vibrant culture.”
Sean Wallace, head of commerce at Red Stripe, said the partnership would provide the finest ingredients of Jamaica’s rich culture and the unbeatable Jamaican passion and creativity.
“Like our brewing process, this Red Stripe Experience really blends the finest ingredients. You have innovation, culture, amazing Jamaican energy, and, of course, the unbeatable Jamaican passion and creativity,” said Wallace.
Wallace further explained that the collaboration between Red Stripe and Rick’s Café, which began in 2021, aimed to create something that resonated deeply with both locals and visitors.
“Red Stripe is about creating memories, driving connections, living, and enjoying the moment. Rick’s Café is a natural choice for the venture as they share the same passion for creating unforgettable moments,” continued Wallace. “We are trying to take it a step further, and our vision is that when you come to the Red Stripe Experience at Rick’s Café, with just the scan of a QR code, you can dive into Red Stripe’s rich history here in Jamaica, from brewing our first crisp lager in 1928 to becoming a Jamaican icon loved worldwide.”
Wallace also said the Red Stripe Experience would upskill its employees to tell the Red Stripe story to visitors, both local and international.
“More than anything else, the Red Stripe Experience at Rick’s Café stands for what both Red Stripe and the team at Rick’s Café stand for. It is about creating jobs, uplifting communities, celebrating culture, and having world-class moments at a world-class venue,” said Wallace. “The brew tenders, they are the people who are pouring the beer of Jamaica, and they will also be sharing stories both about the beer of Jamaica and about what it means to be Jamaican.”
Steve Ellman, co-owner of Rick’s Café, praised Red Stripe and his management team for making the Red Stripe Experience a reality, saying he proudly shared his connection with Jamaica.
“I am really a Jamerican; my heart and soul are here. I have owned Rick’s since 1999, and it has been an institution for 50 years. We basically reunite people from all quarters of the globe,” said Ellman, who noted that in 2024, Rick’s Café served 394,000 tourists.
[email protected]

Red Stripe Experience projected to boost tourism with annual earnings of US$1.5m

Travel

WESTERN BUREAU:
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says the establishment of the Red Stripe Experience at Rick’s Café in Negril, Westmoreland, will generate an estimated US$1.5 million in earnings annually and provide approximately 150 new direct hospitality jobs.
Red Stripe Experience is said to be an iconic experience that will be offering an interactive audio-visual tour that captures the history of two world renowned brands, the awards winning Red Stripe Beer and and the world famous Rick’s Café.
“We are witnessing the coming together of two iconic Jamaican brands, Red Stripe, our beloved national beer, and Rick’s Café, one of our most famous attractions,” said Bartlett, who was speaking at the grand opening of the Red Stripe Experience, located on the Cliff at Rick’s Café, along West End Road in Negril.
“In fact, we could even say it is a celebration of three iconic brands, as Jamaica itself is a premier travel destination renowned worldwide,” the tourism minister noted. “You need not say very much, you just need to say hello, and everybody knows because we have a distinctive accent.”
Bartlett went on to state that the Red Stripe Experience at Rick’s Café represents what modern travellers seek in their vacations, which he described as intensity and meaningful connections.
“This remarkable venture is a wonderful collaboration of our culture, our history, and the unique experiences of our tourism industry,” said Bartlett, who projected that approximately 60,000 additional tourists will visit Negril and Jamaica, driven by the Red Stripe Experience.
He added that the new venture would create opportunities for local vendors, artists, and musicians to showcase their talents.
“The Red Stripe Experience will play a critical role in enhancing our tourism offerings. It will attract visitors from all over the globe,” Bartlett stated. “It will take the authentic flavours of Jamaica and engage with our vibrant culture.”
Sean Wallace, head of commerce at Red Stripe, said the partnership would provide the finest ingredients of Jamaica’s rich culture and the unbeatable Jamaican passion and creativity.
“Like our brewing process, this Red Stripe Experience really blends the finest ingredients. You have innovation, culture, amazing Jamaican energy, and, of course, the unbeatable Jamaican passion and creativity,” said Wallace.
Wallace further explained that the collaboration between Red Stripe and Rick’s Café, which began in 2021, aimed to create something that resonated deeply with both locals and visitors.
“Red Stripe is about creating memories, driving connections, living, and enjoying the moment. Rick’s Café is a natural choice for the venture as they share the same passion for creating unforgettable moments,” continued Wallace. “We are trying to take it a step further, and our vision is that when you come to the Red Stripe Experience at Rick’s Café, with just the scan of a QR code, you can dive into Red Stripe’s rich history here in Jamaica, from brewing our first crisp lager in 1928 to becoming a Jamaican icon loved worldwide.”
Wallace also said the Red Stripe Experience would upskill its employees to tell the Red Stripe story to visitors, both local and international.
“More than anything else, the Red Stripe Experience at Rick’s Café stands for what both Red Stripe and the team at Rick’s Café stand for. It is about creating jobs, uplifting communities, celebrating culture, and having world-class moments at a world-class venue,” said Wallace. “The brew tenders, they are the people who are pouring the beer of Jamaica, and they will also be sharing stories both about the beer of Jamaica and about what it means to be Jamaican.”
Steve Ellman, co-owner of Rick’s Café, praised Red Stripe and his management team for making the Red Stripe Experience a reality, saying he proudly shared his connection with Jamaica.
“I am really a Jamerican; my heart and soul are here. I have owned Rick’s since 1999, and it has been an institution for 50 years. We basically reunite people from all quarters of the globe,” said Ellman, who noted that in 2024, Rick’s Café served 394,000 tourists.
[email protected]

Penang International Airport records 51.43pc higher tourist arrivals from India in 2024, says state tourism chair

Travel

GEORGE TOWN, Jan 22 — Penang International Airport recorded 51.43 per cent higher year-on-year tourist arrivals from India in 2024, reflecting the state government’s successful tourism strategies in this market. In a statement, State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the state recorded 11,127 Indian tourist arrivals in 2024 from 7,348 in 2023. In early 2024, Wong said he led a delegation to India for a four-city roadshow with the theme ‘Discover Penang’, with the aim to enhance Penang’s visibility and appeal in the international tourism market by showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage, unique attractions, and modern amenities.“That roadshow reflects our commitment to deepening ties with the Indian tourism market and inviting Indian travelers to experience Penang’s multicultural charm, historical richness, and natural beauty. “The roadshow covered four major Indian cities namely Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai, which saw enthusiastic participation, with approximately 200 industry buyers at each session,” he said. Furthermore, Wong said the launch of the Chennai-Penang direct flight and Malaysia’s visa-free policy for Indian tourists would be catalysts to drive this growth further. He also noted that in 2024, India ranked second in cruise passenger numbers at Penang’s Swettenham Pier, with 19,461 cruise passengers, highlighting Penang’s unique draw as a cruise destination and the effectiveness of our multi-channel promotion efforts.“Many cruise visitors only spend a few hours in Penang during their stopovers. With the Chennai-Penang direct flight, we aim to convert these short-term visitors into repeat tourists who stay longer and explore more deeply. “With its vast population and growing interest in Penang, we anticipate India will soon rank among the top ten arrival countries for Penang International Airport, surpassing nations like the United States and the United Kingdom, thus further solidifying Penang’s status on the global tourism map,” he said. — Bernama